PhD Mathematics

Be part of our vision to advance mathematical knowledge and understanding through impactful research.

Through our research we aim to create new applications and techniques that benefit the mathematics community and society in general. Our connections across the University, and with industrial partners and policymakers, will enable you to exchange ideas and build connections through your research. Our department provides a healthy span of research areas in pure and applied mathematics and statistics in a supportive environment for early career researchers.

Your research

Your research will culminate in a thesis on a topic agreed between you and your supervisor. Your thesis must contain a substantial piece of research which includes some original work. This could include new ideas, or original commentary on material which is currently considered to be at the forefront of mathematical knowledge.

Work on your thesis is guided by regular meetings with your supervisor. You'll be assessed wholly on the basis of your thesis, although your degree will normally include six 10-hour graduate-level courses provided by the MAGIC consortium graduate school.

At the end of your degree, you'll have up to 12 months to finish writing up your research.

Assessment for the award of the degree of either PhD or MPhil will be on the basis of your thesis and an oral (viva voce) examination.

The expectation of the Department of Mathematics is that a thesis submitted for the PhD degree will typically consist of between 100 and 200 A4 sized pages and a thesis submitted for the MPhil degree will typically consist of between 70 and 120 A4 sized pages.

To apply for these courses you should hold, or expect to hold, an undergraduate degree in which mathematics has formed a substantial part of the course, with a 2:1 or first-class honours (or overseas equivalent). Assessment of your application will include consideration of your full academic record, including progress on courses you are still studying.