The Department of Mathematics at York offers the opportunity to study for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), as well as the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Mathematics, in a thriving research environment. 

The department's research graduate courses may be commenced at any time during the academic year (although the start of the Autumn term is the most usual starting date). Correspondingly, applications may be sent at any time, if possible at least 6 months before the proposed starting date. However, applicants who are also seeking funding for fees and/or living expenses should note the deadlines associated with the relevant sources of funding, which are mentioned on the funding page. 

 

Research activity within the department covers a wide range of topics in both pure and applied mathematics and many publications originate from this research.

 

Research areas

Applications are welcome from students wishing to undertake graduate study and research in the following broadly defined areas (for more detailed information, please click on the relevant area):

 

Mathematics in the Natural Sciences

Pure Mathematics
Statistics and Mathematical Finance

 

Supervision may also be available in other subject areas, according to the research interests of individual members of staff (please refer to the personal pages of individual members of staff).  You may also with to browse a list of currently available research projects.

 

Courses available

The PhD is a research degree by thesis, the minimum period of study being three years.  The thesis must be submitted before the end of the fourth year of study. Extensions beyond this may only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

 

The first two terms of study normally include the equivalent of six 10 hour graduate level courses taken from the programme of study provided by the EPSRC-funded MAGIC consortium graduate school (lectures by video link between  19 UK mathematics departments).

 

The PhD with Foundation Phase runs over 4 years, the first year comprising an integrated portfolio of lecture and reading courses and a project report. This course will be offered to applicants who will require a more extensive masters-level initial training so as to be prepared to embark on a PhD research project.

 

The MPhil is also a research degree by thesis, the minimum period of study being two years.  The thesis must be submitted before the end of the third year of study.  Extensions beyond this may only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

 

Students who may be interested in studying for a research degree over one year should refer to the course page for the MSc (by Research) in Mathematics.

 

Continued registration on any course is conditional upon satisfactory academic progress and attendance.

 

Supervision

Throughout the course of study every research each student will have a supervisor (alternatively, two members of staff may jointly supervise a student) who will guide their work. In addition, progress is monitored by the student's Thesis Advisory Panel in two meetings each year.

 

The MPhil and PhD may be taken part-time over a period longer than the corresponding full-time period. Please indicate this on your application form if you are interested in this option.

 

 

Admissions criteria

General academic requirements

Applicants for admission to graduate research degrees in Mathematics should have or expect to have a good honours degree (equivalent of 2.i or higher) in Mathematics, or a good honours degree in which Mathematics has formed a substantial part of the course.

 

Research in Mathematical Finance 

For admissions to study for a PhD in the area of Mathematical Finance, a first-class honours degree in Mathematics and an MSc in a Mathematics based subject passed above distinction-level, including an MSc dissertation mark of 80% or higher on UK scale, are required.

 

English language requirements

The minimum English language requirements for research degrees in Mathematics are as follows (only one of the following qualifications is required):

IELTS: 6.0 (in the 'Academic' test) (Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 5.5).
TOEFL* Internet-Based Test (iBT) 87 (minimum component scores: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17). 
Pearson (PTE Academic): 55 (Listening 51, Reading 51, Speaking 51, Writing 51).
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) C or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) A. 
GCSE or IGCSE in English Language C.

 

*Applicants who have previously taken a test under the TOEFL ITP Assessment Series should note that such a result is not valid outside their own university and they should make arrangements to take one of the tests or qualifications listed above as soon as possible.
 
Further information on the University's English language requirements can be found here.

The University of York seeks formal confirmation of all test results. For this purpose, if you are intending to take a TOEFL test, please enter our Designated Institution code 3065 on your test form.

Funding

A general overview of funding possibilities for postgraduate study is available here.

 

Applicants from outside the European Union may be able to apply for one of the University of York's Scholarships for Overseas Students.