Mathematics

Program Overview

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Mathematics PhD

Overview

The Mathematical Research Centre conducts world-class research in the following areas: Algebra, Analysis, Operator Algebras, Algebraic Topology, Topological Data Analysis, PDEs, Survival Analysis, Bayesian Networks, Data Analytics, and Operational Research. It maintains vibrant international links with a large number of researchers around the globe and regularly hosts international conferences and research visitors.

Mathematics at Queen’s is ranked 20th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025). 88% of research submitted by Queen’s has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Subject Summary

The focus of the PhD is to carry out research under the guidance of your supervisor. Over the course of study, you can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School. You will normally register, in the first instance, as an ‘undifferentiated PhD student’ which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree.

Mathematics Highlights

Industry Links

• The School has many industry links, some of which are with Seagate Technology R&D, Andor Technology, and AVX Ltd. Many of our graduates take up positions with these companies in posts such as Statistical Analysis Programmer, Trainee Accountant, Financial Engineer, and Business Analyst.

Career Development

• Queen’s is ranked 8th in the UK for Graduate Prospects – On Track (Complete University Guide 2025) Graduates from the School take up employment through a number of companies such as Allstate, AquaQ Analytics, Citigroup, Deloitte, PwC, Randox, Seagate, and UCAS.

World-Class Facilities

• Since 2014, the School has invested over £12 million in new world-class student and staff facilities. Maths and Physics students now have their own teaching centre that opened in 2016 housing experimental physics laboratories, two large computer rooms for mathematical simulations and student study plus a student interaction area.
• In addition, Belfast has the lowest cost of living in the UK (Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2023).

Key Facts

• Students will have access to our facilities, resources, and our dedicated staff. The School of Mathematics and Physics is one of the largest Schools in the University. Staff are involved in cutting-edge research that spans a multitude of fields.

Student Testimonials

• Queen’s University Belfast was an extremely enjoyable place to spend 4 years completing my PhD study. The head of the Mathematical Sciences Research Centre (MSRC) at Queen’s was open to extensive conversations with the goal of finding a supervisor with whom I had a large intersection of mathematical interests. Once settled on a supervisor, the system is such that the goals of the research project are flexible which allows the student to always pursue what is interesting in the moment. Equally as important as the academics, there exists a clear support structure at Queen’s for the student should anything not go as planned throughout the course of the study.
  • Nathan Kirk, PhD Mathematics, 2023
• After an undergraduate degree in QUB, I started my PhD journey in pure mathematics research. In the four years of study, there are two invaluable features. Firstly, I received ideal supervision which helped me to solve my research problems and to touch the contemporary research work. Secondly, the system is very free whereby I can study, consider and discuss the relevant maths knowledge and problems which are not directly related to my research but very helpful for my future research work.
  • Weijiao Hu, PhD Mathematics, 2019

Research Information

Research Themes

• Overall, 90% of research submitted to the REF 2021 by the School of Mathematics and Physics was judged as internationally excellent or world-leading. Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities.
• Information on the research interests and activities of academics in the Mathematical Science Research Centre can be found at [insert link]. These interests fit into the themes: Algebra, Analysis, Data Science, Optimization and Operational Research, Partial Differential Equations, Statistics, Topology, and Geometry.

Research Impact

• Research Impact in Mathematics at Queen’s is gained through having wide interactions with Industry and the Public Sector which enhances and accelerates societal and economic impact. In the REF 2021 results, 75% of impact in Mathematics was graded as 4* which demonstrates that the quality of impact is world-leading in terms of originality, significance, and rigour.

Career Prospects

Introduction

• Mathematical and statistical skills are in great demand in the economy, particularly the advanced skills developed at the PhD level.

Employment after the Course

• As well as continuing in research careers, our PhD graduates have also gone on to work in finance, computing, data analysis, management, and teaching. Our advisors will be happy to provide further information on the career prospects arising from your chosen research area. Further information on careers can be obtained from the School and the Faculty.

People Teaching You

• Dr. David Barnes, Head of Centre - Mathematical Sciences Research Centre
• Dr. Hannah Mitchell, Postgraduate Advisor - Mathematical Sciences Research Centre

Course Structure

• There is no specific course content as such. A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can register for a writing-up year should it be required.
• The PhD is open to both full and part-time candidates and is often a useful preparation for a career within academia or consultancy.

Assessment

• Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.
• This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.
• The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Feedback

• Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Facilities

• Students will enjoy the benefits of modern practical laboratories, extensive computer facilities, and interactive spaces. Students will be provided with their individual workspace.

Learning and Teaching

• A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought. It also allows students to explore an area of interest and to understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field. Undertaking a research degree can enhance a student's written and oral communication skills and a PhD is almost always a formal requirement for an academic post.

Entrance Requirements

Graduate

• The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

• For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £5,006
• EU Other: £20,500
• International: £20,500

Funding and Scholarships

• The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study-related expenses.

How to Apply

• Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
• If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
• To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
• You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.