Doctor of Biomedical Sciences
Applications for 2027/28 entry can be submitted from September 2026
Entry requirements for this course are indicative and will be published by 30 September 2026
UWE Bristol is recognised centre for biomedical science research and education. This professional training programme is aimed at practicing healthcare or research professionals looking to further their skills and knowledge in this rapidly developing field.
About
This doctorate programme is an extension of our impressive Biomedical Science portfolio, which includes the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) - accredited BSc (Hons) and MSc programmes.
The Doctor of Biomedical Sciences is aimed at full-time practitioners wishing to expand and extend their skills and knowledge to support existing roles, or to meet the demands of new ones. For example, this qualification is ideal for those taking on or seeking managerial or consultancy roles.
The course is open to employees working in the NHS or equivalent healthcare industry, or practicing in laboratories in the UK and internationally.
Modules cover good clinical practice, research management, and highlight the concept and value of reflective practitioners.
We also introduce you to training on a personal, professional and academic level through workshops, coursework and personal portfolios.
You'll have access to the Graduate School's designated work areas and networked library access, and attend seminars from leading researchers in biomedicine and related disciplines.
Watch: Welcome to the School of Applied Sciences at UWE Bristol
Entry
Typical offers
Entry requirements
Applicants normally have one of the following:
- At least a 2:2 in your first degree or equivalent plus
either
- MSc in Biomedical Science or related subject
- IBMS Fellowship examination
- Other relevant experience and demonstrated abilities deemed equivalent by the programme team to either of the above
and
- The candidate must be actively engaged as a practitioner at a senior level in their chosen field.
Informal interviews will be held by the programme team for all applicants to discuss programme aims and practicalities related to successful completion.
We don't accept deferred entry applications for this course.
How to apply
Initial enquiries should be directed to: Dr Trevor Whittall, School of Applied Sciences. Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 87796. E-mail: Trevor.Whittall@uwe.ac.uk.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
If you're enquiring about a self-funded project, please explore our four research beacons. Our experienced supervisors will work with you to map your proposal into one our beacons, where you'll work in close collaboration with our experts.
Structure
Content
You'll study the following compulsory modules:
- Research Theory and Practice - Training in project management to help you achieve a work/life/research balance, plus research governance, Health and Safety, good clinical practice and intellectual property rights. Through coursework, you will also gain skills in presentation, statistics, IT, writing for publications and being a reflective practitioner/researcher.
- Project Development Towards a Doctorate - You'll begin this module with an idea of the area of research you'd like to explore, and we guide you in researching the literature, formulating hypotheses, and planning your research methodology, work packages and timescales.
- Interim Research Report - Designed to encourage the 'thoughtful researcher', this module features structured sessions on scientific writing, thesis writing skills, systematic review, poster presentation and oral presentation skills.
- Professional Development for Biomedical Science - Develop the skills and confidence you need to be a reflective practitioner. You'll do this through a range of workshops including intellectual property, leadership, presentation skills, systematic reviews, biomedical ethics and group dynamics.
- Research Project - You'll conduct research at your workplace that will inform your 30,000 word thesis. You submit your proposal idea for research when you apply for the programme, and develop it with our supervision team and a suitable work colleague.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we'll inform you.
Learning and Teaching
The structure of this course gives you excellent opportunities to engage with experts throughout the course, both in person and online.
For more details see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Study time
This course is a six year part-time route only. This ensures optimum integration of doctorate training with full-time employment.
Assessment
Assessed work varies with each module, but will comprise a written research proposal, reflection on the research process, a systematic review of the research topic, visual and oral presentations, and a reflective portfolio of attendance at workshops and research seminars. There will be doctorate-level viva voce examinations midway through your research and after your research thesis submission.
For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.
Fees
There is currently no published fee data for this course.
Supplementary fee information
More information can be found on the Graduate School fees and funding pages.
Features
Study facilities
You'll have access to the Graduate School's designated work areas and networked library access.
Find out more about the facilities and resources UWE Bristol has to offer.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Biosciences facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Careers
Life
Support during your degree
Support at every stage of your doctorate, from supervision and research resources to community and representation.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Skills development for researchers
Helping you build the skills, confidence and community needed to complete your doctorate.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.