Pure Mathematics PhD

Start date
Contact us for start date.
Duration
PhD: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Doctoral research
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024/25 are as follows:
£4,778 UK students
£21,360 International Students
Further fee information is available.

The Pure Mathematics group is at the forefront of research in contemporary aspects of Algebra, Analysis, Combinatorics, Geometry and Mathematical Physics.

The School of Mathematics is home to a rich and diverse community of researchers in Pure Mathematics, and provides many exciting opportunities for postgraduate study.

Research degrees are organised around five broad themes: Algebra; Analysis; Combinatorics, Probability and Algorithms; Geometry and Mathematical Physics; Topology and Dynamical Systems.

The Pure Mathematics Group is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment that supports talent and encourages creativity. Training is provided through individual supervision of research, regular seminar series and study groups in each of the themes, advanced taught courses, and participation in research networks, workshops and conferences.

Why study Pure Mathematics PhD at Birmingham?

  • The School of Mathematics has a strong research culture, with researchers of international stature in each of its main specialisms.
  • The University of Birmingham is one of the prestigious Russell group research-intensive Universities in the UK. The School of Mathematics attracts gifted graduate students from across the world.
  • The PhD degree usually involves a qualifying dissertation submitted during the second year of study, which is helpful training for writing a PhD thesis.

Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Tuition Fees 2024/25 academic year:

  • £4,778 UK students, full-time
  • £21,360 International students, full-time

Learn more about fees and funding.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.

Scholarships

We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at postgraduate level.

We award up to ten EPSRC doctoral training grants each year to eligible UK students. In exceptional circumstances fully-funded School doctoral training grants may be awarded. Additional income can often be generated by tutorial and marking work. For more information contact the School directly.

How To Apply

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree in a Mathematics-related subject, or a lower degree plus an MSc or substantial relevant experience. Learn more about entry requirements. 

International Requirements



International Students

English language

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications is required:

 
  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
 

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

We are internationally renowned for our world-leading research, which involves international and multidisciplinary collaboration.

We have strong research groups in algebra, analysis, combinatorics, continuum mechanics, initiatives and infrastructures, mathematical biology, nonlinear systems, numerical analysis, statistics, and theoretical and computational optimization.

Visit our Pure Mathematics research group website for further information.

Find a PhD

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.