Mathematics
- PhD
- MSc by research
Overview
The University of Bristol School of Mathematics has more than doubled in size in the last decade, currently we have over 100 academic staff and over 100 postgraduates. We are engaged in world-leading research across many areas of pure and applied mathematics and statistical science. We are proud to have been ranked 4th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 for Mathematical Sciences. Based in the historic and spacious Fry Building, the School of Mathematics provides our PhD students with world-class facilities and a highly stimulating, supportive and friendly environment throughout their studies.
Our academic staff are among the world's best in their areas and have won distinguished prizes and fellowships, and major grants. You can find details of PhD projects offered by our academics for the upcoming academic year, but note that staff not proposing specific projects may also be available to supervise students. We encourage applicants to enquire by email with the relevant member of staff whether they are available to supervise.
We welcome applications from both the UK and overseas. We particularly encourage those from diverse groups to apply.
Our partnerships
The Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research is a partnership between the University and GCHQ. It prioritises research in number theory, combinatorics, algebra, geometry, quantum information theory and computational statistics, offering studentships and running a variety of workshops and seminars.
If you are interested in a cross-disciplinary project then joint a supervision arrangement (jointly with a supervisor from another School) is a possibility. Please contact the relevant staff members about this option. 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.
Programme structure
Please see the list of PhD projects and the list of staff in the School of Mathematics to identify potential supervisors.
The primary activity of a PhD student in the School of Mathematics is to conduct research. This can be either independent or joint with your supervisor or others. There will be regular meetings with your supervisor(s) and in addition you are given a pastoral supervisor for additional support during your studies.
PhD students are encouraged to attend relevant University of Bristol taught units, TCC courses, and seminars, reading groups and other research activities in the School, as well as externally, which can be agreed with your supervisor. The university also offers other professional development opportunities which enhance employability. PhD Students are also given opportunities to deliver tutorials for undergraduates, as paid work.
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.
This admission statement is for 2026 entry. The 2027 entry admission statement will be available in the Autumn.
Go to admissions statementIf 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
- Home: full-time
- £5,343 per year
- Home: part-time
- £2,672 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £28,300 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.
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 and scholarships
All applicants will automatically be considered for any funding for which they are eligible. 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.
UK and overseas students may be eligible to apply for EPSRC and University of Bristol funding for PhD study. To be considered for EPSRC or University of Bristol funding, applications should be submitted before Monday 18 January.
As these funded opportunities are competitive, we encourage overseas 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.
Applicants for Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) funding must apply earlier than the above deadline. For further details please visit: China Scholarship Council | Current students | University of Bristol
Applicants to The Martingale Foundation must apply directly to Martingale in advance. For further details please see their website: Martingale Foundation.
The School provides financial support for PhD students from a number of sources, including the Heilbronn Institute, Voronoi Scholarships, UK research councils, The Martingale Foundation, industry and other scholarships. For further details, please see the School of Mathematics funding webpage.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Our PhD students have gone on to have highly successful careers in a wide variety of sectors, including:
- Academia & Higher Education
- Data Science / AI
- Software Engineering
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Quantum Information
- Energy (including clean energy industries)
- Civil Service (e.g. GCHQ, DSIT, DEFRA, the Planning Inspectorate and the Office for National Statistics)
- Climate Science
- Creative Industries
- Leisure and Entertainment
- Professional and Business Services
- Retail & E-commerce
- Mathematical Consultancy
- Defence
- Financial Services (e.g. Quantitative finance, actuarial science, FinTech)
- Secondary Education
- Healthcare
- Life Sciences, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics.
We provide training for PhD students in a variety of transferable skills, and we also support students in finding internships.
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:
- Institute for Applied Mathematics
- Institute for Mathematical Physics
- Institute for Probability, Analysis and Dynamics
- Institute for Pure Mathematics
- Institute for Statistical Science.
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
- uob-pgradmissions@bristol.ac.uk
- Faculties
- Schools