Overview

The University of Bristol School of Mathematics has more than doubled in size in the last decade, with approximately 130 academic staff and 90 postgraduates. We are engaged in research across many areas in pure and applied mathematics and statistical science. We possess intellectual, educational, and material resources to provide the highest quality training for our postgraduates. We are proud to have been ranked 4th in the UK in the Times Higher Education analysis of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 for Mathematical Sciences.

Our academic staff are among the world's best in their areas and have won distinguished prizes and fellowships, and major grants. View details of PhD projects offered by our academics for the upcoming academic year.

The level of our postgraduate supervision is in line with our research merits. We aim to recruit top postgraduates, welcoming applications from the UK and overseas. You will learn cutting-edge mathematical skills, engage in international collaborations, and be a part of a friendly and stimulating community.

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.

Our partnerships

The Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research is a partnership between the University and GCHQ. It prioritises research in Discrete Mathematics in a broad sense, including number theory, combinatorics, quantum information and computational statistics, offering studentships and running a variety of workshops and seminars.

We run collaborative programmes with the University of Bristol departments of Biological, Computer, Earth, and Medical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, and Philosophy, plus many other internal and external collaborations.

Entry requirements

A first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in mathematics or a closely related subject, or a relevant master's qualification. Places funded by the school may be subject to higher entry requirements.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level F.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£4,758 per year
UK: part-time
£2,379 per year
Overseas: full-time
£26,000 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Bench fees

For postgraduate research students who are not funded by UK Research Councils or (specific) UK charities, it is usual to charge a bench fee. A bench fee covers the costs of laboratory consumables, specialist equipment and other relevant costs (such as training) for the duration of the programme. The bench fee charged can vary considerably depending on the nature of the programme being undertaken. Details of specific bench fee charges can be provided on request and will be made clear in the offer letter sent to applicants.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

All eligible applicants will automatically be considered for EPSRC or University of Bristol studentships. No additional funding applications are required. If you are applying for or are in possession of alternative sources of funding please state this in your application form.

UK and international students may be eligible to apply for EPSRC funding for PhD study. To be considered for EPSRC funding, applications should be submitted before 5 January 2024.

We encourage international students to seek funding from their own countries as well. The University of Bristol has a directory of alternative funding opportunities available to postgraduate applicants.

The school provides financial support for PhD students from a number of sources, including the Heilbronn Institute, UK research councils, industry and scholarships. For further details, please see the School of Mathematics webpage.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Graduates have gone on to work in industry, finance, consultancy and academia, including post-doctoral positions and lectureships.

Research groups

The priorities of the school's research efforts are:

  • execution of internationally recognised world-class mathematical and statistical research, resulting in key publications and presentations;
  • research training of graduate students who show the highest potential;
  • research development and career progression of post-doctoral research workers;
  • interaction with external groups both within academia and beyond;
  • commercialising opportunities combining research and enterprise.

Research institutes

A wide range of research is conducted in the school, spanning many of the conventional boundaries between disciplines. Potential applicants are encouraged to consult the research themes broadly covered by the academic staff in the five Research Institutes:

You can browse our staff profiles or browse the five research institutes(above) to discover the areas and scope of research undertaken in the school.

Collaboration

Members of the school collaborate with colleagues from a variety of disciplines at Bristol, including physics, social sciences, biology and medicine, as well as with external organisations, such as Hewlett Packard, QinetiQ, Unilever, Barclays Bank, the Government Communications Headquarters and National Air Traffic Services.

Contact us

Contact

Postgraduate Research Admissions Team

Phone
+44 (0) 0117 455 4039
Email
pg-math-info@bristol.ac.uk