How to apply

Our minimum entry requirements are a 1st class Honours degree (or its international equivalent) OR a 2:1 Honours degree (or its international equivalent) plus a Masters degree (or its international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Typically, candidates have a good understanding of the field they propose to study, and some research experience.

Students applying for a research degree should identify their research interests and determine in which research group they wish to carry out their work. They are encouraged to contact staff members prior to their application in order to identify possible research projects and supervisors. However, it is not essential for you to have secured a supervisor before submitting your application. You can note proposed supervisor(s) on your appliction form.

Non-UK candidates may be required to provide a evidence of proficiency in the English language. For full details on English language requirements, please see this page. Applicants must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of their English language ability:

• an undergraduate or masters degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI list of majority English speaking countries)
• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT: total 92 with at least 20 in each section
• PTE(A): total 61 with at least 56 in each of the Communicative Skills scores
• CAE and CPE: total 176 with at least 169 in each paper
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components

Degrees taught and assessed in English must be no more than 3.5 years old at the date of the beginning of your degree programme. English language test certificates must be no more than 2 years old at the beginning of your degree programme, or 3.5 years for CAE & CPE.

Make an online application to the appropriate PhD programme(s) (see below) . You will be asked to upload documents at the start of the application process. 

The documentation that we require you to upload to your application is:

• Interim or final transcript(s) - (depending on what stage you are at in your studies) of your Undergraduate Degree, and Masters Degree, if applicable.
• Final degree certificate(s) - for your Undergraduate Degree, and Masters Degree, if applicable.
• Two academic references to be provided directly by referees. Enter their names and email addresses in the required areas, and an automated email will be forwarded to them requesting a reference upload. We will not accept references uploaded by applicants.
• A CV - You can upload this in the place of a research proposal, which is not required for your application.
• English Language Test Certificate (where applicable) - please see here. 

Where you are asked for your project proposal, you may ignore that request, the School of Mathematics does not require a research proposal. Although the EUCLID application system will request that you upload one, you can just ignore this request. The reason that you will be asked for one is that the system applies to all Schools throughout the University and some Schools do require a research proposal. In the place of a research proposal, please upload an up to date CV. There is no need to upload any certificates for the degree you are currently studying (if you have not been issued one) - instead, official interim transcripts will be required.

Official translations of any documents not in written English are required. 

On the application form, where it asks for funding information - please enter 'School of Mathematics'. Each application will automatically be considered for one of our scholarships. Please indicate any other potential source of funding you have, have applied for or are intending to apply for (see Step 3).  If you have secured external funding, please provide evidence of the funding along with your application.

Please review and apply for all applicable sources of funding noted on the What funding is available for your PhD page.