PhD. The research degree offered at the School of Mathematics is the PhD, requiring at least 3 years, and usually 3.5 years, of research. The students admitted typically have an MSc degree, or an excellent undergraduate degree. From the start of their studies, they are assigned a main supervisor with whom they work closely throughout their degree programme; a second supervisor provides additional help.
A range of graduate courses, organised through the Scottish Mathematical Sciences Training Centre, are attended by PhD students during the first 6 months of the programme. Further research-level courses are available afterward. At the end of the first year, each student's progress is assessed by means of a prepared talk and a brief written report. It should be appreciated that some students may have to change registration for an MSc by research as a result of this assessment.
MSc. It is also possible to register for the one-year degree of MSc by research, which requires a full-year of study under the close supervision of a staff member. The MSc by research is a free-standing degree, only exceptionally serving as a preparation for a PhD.
Students applying for a research degree should first identify their research interests and determine in which research group they wish to carry out their work. They are encouraged to contact staff members prior to their application in order to identify possible research projects and supervisors. This is especially the case for overseas applicants who, unlike the UK applicants, will not have the opportunity of an interview.
There is an English language requirement for all non native English speakers. More details are available about the minimum scores required.
For admission to research degrees, applications can be made online.
Consult the finance pages for details of the courses' fees, expected living expenses, and possibilities of scholarships.
