Course summary
The University of Bristol School of Mathematics has more than doubled in size in the last decade, with over 100 academic staff and up to 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.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/phd-mathematics.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.
Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme
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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £4850 | Year 1 |
| EU | £26700 | Year 1 |
| International | £26700 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
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.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Sponsorship information
All eligible applicants will automatically be considered for EPSRC, University of Bristol and Heilbronn 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. 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 6 January 2025. 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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/maths/postgraduate/phd/mathematics/funding/ Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU