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PhD in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
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This is a three year research programme culminating in submission and examination of a single research thesis. Students joining the course will often have completed prior study at a level comparable to our Part III (MMath/MASt) course and many have postgraduate experience. Our students therefore begin their PhD research with a good understanding of advanced material, which they build on in various ways throughout the course of their PhD studies. Our PhD students might have written several papers before they submit their dissertation, and can go on to win academic positions at leading institutions around the world.
Structure of the PhD
Students are required to undertake a minimum of nine terms of research (i.e. three years). Students are not registered for the PhD in the first instance but are instead admitted on a probationary basis. All students are assessed for registration towards the end of their first year of full-time study (usually June). This assessment is based on a short written report submitted by the candidate for review by two assessors. In the fifth term there might also be a further assessment of progress, for which students submit a longer piece of written work and receive an oral assessment.
Research areas
The topic of the research thesis may be chosen from the wide range of subjects studied within the Department. It is expected that applicants to the PhD course will investigate the research interests and expertise of academic staff within DPMMS prior to making a formal application. This should be done by consulting the dedicated page on finding a supervisor , as well as research pages of our website , and individual profiles of our academic staff .
Additional training and opportunities
Whilst there are no mandatory taught components to the PhD degree, students may wish to undertake specific courses or further training to expand their knowledge, either for personal interest or to directly assist with their PhD research. All students are encouraged to participate and attend the wide range of lectures, seminars and events on offer within DPMMS and the Centre for Mathematical Sciences.
Many students submit a prize essay at the beginning of their fifth term. The best essays each year are of a scale and quality already adequate for a PhD dissertation, incorporating work already, or about to be, published. We intend that our students publish their work in leading journals. Our PhD students might have written several papers before they submit their dissertation, and can go on to win academic positions at leading institutions around the world.
DPMMS also promotes and encourages researcher development and transferable skills training. This can take the form of assisting with Part III catch-up lectures, attendance at skills based training sessions, or presenting their work at seminars and conferences. The University also offers training via the Researcher Development Programme .
There is no requirement for PhD students to teach but there are plenty of opportunities to do so, such as offering supervisions for third year undergraduates (this involves the supervisor sitting with a pair of students for an hour, discussing their work). PhD students might help too with running examples classes for Part III students.
Academic entry requirements
The usual minimum entry requirement is a first class honours degree, awarded after a four-year course in mathematics or mathematics/statistics, or a three-year degree together with a one-year postgraduate course in those areas. Part III (MMath/MASt) of the Mathemtical Tripos provides such a course and most of the PhD students in DPMMS have come through this route. The others have usually completed at least a comparable four-year undergraduate course, and many have postgraduate experience. Entry is competitive and a higher level of preparation may be required.
Funding opportunities
Applicants will be considered for Department funding. This may include a Research Council or Heilbronn Doctoral Partnership award. Receipt of this funding is not guaranteed and all applicants, irrespective of fee-status, are expected to apply to other funding schemes for which they are eligible. Applicants are advised to investigate potential sources of funding as early as possible.
Students should consult the Postgraduate Admissions website for details of the University Postgraduate Funding Competition. Other University wide funding opportunities can be found via the Funding Search Tool .
All applications for postgraduate study must be made via the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Office and details on the process for application and the supporting documentation required is provided on their website . It is important that applicants read all the relevant information and collate the necessary supporting documents prior to starting the application process. If you are an MMath student (i.e., Cambridge Part III student) you should include one reference from your College Director of Studies.
The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The Department would particularly welcome applications from women, since women are, and have historically been, underrepresented in our student cohorts.
Please ensure that you use the correct course code when making your application: MAPM21
Finding a supervisor
The topic of the research thesis may be chosen from the wide range of subjects studied within the Department. It is expected that applicants to the PhD course will investigate the research interests and expertise of academic staff within DPMMS prior to making a formal application. This should be done by consulting the dedicated page on finding a supervisor , as well as research pages of our website , and individual profiles of our academic staff .
Applicants are encouraged to make informal contact with potential supervisors prior to making an application. Applicants should clearly state in the 'Proposed supervisor' field of the application form the name(s) of those member(s) of academic staff with whom they wish to work, and provide a clear indication of the areas or topics in which they intend to undertake research in the 'Research Summary' field. We do not currently require submission of a separate detailed research proposal.
Application and funding deadlines
We strongly encourage all applicants to apply by 12:00am (midnight) UK time on 4 January 2024. Anyone wishing to apply after this date should contact the DPMMS Course Administrator before submitting an application. Students wishing to be considered for Departmental funding, or as part of the University Postgraduate Funding Competition must apply by this deadline. If you are a USA citizen, resident in the USA, and wish to be considered for Gates funding, please note the deadline for applications is in October.
Selection process
After the January closing date, we will review all the applications received and contact those who have been shortlisted to invite them for an interview. Space limitations may mean that late applications cannot be considered.
Interviews take place either in Cambridge or online. During the interview, the panel will try to ascertain the extent of the applicant's mathematical knowledge and experience. We aim to contact all interviewees within a week or two of the interview with a provisional outcome. It is important to note, however, that formal offers of admission can only be made by the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Office.
Applicants should expect to receive a decision within twelve weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents. Applicants should check the Applicant Portal for formal notification of the outcome of their application.
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Click here for further information on the Postgraduate Open Day .
Please read our PhD applicant Frequently Asked Questions . For any enquiries not covered by the FAQs, you can email us on [email protected] .
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- Doing a PhD in Mathematics
- Doing a PhD
What Does a PhD in Maths Involve?
Maths is a vast subject, both in breadth and in depth. As such, there’s a significant number of different areas you can research as a math student. These areas usually fall into one of three categories: pure mathematics, applied mathematics or statistics. Some examples of topics you can research are:
- Number theory
- Numerical analysis
- String theory
- Random matrix theory
- Graph theory
- Quantum mechanics
- Statistical forecasting
- Matroid theory
- Control theory
Besides this, because maths focuses on addressing interdisciplinary real-world problems, you may work and collaborate with other STEM researchers. For example, your research topic may relate to:
- Biomechanics and transport processes
- Evidence-based medicine
- Fluid dynamics
- Financial mathematics
- Machine learning
- Theoretical and Computational Optimisation
What you do day-to-day will largely depend on your specific research topic. However, you’ll likely:
- Continually read literature – This will be to help develop your knowledge and identify current gaps in the overall body of knowledge surrounding your research topic.
- Undertake research specific to your topic – This can include defining ideas, proving theorems and identifying relationships between models.
- Collect and analyse data – This could comprise developing computational models, running simulations and interpreting forecasts etc.
- Liaise with others – This could take many forms. For example, you may work shoulder-to-shoulder with individuals from different disciplines supporting your research, e.g. Computer scientists for machine learning-based projects. Alternatively, you may need frequent input from those who supplied the data for your research, e.g. Financial institutions or biological research colleagues.
- Attend a wide range of lectures, seminars and events.
Browse PhD Opportunities in Mathematics
Application of artificial intelligence to multiphysics problems in materials design, study of the human-vehicle interactions by a high-end dynamic driving simulator, physical layer algorithm design in 6g non-terrestrial communications, machine learning for autonomous robot exploration, detecting subtle but clinically significant cognitive change in an ageing population, how long does it take to get a phd in maths.
The average programme duration for a mathematics PhD in the UK is 3 to 4 years for a full-time studying. Although not all universities offer part-time maths PhD programmes, those that do have a typical programme duration of 5 to 7 years.
Again, although the exact arrangement will depend on the university, most maths doctorates will require you to first register for an MPhil . At the end of your first year, your supervisor will assess your progress to decide whether you should be registered for a PhD.
Additional Learning Modules
Some Mathematics departments will require you to enrol on to taught modules as part of your programme. These are to help improve your knowledge and understanding of broader subjects within your field, for example, Fourier Analysis, Differential Geometry and Riemann Surfaces. Even if taught modules aren’t compulsory in several universities, your supervisor will still encourage you to attend them for your development.
Most UK universities will also have access to specialised mathematical training courses. The most common of these include Pure Mathematics courses hosted by Mathematics Access Grid Conferencing ( MAGIC ) and London Taught Course Centre ( LTCC ) and Statistics courses hosted by Academy for PhD Training in Statistics ( APTS ).
What Are the Typical Entry Requirements for A PhD in Maths?
In the UK, the typical entry requirements for a Maths PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) Master’s degree (or international equivalent) in Mathematics or Statistics [1] .
However, there is some variation on this. From writing, the lowest entry requirement is an upper second-class (2:1) Bachelor’s degree in any math-related subject. The highest entry requirement is a first-class (1st) honours Master’s degree in a Mathematics or Statistics degree only.
It’s worth noting if you’re applying to a position which comes with funding provided directly by the Department, the entry requirements will usually be on the higher side because of their competitiveness.
In terms of English Language requirements, most mathematics departments require at least an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each individual subtest.
Tips to Consider when Making Your Application
When applying to any mathematics PhD, you’ll be expected to have a good understanding of both your subject field and the specific research topic you are applying to. To help show this, it’s advisable that you demonstrate recent engagement in your research topic. This could be by describing the significance of a research paper you recently read and outlining which parts interested you the most, and why. Additionally, you can discuss a recent mathematics event you attended and suggest ways in how what you learnt might apply to your research topic.
As with most STEM PhDs, most maths PhD professors prefer you to discuss your application with them directly before putting in a formal application. The benefits of this is two folds. First, you’ll get more information on what their department has to offer. Second, the supervisor can better discover your interest in the project and gauge whether you’d be a suitable candidate. Therefore, we encourage you to contact potential supervisors for positions you’re interested in before making any formal applications.
How Much Does a Maths PhD Typically Cost?
The typical tuition fee for a PhD in Maths in the UK is £4,407 per year for UK/EU students and £20,230 per year for international students. This, alongside the range in tuition fees you can expect, is summarised below:
Note: The above tuition fees are based on 12 UK Universities [1] for 2020/21 Mathematic PhD positions. The typical fee has been taken as the median value.
In addition to the above, it’s not unheard of for research students to be charged a bench fee. In case you’re unfamiliar with a bench fee, it’s an annual fee additional to your tuition, which covers the cost of specialist equipment or resources associated with your research. This can include the upkeep of supercomputers you may use, training in specialist analysis software, or travelling to conferences. The exact fee will depend on your specific research topic; however, it should be minimal for most mathematic projects.
What Specific Funding Opportunities Are There for A PhD in Mathematics?
Alongside the usual funding opportunities available to all PhD Research students such as doctoral loans, departmental scholarships, there are a few other sources of funding available to math PhD students. Examples of these include:
You can find more information on these funding sources here: DiscoverPhDs funding guide .
What Specific Skills Do You Gain from Doing a PhD in Mathematics?
A doctorate in Mathematics not only demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning, but it also provides you with highly marketable skills. Besides subject-specific skills, you’ll also gain many transferable skills which will prove useful in almost all industries. A sample of these skills is listed below.
- Logical ability to consider and analyse complex issues,
- Commitment and persistence towards reaching research goals,
- Outstanding verbal and written skills,
- Strong attention to detail,
- The ability to liaise with others from unique disciple backgrounds and work as part of a team
- Holistic deduction and reasoning skills,
- Forming and explaining mathematical and logical solutions to a wide range of real-world problems,
- Exceptional numeracy skills.
What Jobs Can You Get with A Maths PhD?
One of the greatest benefits maths PostDocs will have is the ability to pursue a wide range of career paths. This is because all sciences are built on core principles which, to varying extents, are supported by the core principles of mathematics. As a result, it’s not uncommon to ask students what path they intend to follow after completing their degree and receive entirely different answers. Although not extensive by any means, the most common career paths Math PostDocs take are listed below:
- Academia – Many individuals teach undergraduate students at the university they studied at or ones they gained ties to during their research. This path is usually the preferred among students who want to continue focusing on mathematical theories and concepts as part of their career.
- Postdoctoral Researcher – Others continue researching with their University or with an independent organisation. This can be a popular path because of the opportunities it provides in collaborative working, supervising others, undertaking research and attending conferences etc.
- Finance – Because of their deepened analytical skills, it’s no surprise that many PostDocs choose a career in finance. This involves working for some of the most significant players in the financial district in prime locations including London, Frankfurt and Hong Kong. Specific job titles can include Actuarial, Investment Analyst or Risk Modeller.
- Computer Programming – Some students whose research involves computational mathematics launch their career as a computer programmer. Due to their background, they’ll typically work on specialised projects which require high levels of understanding on the problem at hand. For example, they may work with physicists and biomedical engineers to develop a software package that supports their more complex research.
- Data Analyst – Those who enjoy number crunching and developing complex models often go into data analytics. This can involve various niches such as forecasting or optimisation, across various fields such as marketing and weather.
What Are Some of The Typical Employers Who Hire Maths PostDocs?
As mentioned above, there’s a high demand for skilled mathematicians and statisticians across a broad range of sectors. Some typical employers are:
- Education – All UK and international universities
- Governments – STFC and Department for Transport
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals – NHS, GSK, Pfizer
- Finance & Banking – e.g. Barclays Capital, PwC and J. P. Morgan
- Computing – IBM, Microsoft and Facebook
- Engineering – Boeing, Shell and Dyson
The above is only a small selection of employers. In reality, mathematic PostDocs can work in almost any industry, assuming the role is numerical-based or data-driven.
How Much Can You Earn with A PhD in Maths?
As a mathematics PhD PostDoc, your earning potential will mostly depend on your chosen career path. Due to the wide range of options, it’s impossible to provide an arbitrary value for the typical salary you can expect.
However, if you pursue one of the below paths or enter their respective industry, you can roughly expect to earn [3] :
Academic Lecturer
- Approximately £30,000 – £35,000 starting salary
- Approximately £40,000 with a few years experience
- Approximately £45,000 – £55,000 with 10 years experience
- Approximately £60,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role. Certain academic positions can earn over £80,000 depending on the management duties.
Actuary or Finance
- Approximately £35,000 starting salary
- Approximately £45,000 – £55,000 with a few years experience
- Approximately £70,000 and over with 10 years experience
- Approximately £180,000 and above with significant experience and a leadership role.
Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
- Approximately £28,000 starting salary
- Approximately £35,000 – £40,000 with a few years experience
- Approximately £60,000 and over with 10 years experience
Data Analyst
- Approximately £45,000 – £50,000 with a few years experience
- Approximately £90,000 and above with significant experience and a leadership role.
Again, we stress that the above are indicative values only. Actual salaries will depend on the specific organisation and position and responsibilities of the individual.
Facts and Statistics About Maths PhD Holders
The below chart provides useful insight into the destination of Math PostDocs after completing their PhD. The most popular career paths from other of highest to lowest is education, information and communication, finance and scientific research, manufacturing and government.
Note: The above chart is based on ‘UK Higher Education Leavers’ data [2] between 2012/13 and 2016/17 and contains a data size of 200 PostDocs. The data was obtained from the Higher Education Statistics Agency ( HESA ).
Which Noteworthy People Hold a PhD in Maths?
Alan turing.
Alan Turing was a British Mathematician, WW2 code-breaker and arguably the father of computer science. Alongside his lengthy list of achievements, Turning achieved a PhD in Mathematics at Princeton University, New Jersey. His thesis titled ‘Systems of Logic Based on Ordinals’ focused on the concepts of ordinal logic and relative computing; you can read it online here . To this day, Turning pioneering works continues to play a fundamental role in shaping the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
Ruth Lawrence
Ruth Lawrence is a famous British–Israeli Mathematician well known within the academic community. Lawrence earned her PhD in Mathematics from Oxford University at the young age of 17! Her work focused on algebraic topology and knot theory; you can read her interesting collection of research papers here . Among her many contributions to Maths, her most notable include the representation of the braid groups, more formally known as Lawrence–Krammer representations.
Emmy Noether
Emmy Noether was a German mathematician who received her PhD from the University of Erlangen, Germany. Her research has significantly contributed to both abstract algebra and theoretical physics. Additionally, she proved a groundbreaking theorem important to Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity. In doing so, her theorem, Noether’s theorem , is regarded as one of the most influential developments in physics.
Other Useful Resources
Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) – IMA is the UK’s professional body for mathematicians. It contains a wide range of useful information, from the benefits of further education in Maths to details on grants and upcoming events.
Maths Careers – Math Careers is a site associated with IMA that provides a wide range of advice to mathematicians of all ages. It has a section dedicated to undergraduates and graduates and contains a handful of information about progressing into research.
Resources for Graduate Students – Produced by Dr Mak Tomford, this webpage contains an extensive collection of detailed advice for Mathematic PhD students. Although the site uses US terminology in places, don’t let that put you off as this resource will prove incredibly helpful in both applying to and undertaking your PhD.
Student Interviews – Still wondering whether a PhD is for you? If so, our collection of PhD interviews would be a great place to get an insider perspective. We’ve interviewed a wide range of PhD students across the UK to find out what doing a PhD is like, how it’s helped them and what advice they have for other prospective students who may be thinking of applying to one. You can read our insightful collection of interviews here .
[1] Universities used to determine the typical (median) and range of entry requirements and tuition fees for 2020/21 Mathematics PhD positions.
- http://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Degree-programmes-2020/MPhilPhD-Mathematics
- https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/dphil-mathematics?wssl=1
- https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/mapmpdpms
- https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/mathematics-mphil-phd
- http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2020/sci/phd-mathematics/
- https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/mathematics-phd
- https://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/school-of-mathematics/studying-here/pgr/phd-application
- https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/postgraduate-courses/mathematics-phd/
- https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/mathematics-phd
- https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/programmes/list/05325/phd-pure-mathematics/
- https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/courses-2020/mathematicsphd/
- https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/degrees/mathematics/
[2] Higher Education Leavers Statistics: UK, 2016/17 – Outcomes by subject studied – https://www.hesa.ac.uk/news/28-06-2018/sfr250-higher-education-leaver-statistics-subjects
[3] Typical salaries have been extracted from a combination of the below resources. It should be noted that although every effort has been made to keep the reported salaries as relevant to Math PostDocs as possible (i.e. filtering for positions which specify a PhD qualification as one of their requirements/preferences), small inaccuracies may exist due to data availability.
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PhD Program
More information and a full list of requirements for the PhD program in Mathematics can be found in the University Bulletin .
During their first year in the program, students typically engage in coursework and seminars which prepare them for the Qualifying Examinations . Currently, these two exams test the student’s breadth of knowledge in algebra and real analysis.
Starting in Autumn 2023, students will choose 2 out of 4 qualifying exam topics:
- real analysis
- geometry and topology
- applied mathematics
Course Requirements for students starting prior to Autumn 2023
To qualify for candidacy, the student must have successfully completed 27 units of Math graduate courses numbered between 200 and 297.
Within the 27 units, students must satisfactorily complete a course sequence. This can be fulfilled in one of the following ways:
- Math 215A, B, & C: Algebraic Topology, Differential Topology, and Differential Geometry
- Math 216A, B, & C: Introduction to Algebraic Geometry
- Math 230A, B, & C: Theory of Probability
- 3 quarter course sequence in a single subject approved in advance by the Director of Graduate Studies.
Course Requirements for students starting in Autumn 2023 and later
To qualify for candidacy, the student must have successfully completed 27 units of Math graduate courses numbered between 200 and 297. The course sequence requirement is discontinued for students starting in Autumn 2023 and later.
By the end of Spring Quarter of their second year in the program, students must have a dissertation advisor and apply for Candidacy.
During their third year, students will take their Area Examination , which must be completed by the end of Winter Quarter. This exam assesses the student’s breadth of knowledge in their particular area of research. The Area Examination is also used as an opportunity for the student to present their committee with a summary of research conducted to date as well as a detailed plan for the remaining research.
Years 4&5
Typically during the latter part of the fourth or early part of the fifth year of study, students are expected to finish their dissertation research. At this time, students defend their dissertation as they sit for their University Oral Examination. Following the dissertation defense, students take a short time to make final revisions to their actual papers and submit the dissertation to their reading committee for final approval.
Throughout the PhD Program
All students continue through each year of the program serving some form of Assistantship: Course, Teaching or Research, unless they have funding from outside the department.
Our graduate students are very active as both leaders and participants in seminars and colloquia in their chosen areas of interest.
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Information for an application to Mathematics Research (PhD)
Phd funding.
Find out more about PhD funding opportunities in the department.
Students interested in applying to a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) should follow the application process for the relevant CDT as detailed on the CDT’s website , as the process may be different to the detailed below.
A comprehensive guide to the application process can be found on the College webpages.
Academic Entry Requirements
The standard Mathematics PhD programme academic eligibility requirements are:
- A first or upper second -class honours degree (or equivalent from a non-UK University) and a master’s degree in relevant subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Computer Sciences, Statistics. OR
- A first or upper second -class integrated master’s degree (or equivalent from a non-UK University), in a relevant subject such as Mathematics, Physics, Computer Sciences, Statistics.
Candidates who do not meet the above criteria but have outstanding accomplishments in other areas (e.g. through previous work or research experience) may also be considered.
English language requirement
Students are required to achieve the College’s Standard level of attainment in English language before registration. More information can be found on the English language requirements page.
Overseas Applicants
Students with Overseas qualifications can check the College’s minimum entry requirements using Country Index .
Students who require a visa to study in UK can find visa information on Visa and Immigration website .
Most non-EEA nationals will require ATAS clearance for this programme. ATAS processing times are long. Students who require ATAS should apply as soon as they receive an offer. Information about ATAS requirement and guidance how to complete an ATAS application can be found here .
When to apply
Applications open in October, and then are accepted throughout the year. Funding decisions are typically made starting in December and ending in April. For applicants requiring funding, we recommend that you apply early (October to March) to increase the chances of securing supervision and funding.
PhD Supervisor
Before you submit your formal application to the College, we strongly encourage you to contact those academic staff members with whom you would like to work, to discuss the project you are interested in, and to check if they are planning on taking new PhD students.
Once your potential supervisor has agreed to support your PhD application, you should clearly name them in your application.
If you are unable to find an academic who is happy for you to indicate their name as prospective supervisor on your online application, you can still apply without naming a supervisor. It is important that you indicate on your application the Stream/research group with which you might be affiliated: (Pure, Applied, Stats, MF). This will then go to a pool of applications, where academics in the department are invited to look through and decide if there were an applicant they would like to interview. However, from previous admission cycles’ experience, those applications are less likely to receive a quick, positive outcome.
View members of the Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Physics section View members of the Mathematical Finance section View members of the Pure Mathematics section View members of the Statistics section
When contacting an academic, it is important to:
- Ask if they are planning on taking a new PhD student next academic year.
- Give a very brief (short paragraph) description of what research you have done in your previous degree.
- Tell them briefly about your research interest and how it aligns with their research.
- Be specific and write personable emails: avoid being general with the copy-and-paste-one-message-fits-all emails.
- Be brief: long emails discourage people from reading on.
- Include your funding status (secured funding, self-funded, needs funding), and whether you are a UK or Overseas Applicant.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the College online application system My Imperial .
As part of the application, you will be asked to provide a CV, a personal statement and transcripts. You will also need to name two academic referees and provide their contact email (professional) so we can contact them for references.
A Research proposal is not essential. However, applicants who want to be considered for the President’s Scholarship are required to provide a Research proposal as part of their Personal statement. You can do it when submitting your application, or later, after securing a departmental nomination for this award (note that at this stage nominees will receive a short, 1-2 day notice to provide a Research proposal).
Application review
Your application will be reviewed first by the Faculty Admissions team, who will check that you meet the minimum eligibility criteria. After their eligibility check, your application is passed to the department and assessed by the department’s Admissions team, including the proposed supervisor. If you are shortlisted for an interview your prospective supervisor will contact you to arrange it. In addition to covering your academic profile and motivation for PhD, some technical questions may be asked during the interview.
Applicants who pass the interview stage will be considered for funding on a rolling basis. If you are awarded a studentship, you will be notified by email and made an offer of admission.
Please note that we normally only make offers for admission to applicants who secured funding. If you do not wish to be considered for Imperial College funding, please let your supervisor know so you can be considered for a non-funded offer of admission.
You should expect to receive a decision on your application within 12 weeks of the application arriving in the Department. You can check the decision on the admissions system.
PhD enquiries:
Agnieszka damasiewicz niccolai.
Director of Postgraduate Research
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
From 1982 to 2007, we saw an increase in about 471 Math PhDs being awarded yearly, but from 2007 to 2017 the number of degrees awarded yearly jumped by over 600. Yet, fewer and fewer tenure track positions are even being offered.
Typically, it takes about five years to get a Ph.D. in math. This amount of time is in addition to your undergraduate education, which usually takes about four years to complete. You don't necessarily have to get a master's degree, which takes about two years to complete, to pursue a Ph.D. in math.
In terms of people who have a pure math bachelor degree from a US institution and doing a pure math PhD program, while some do succeed in less than 5 years, it is uncommon. Of the roughly 100 graduate students I overlapped with in my program and have graduated to date, I believe 1 graduated in 4 years (I do not recall if they had a master's ...
The University requires a minimum of two years of academic residence (16 half-courses) for the Ph.D. degree. On the other hand, five years in residence is the maximum usually allowed by the department.
The usual minimum entry requirement is a first class honours degree, awarded after a four-year course in mathematics or mathematics/statistics, or a three-year degree together with a one-year postgraduate course in those areas.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Maths? The average programme duration for a mathematics PhD in the UK is 3 to 4 years for a full-time studying. Although not all universities offer part-time maths PhD programmes, those that do …
Meet the University residence requirement of two years or four semesters. Detailed Regulations. The detailed regulations of the Ph.D. program are the following: Course Requirements. During the first year of the Ph.D. program, …
You will be expected to submit a substantial original thesis which should not exceed 200 pages after three or, at most, four years from the date of admission. To be successfully awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners.
PhD Program. More information and a full list of requirements for the PhD program in Mathematics can be found in the University Bulletin. During their first year in the program, students typically engage in coursework and seminars which prepare them for …
The standard Mathematics PhD programme academic eligibility requirements are: A first or upper second -class honours degree (or equivalent from a non-UK University) and a master’s degree in relevant subjects such as Mathematics, …