Program Overview

Mathematics

Overview

The University of Bristol School of Mathematics has more than doubled in size in the last decade, with over 100 academic staff and up to 90 postgraduates. We are engaged in research across many areas in pure and applied mathematics and statistical science. We possess intellectual, educational, and material resources to provide the highest quality training for our postgraduates. We are proud to have been ranked 4th in the UK in the Times Higher Education analysis of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 for Mathematical Sciences.

Our academic staff are among the world's best in their areas and have won distinguished prizes and fellowships, and major grants. View details of PhD projects offered by our academics for the upcoming academic year.

The level of our postgraduate supervision is in line with our research merits. We aim to recruit top postgraduates, welcoming applications from the UK and overseas. You will learn cutting-edge mathematical skills, engage in international collaborations, and be a part of a friendly and stimulating community.

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.

Key Information

• Programme duration:
  • MScR: up to two years full-time; up to four years part-time.
  • PhD: up to four years full-time; up to eight years part-time.
• Start date: Usually September 2025, but flexible if funding allows.
• Application deadline: To receive full consideration for EPSRC or University of Bristol funding, applications should be submitted before 6 January 2025.
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: PhD, MSc by research

Programme Structure

Please see the list of PhD projects and the list of staff in the School of Mathematics to identify potential supervisors.

World-leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

• A first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in mathematics or a closely related subject, or a relevant master's qualification.
• Places funded by the school may be subject to higher entry requirements.
• See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
• Admissions Statement: Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level F.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time - £4,850 per year
• Home: part-time - £2,425 per year
• Overseas: full-time - £26,700 per year
• Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni Discount

• University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.
• Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and Scholarships

• All eligible applicants will automatically be considered for EPSRC, University of Bristol and Heilbronn studentships.
• No additional funding applications are required.
• If you are applying for or are in possession of alternative sources of funding please state this in your application.
• UK and international students may be eligible to apply for EPSRC funding for PhD study.
• To be considered for EPSRC funding, applications should be submitted before 6 January 2025.
• We encourage international students to seek funding from their own countries as well.
• The University of Bristol has a directory of alternative funding opportunities available to postgraduate applicants.
• The school provides financial support for PhD students from a number of sources, including the Heilbronn Institute, UK research councils, industry and scholarships.
• For further details, please see the School of Mathematics webpage.
• Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

• Graduates have gone on to work in industry, finance, consultancy and academia, including post-doctoral positions and lectureships.

Research Groups

• The priorities of the school's research efforts are:
  • Execution of internationally recognised world-class mathematical and statistical research.
  • Research training of graduate students who show the highest potential.
  • Research development and career progression of post-doctoral research workers.
  • Interaction with external groups both within academia and beyond.
  • Commercialising opportunities combining research and enterprise.

Research Institutes

• A wide range of research is conducted in the school, spanning many of the conventional boundaries between disciplines.
• Potential applicants are encouraged to consult the research themes broadly covered by the academic staff in the five Research Institutes:
  • Institute for Applied Mathematics
  • Institute for Mathematical Physics
  • Institute for Probability, Analysis and Dynamics
  • Institute for Pure Mathematics
  • Institute for Statistical Science

Collaboration

• Members of the school collaborate with colleagues from a variety of disciplines at Bristol, including physics, social sciences, biology and medicine, as well as with external organisations, such as Hewlett Packard, QinetiQ, Unilever, Barclays Bank, the Government Communications Headquarters and National Air Traffic Services.