University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The PhD is delivered through the School of Mathematical Sciences and centres on an individual research project supervised by one or more academic staff. Research topics reflect the School's strengths and typically include algebra and number theory, analysis and partial differential equations, probability and stochastic processes, statistics and data science, numerical analysis and scientific computing, optimisation and control, and mathematical physics.

Training is research-led rather than modular. In the first year you will focus on literature review, methodology, and preparatory projects while developing a detailed research plan with your supervisory team. Subsequent years concentrate on original research, writing-up and dissemination, with regular progress reviews and a viva voce examination at the end of the programme.

Complementary training is provided through doctoral skills provision: research methods, scientific computing, academic writing, presentation skills, and ethics. Students are encouraged to attend and present at departmental seminars, reading groups and international conferences, and to collaborate across disciplines and with external partners such as industry or other research institutes.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in mathematics. Typical applicants hold either a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in mathematics or a closely related subject, and many candidates also hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as an MSc) or equivalent research experience. Exceptional applicants with only an undergraduate degree but demonstrable research potential may also be considered.

Applicants should submit a research proposal or indicate areas of interest and identify potential supervisors where possible. Admission is competitive and decisions take into account academic transcripts, references, prior research experience, and the fit between the applicant's interests and available supervisory capacity.

International applicants must satisfy the University's English language requirements and provide equivalent academic qualifications; guidance on accepted qualifications and language tests is available from the University admissions pages.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Mathematics PhD programme go on to careers in academia, research institutes and a wide range of sectors that value advanced quantitative and problem-solving skills. Common paths include postdoctoral research positions, academic lectureships, and roles in finance, data science, actuarial work, software and algorithm development, engineering research, scientific consulting, and public sector analytics.

The programme's emphasis on independent research, communication and advanced computational methods also prepares graduates for leadership roles in R&D, technology companies, and for further interdisciplinary work in areas such as machine learning, computational biology and climate modelling.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Nottingham has an active research community with internationally recognized research groups and a wide range of expertise. PhD students benefit from structured doctoral training, regular seminar series, and opportunities for collaboration across the University and with external partners.

Nottingham provides access to computing facilities, specialist software, and support services for postgraduate researchers, including research development, careers advice and funding guidance. The University's research environment encourages publication, conference participation and interdisciplinary projects, helping students build a strong CV for both academic and non-academic careers.