Program Overview

PhD Mathematical Biology

Overview

The PhD Mathematical Biology at the University of Essex uses novel mathematical and computational techniques to solve problems in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences. The program is based in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science and offers a range of research areas, including:

• Animal movement and behaviour
• Population dynamics
• Plankton ecology
• Fisheries and natural resource management
• Bioinformatics techniques

Students are also invited to discuss other potential research areas with the School.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree and a Masters degree in a relevant subject
• A well-developed research proposal
• Attendance at an interview/Skype interview may be required
• Acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department

International & EU Entry Requirements

• A wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries are accepted
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0, or equivalent, with a minimum of 5.5 in all other components

Structure

Course Structure

• A research degree that investigates an area or topic in real depth
• Opportunities to attend conferences, publish papers, and give talks at departmental research seminars
• Meetings with supervisors typically on a weekly basis
• Full-time research students have a supervisory board to review progress every six months
• Part-time research students have a supervisory board to review progress annually

Assessment

• A PhD typically involves wide reading around the subject area in the first year
• Gradually developing original results over the second and third years
• Writing up results in a coherent fashion
• The resulting thesis is expected to make a significant contribution to knowledge
• A PhD is awarded after a successful defence of the thesis in an oral examination (viva)

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł5,006 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study

International Fee

• Ł19,650 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 the course

What's Next

Open Days

• The University holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year
• Events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex

Applying

• Applications can be made online
• A preliminary enquiry can be made directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within the chosen Department or School
• A brief research proposal should be considered prior to the submission of a full application

Related Courses

• MPhil Mathematical Biology
• MSc (by Dissertation) Mathematical Biology

Our Expert Staff

• The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science has an international reputation in all areas of Mathematical Sciences
• Staff are strongly committed to research and teaching
• Opportunities for joint supervision across other Essex departments and schools are available

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
• The School is part of MAGIC, a consortium of 22 UK universities that share PhD-level Mathematics courses

Your Future

• Many former PhD students have gone on to work as academics in prominent institutions across the world
• Some have remained at the University of Essex, working as postdoctoral research fellows, research impact officers, or lecturers
• Others have joined organisations like the Met Office, the Ministry of Defence, and companies based in the City of London
• There is a high demand for those with a numerate background in all sectors of the economy, so graduates are sought after in the UK and abroad