Program Overview

PhD Mathematics

Overview

The PhD Mathematics program at the University of Essex offers supervision in a wide range of mathematical areas, including both pure and applied subjects. Possible areas of research include:

• Algebra
• Combinatorics
• Computational mathematics
• Chaos theory
• Dynamical systems
• Differential equations
• Numerical analysis Students are also invited to contact the School to discuss other potential research areas.

Course Details

• Course: Mathematics
• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: 3 - 4 years
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)

Why Choose This Program

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science has an internationally excellent reputation in areas such as algebraic geometry, group theory, semigroup theory, differential equations, optimisation, probability, applied statistics, bioinformatics, and mathematical biology. Students have access to mathematical software packages on the University's High-Performance Computing cluster.

Our Expert Staff

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science has an international reputation in all areas of Mathematical Sciences, including:

• Statistics
• Operational research
• Applied mathematics
• Pure mathematics
• Actuarial science PhD students are encouraged to meet with their supervisor regularly, and joint supervision across other Essex departments and schools is possible.

Specialist Facilities

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science is based in the University's state-of-the-art STEM Centre. Research students have a dedicated work space and PCs, with access to software such as MATLAB, Gap, SageMath, Python, and R. All Essex research students have access to the innovative and unique scheme, Proficio, which provides a variety of training courses and a fund of up to Ł2,500 per student for conference attendance and relevant external training courses.

Your Future

Many former PhD students have gone on to work as academics in prominent institutions across the world, such as the University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, and many other international universities. Some have also remained at the University of Essex, working as postdoctoral research fellows, research impact officers, or lecturers. Other graduates have joined organisations like the Met Office, the Ministry of Defence, and companies based in the City of London.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree and a Masters degree in a relevant subject.
• A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
• Students may be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Students should get in touch with any questions about the qualifications the University accepts.

English Language Requirements

If English is not the first language, the University requires IELTS 6.0, or equivalent with a minimum of 5.5 in all other components.

Structure

Course Structure

A research degree gives students the chance to investigate an area or topic in real depth, and develop transferable research skills. During their time in the School, students have opportunities to attend conferences, publish papers, and give talks at departmental research seminars. Students may also attend some university modules, and will meet with their supervisor typically on a weekly basis.

Assessment

A PhD (taking at least three years) typically involves wide reading around the subject area in the first year, then gradually developing original results over the second and third years, before writing them up in a coherent fashion. The resulting thesis is expected to make a significant contribution to knowledge. The PhD is awarded after the successful defence of the thesis in an oral examination (viva), in which the student is interviewed about their research by two examiners, at least one of whom is from outside Essex.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

Ł5,238 per year

International Fee

Ł20,625 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Related Courses

• MSc (by Dissertation) Mathematics
• MPhil Mathematics
• PhD Mathematics