PhD and MPhil in Mathematics

Year of entry: 2024/25 (see 2023/24 entry)

International fees

	Length	Start dates (semester dates)
PhD	3 years full-time 6 years part-time Apply for PhD	January April July September
iPhD	4 years full time Apply for iPhD	September
MPhil	2 years full-time 4 years part-time Apply for MPhil	January April July September

Length

Start dates (semester dates)

PhD

3 years full-time
6 years part-time

Apply for PhD

January
April
July
September

iPhD

4 years full time

Apply for iPhD

September

MPhil

2 years full-time
4 years part-time

Apply for MPhil

January
April
July
September

Be part of our vision to advance mathematical knowledge and understanding through impactful research.

Through our research we aim to create new applications and techniques that benefit the mathematics community and society in general. Our connections across the University, and with industrial partners and policymakers, will enable you to exchange ideas and build connections through your research. Our department provides a healthy span of research areas in pure and applied mathematics and statistics in a supportive environment for early career researchers.

Your research

Your research will culminate in a thesis on a topic agreed between you and your supervisor. Your thesis must contain a substantial piece of research which includes some original work. This could include new ideas, or original commentary on material which is currently considered to be at the forefront of mathematical knowledge.

Work on your thesis is guided by regular meetings with your supervisor. Assessment for the award of the degree of either PhD or MPhil will be on the basis of your thesis and an oral (viva voce) examination.

Which course should I choose?

Contact us

Related links

PhD

PhDs are the highest research degree-level qualification in the UK. During your PhD you'll study a specific area of mathematics in great depth, conducting independent and original research, which you'll write up as a thesis.

Integrated PhD (iPhD)

An iPhD is a PhD programme with an additional year of taught material. It's targeted at talented students who currently lack the relevant subject-specific background to study for a PhD in their chosen mathematical sub-discipline. By undertaking a year of taught modules and research preparation you'll be able to reach the level of preparation necessary for embarking on a PhD as an independent, confident and knowledgeable researcher.

In your first year, you'll take six taught modules. Your supervisor will work with you to curate a set of modules for your specific needs. Alongside this, you'll work with your supervisor to develop your research proposal, and towards the end of your first-year, you'll work on a small-scale independent research project. After progressing past the first year, you'll start work on the large-scale PhD project, as described in your research proposal.

MPhil

An MPhil may suit you if you can't commit to a longer PhD. You'll still conduct a piece of original research and write your results up in a thesis.

Impactful research

100% of our departmental research outputs received the highest ratings (3* and 4*) in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021).

Bespoke employability training

Our dedicated support team will help you present yourself at your best for the next step of your career.

Top 20 UK research department

according to the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Funding

Explore Mathematics funding for postgraduate researchers and wider postgraduate support.

Supervision

You'll be assigned a supervisor who will guide your work throughout your time with us. We'll match your research interests to their area of expertise.

Training and support

Throughout your course you'll have a supervisor to support you and guide your research.

Work on your thesis is monitored by regular meetings of the Thesis Advisory Panel (at least once every six months for a full-time student and once a year for part-time students). The panel will review the progress of your research and provide additional advice and guidance.

You'll be taught and supervised by staff who themselves produce internationally renowned research. There is a supportive atmosphere among the graduate students and staff are on hand to give you the help you need.

There are also numerous workshops, support groups and training opportunities coordinated by the York Graduate Research School.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Mathematics.

The Department of Mathematics is located in James College on Campus West.

Entry requirements

To apply for these courses you should hold, or expect to hold, an undergraduate degree in which mathematics has formed a substantial part of the course, with a 2:1 or first-class honours (or overseas equivalent). Assessment of your application will include consideration of your full academic record, including progress on courses you are still studying.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Applying

Apply for the MPhil

Apply for the PhD

Apply for the iPhD

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply.

You don't need to provide a formal research proposal, but you should include a short statement on the area(s) of mathematics you wish to work in. In the personal statement section of the application form you should tell us about why you want to undertake a research degree. You should also include details of any relevant experience you have, such as a summer project or a topic that you have researched on your own.

There isn't a deadline for applying to join a research programme. If you're an International student, it's best to apply at least three months prior to your intended start date to avoid any delays in applying for your accommodation and/or visa. For both Home and International students, if you wish to be considered for Departmental funding, you must submit your application before noon on Monday 10 February 2025. The main round of funding will be allocated in early March, with shortlisting and interviews taking place during February. Other sources of funding may have their own deadlines.

Identify a supervisor

Before applying, please look at the lists of academic staff in each of our research groups to see if there is a prospective supervisor working in an area which relates to your own research interests. You're welcome to email a prospective supervisor informally to find out more about their research or to ask if they might be considering taking on a postgraduate researcher.

Find a supervisor

Interviews

As part of your application, you'll be invited to an interview (either face-to-face or online). If your first language is not English, you should be fluent enough to speak confidently about your intended area of research and discuss your mathematical background and interests with a panel of academics.

Careers and skills

Our dedicated careers team offers specific support, including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. These will help to build up your employability portfolio and improve your skills and experience outside of your research work.