Health, Wellbeing and Society

Entry requirements

An upper second class honours degree and a merit at MSc/MA level (or equivalent experience/qualification)

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The PhD Health, Wellbeing and Society programme is linked to the interdisciplinary South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) pathway of the same name.

The Health, Wellbeing and Society pathway unites leading social scientists and practitioners to explore the social determinants of health, lifestyle behaviours, physical activity, and mental wellbeing. It aims to foster a healthier society by advancing research at the intersection of health and social sciences, influencing policy, services, and practice. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this pathway equips researchers with the knowledge and tools to address global health challenges across diverse populations and settings, both in the UK and internationally.

All students will have two supervisors from different disciplinary perspectives on health and wellbeing. Your supervisors will convene joint meetings on a regular basis and will attend the annual one-day workshop for all pathway students.

Students will normally be registered in the school of their first supervisor. This may not be the school that processes your application.

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

Applicants may apply for an SWDTP studentship and/or a University of Bristol scholarship. Eligible applicants can also apply for a China Scholarship Council scholarship. The programme application deadline for scholarship applicants will be 1 December 2025. This deadline applies to applicants seeking a scholarship from the South-West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP), University of Bristol or China Scholarship Council (CSC).

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.