Program Overview

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Mathematics PhD

Overview

The Mathematics PhD program at the University of Nottingham offers students the opportunity to work on projects in both fundamental and applied mathematical sciences that have an impact in the modern world. The program is designed to provide students with a broad range of skills and knowledge in mathematics, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of research.

Research Overview

The School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Nottingham is a leading center for mathematical research, with a strong reputation for excellence in both pure and applied mathematics. The school offers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Pure mathematics
• Applied mathematics
• Mathematical physics
• Statistics and probability
• Mathematical education & scholarship

Why Choose Nottingham for Your PhD?

The University of Nottingham is a world-leading research institution, with a strong reputation for excellence in mathematics. The school offers a supportive and stimulating research environment, with a wide range of resources and facilities available to students. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a career in mathematics, whether in academia or industry.

Research Themes

The school's research is organized around a number of exciting research themes, including:

• Algebra, arithmetic, and their geometries
• Computational statistics and machine learning
• Data-driven modelling and computation
• Epidemic modelling
• Fluid mechanics
• Geometry and symmetry
• Gravity
• Mathematical medicine and biology
• Mathematical neuroscience
• Multiscale modelling and heterogeneous media
• Numerical and applied analysis
• Quantum information and metrology
• Quantum mathematics
• Real, complex and functional analysis
• Symbolic computational mathematics
• Teaching and learning in mathematics higher education
• Wave modelling

Research Excellence Framework 2021

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• 97% of our research outputs are rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'
• The school was placed in the top 3 for quality of research environment across all mathematical sciences units in the UK
• 100% of the impact from the school is rated as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

Course Content

Throughout your PhD, you will focus on learning what information is already published and identifying gaps in knowledge. You will start to formulate your own research questions and develop skills to become a professional researcher.

• Study the research literature in your field, guided by your PhD advisor
• Attend seminars on modern research
• Take additional training in mathematical sciences and research skills
• Conduct research and obtain novel results
• Be part of an active and welcoming community of research students
• Write annual reports and journal publications to communicate your research findings
• Complete a written thesis of up to 100,000 words
• Take a verbal examination (viva voce) where you defend your research to an expert examination panel

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis, and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Home / UK Students

• 2:1 in mathematics or a closely related subject with substantial mathematical content. To secure funding, you will need a First Class degree or Distinction.

EU / International Students

• 2:1 (or international equivalent) in mathematics or a closely related subject with substantial mathematical content. To secure funding, candidates require a First Class degree or Distinction.
• International and EU equivalents: We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.
• IELTS: 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
• English language requirements: As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB, and O level English.

Meeting Our English Language Requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

Visa Restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Applying

How to Indicate Your Research Interests

You do not need to submit a detailed proposal, but you must indicate a research theme(s), or Centre of Excellence that interests you and/or name specific academic staff members who could be your potential project supervisor and/or name specific projects.

• View our research themes >
• View our current research projects >

Further Information Required When Applying

• Brief motivation for doing a PhD
• Your academic record and research experience
• Sources of funding (if applicable)

Application Process and Deadlines

We encourage applicants to apply before early to have the best chances of being awarded a fully-funded PhD scholarship (covers stipend and fees).

• Stage 1: Your application is assessed, and if successful, you will be invited for an interview. This is a video call or in person, if possible.
• Stage 2: If successful at the interview stage, you will be considered for a fully-funded PhD scholarship.

Fees

• Home / UK: £5,006
• International: £23,000

Additional Information for International Students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire, and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

Additional Costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

Funding

We offer a number of projects each year for which scholarship funding is available, including from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the University.

• First-class or distinction results are required as a minimum for funding.

Support

Student Support

The School of Mathematical Sciences provides dedicated support to its postgraduate researchers, including:

• Access to an appropriate personal computer
• Financial support to attend conferences and workshops
• Opportunity to earn extra money by supporting our teaching with demonstrating and marking
• You have a right to holiday leave, sick leave, and maternity/parental leave. You may also be able to switch to part-time (50%) PhD, depending on the approval of your funder

Wellbeing Support

Your supervisors will support you throughout your research period. There is also further support within the school, including:

• Mentoring system amongst research students
• Mentoring system between research students and postdoctoral research fellows
• Mental health support in the form of regular meetings for research students only
• Dedicated contacts for Support and Wellbeing, and for PGR Student Advice

Training

To support training and learning, the school has access to specialized mathematical training courses provided by MAGIC (one of six Taught Course Centres supporting PhD mathematics programmes in the UK). Students can also utilize the Academy for PhD Training in Statistics (APTS).

Researcher Training and Development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Student Support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

• Academic and disability support
• Childcare services
• Counselling service
• Faith support
• Financial support
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Visa and immigration advice
• Welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

Careers

Careers advice and graduate destinations:

• Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry, or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
• Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills, and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course, or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree program in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters, and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Many of our PhD graduates move on to successful academic careers (e.g., Professor Caucher Birkar, recipient of the Fields Medal in 2018). Other choose to pursue exciting opportunities outside academia. PhD graduates in mathematics are in great demand in several sectors, including banking, finance, consulting, data analysis, and various types of industrial research.

Some of our PhD graduates have taken up roles such as:

• Assistant Professor
• Consultant
• Mathematical Modeller
• Project leader
• Post-doctoral researcher
• Research scientist
• Statistician

They work for organizations such as:

• Amey Strategic Consulting
• Francis Crick Institute
• Unilever

Where You Will Learn

Computer Facilities

The University provides excellent computing facilities with access to specialist mathematical software. The computers have electronic links to a high-performance computing facility and specialist mathematical software such as Matlab, Mathematica, and Maple.

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings, and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Jubilee Campus

Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife, and a lake.

Furnished Offices

As a research student here, you will benefit from use of a furnished office which you'll share with other PhD students. You'll be provided with your own desk and personal computer or laptop and may make full use of general school facilities, including the common room, shared with academic staff.

Related Courses

• Computer Science PhD
• Physics PhD/MRes
• Economics MRes/PhD