Program Overview

Mathematics PhD

The Mathematics PhD at the University of Sussex is a research-focused program that allows students to explore theoretical and applied mathematics under the guidance of specialist faculty. The program covers a wide range of areas, including analysis and partial differential equations, geometry and dynamics, mathematical physics, mathematical biology, numerical analysis and scientific computing, and probability and statistics.

Key Information

• Duration: Up to 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time
• Start date: Choose to start in September 2026, January 2027, or April 2027
• Apply by: 1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)

Entry Requirements

• Degree requirements: You're normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Masters degree OR an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree.
• Subject-specific requirements: Your qualification should be in mathematics. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

International Requirements

The University of Sussex has specific requirements for international students, which vary by country. These requirements include:

• Masters degree requirement: You're normally expected to have the equivalent of a UK Masters degree.
• Undergraduate degree requirement: Varies by country, but generally requires a Bachelors degree with a strong academic record.
• Subject-specific requirements: Your qualification should be in mathematics.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic): Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).
• Alternative English language qualifications: The University accepts several alternative English language qualifications, including Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, Duolingo English test, and more.
• Country exceptions: If you are a national of one of the exempt English-speaking countries, you will normally meet the English requirement.

How to Apply

To apply for the Mathematics PhD, you can either browse funded projects in this subject area or propose your own research project. You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil, and you can work on your research full-time or part-time.

Funding and Fees

• Fees for self-funding students: Home students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2026/27. International students: £23,500 per year for full-time students.
• Additional costs: You may need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project, such as travel, laboratory consumables, and participant costs.
• Living costs: You should also consider the typical living costs for studying at Sussex.

Our Supervisors

The University of Sussex has a range of supervisors with expertise in different areas of mathematics, including:

• Analysis and Partial Differential Equations
• Mathematical Physics
• Mathematics Applied to Biology
• Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing
• Probability and Statistics

Research Areas

The Mathematics PhD at the University of Sussex covers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Analysis and Partial Differential Equations
• Geometry and Dynamics
• Mathematical Physics
• Mathematical Biology
• Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing
• Probability and Statistics

Additional Information

• The University of Sussex is committed to ensuring that every student who wants to study with us is able to do so, despite financial barriers.
• The University offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support PhD students.
• You can find out more about the PhD program, including how to apply and the funding available, by visiting the University's website.