PhD

Mathematics

Key Facts

Course Code G1310

  • Qualification

    PhD

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2025

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Mathematics represents one of the supreme achievements of the human mind. The subject has fascinated thinkers throughout the ages, from the ancient civilisations of five thousand years ago to those of the present day. It is an evolving, living discipline; the boundaries of mathematics have expanded way beyond the geometry and number theory of the Greeks and the algebra of the early Indians and of Islam. Mathematics was called "the Queen of the Sciences" by one of its greatest practitioners, C F Gauss.

The Department of Mathematics at Aberystwyth offers facilities for students to read for PhD and MPhil degrees by research. Some possible ideas for Mathematics PhD projects are available. 

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent.

English Language Requirements IELTS 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants should submit a full research proposal at the point of application

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Course Overview

PhD supervision is offered in areas which align to our research groups:

  • Mathematical Modelling of Structures, Solids and Fluids: This group covers diverse problems in solid and fluid mechanics and mathematical analysis.
  • Quantum Structures, Information and Control: This group works in the area of quantum systems in interaction with their environment, and in particular the emergent field of quantum computing and information.
  • Algebraic Combinatorics: This group is active in design theory, coding theory and the representation theory of Weyl groups and associated Hecke algebras.
  • Statistics: This group’s interests include the application of statistical shape analysis to biological data sets and the statistical analysis of high-dimensional biological data sets. 

Researchers in all groups are involved in wider collaborations, both within the university and beyond. 

We have a dedicated Physical Sciences library on campus that houses excellent research material for the study of mathematics, physics and computer science, including the Scott Blair Collection, a comprehensive and important resource for the study of rheology.

Researcher Development Programme

Aberystwyth is committed to the provision of an appropriate level of training for all its postgraduate students. As part of this commitment, the University has established a programme designed to help students develop the skills required to successfully complete their research degrees and also to improve their future employability. As such, all research postgraduates will undertake some institutionally-provided research training modules as part of the Researcher Development Programme.

About this course

Those interested in PhD study are encouraged to contact the department so that a viable research topic can be developed through discussion with members of staff with relevant research interests. Members of the department are always happy to consider research proposals relating to their research interests. 

To apply for a place on the PhD programme you will need to prepare a research proposal, personal statement, complete an application form and provide two references. Please see the How to Apply pages for more detail.

Course Fees:

Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.

Funding:

Funding opportunities may be available; please check our funding calculator for details.

Contact:

To discuss possible research projects, please contact the Department at maths@aber.ac.uk.

For more information on the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office at pg-admissions@aber.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1970 622270.

Careers

Our PhD students have gone on to a variety of research posts, academic positions, teaching, and industry.