Explore postgraduate research

The MTh degree involves writing a 40,000 word thesis and does not include mandatory course attendance. The nature of the thesis is defined by the student’s research proposal and is written under the supervision of a relevant faculty member.

Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission as a student for the research master’s is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or its equivalent (e.g., 3.5/4.0 in a GPA system). Students are also expected to have facility in research languages requisite for the project proposed.

The MTh programme can be finished in 12 months of full-time study, or 24 months of part-time study, with completed theses assessed by viva voce examination. Distance-based students are expected to come to campus at least once a year for our annual postgraduate conference (normally held at the end of June), or more frequently at the discretion of their supervisor. Non-UK/EU students who wish to study residentially must secure a Tier 4 student visa.

To earn the PhD, students must write a 100,000 word thesis on a topic defined by their research proposal under the supervision of a relevant faculty member. PhD students will read on their own topic and work closely with their supervisors to define the research and compose the thesis.

Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission to the PhD is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or equivalent (e.g., 3.5/4.0 in a GPA system). It is preferable that you hold a master’s degree in the chosen area of study as well. Students are also expected to have facility in research languages requisite for the project proposed.

The PhD programme can be finished in 36 months of full-time study or 72 months of part-time study, with completed theses assessed by viva voce examination. Students are admitted to a PhD programme, subject to annual progression exercises (APEs). Distance-based students are expected to come to campus at least once a year for our annual postgraduate research conference (normally held at the end of June), or more frequently at the discretion of their supervisor. Non-UK/EU students who wish to study residentially must secure a Tier 4 student visa.

As an ordinand at Trinity, you can benefit from our large postgraduate research community.

Our ordinands have the option to pursue a research programme (MTh or PhD) as part of their ordination training; you would simply complete both our usual application form and our research application form.

Questions? Contact admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk for questions about ordination training or pavla.slugenova@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk for questions about postgraduate research.

In this 1-minute video, you can meet Ben, a Trinity ordinand pursuing doctoral studies as part of his training (click box in lower right of video to enlarge).

Download a postgraduate research programme application form here. All postgraduate research applications should be sent to Postgraduate Administrator Pavla Slugenova (pavla.slugenova@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk). Pav can also be of help to you if you have any questions about the PGR application process.

Applications for research degrees are considered three times per year by our Research Applications Committee. Deadlines for applications are 1 October, 15 January, and 1 May, with the committee typically meeting within three weeks of the deadline.

Along with the application form, all applicants are to submit the following supporting documents:

• Research proposal
• A writing sample that demonstrates skills commensurate with the nature of the proposed thesis (no longer than 5000 words)
• Official academic transcripts
• PDF copies of certificates of completed studies
• Personal statement

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate their English language ability by submitting scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum required overall score for the IELTS (academic) exam is 7.0.

You are also required to furnish us with two academic references from people who can speak knowledgeably of your suitability for the course of your choice. See our guidance for academic referees here. Letters of reference can either be emailed directly by your referees to our postgraduate office as a PDF (pavla.slugenova@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk) or included with your application in sealed envelopes and mailed to Postgraduate Administrator at Trinity College, Stoke Hill, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1JP, United Kingdom.

The personal statement should be no longer than 1000 words and should contain the following: details of your aptitude for study; reasons why you have chosen the programme; details of any practical experience relevant to the programme; relevant responsibilities; periods of study abroad; relevant outside interests; reasons for wishing to study at Trinity College and, where appropriate, reasons for wishing to study in the UK.

If you intend to study on a part-time basis whilst also being employed, we must also receive a letter from your employer indicating their awareness and support of your studies. This may be either submitted directly to the college by your employer or included with your application materials. If you are uncomfortable requesting such a letter from your employer, please contact the Postgraduate Administrator (pavla.slugenova@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk) to explain your situation. It is expected that full-time students will not be employed during their studies.

If you hope to pursue a research programme as part of your ordination process, in addition to sending the items above to the postgraduate administrator, please contact admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk, so you can complete the application form to become an ordinand at Trinity.