Cambridge Mathematics Placements (CMP) programme
The Cambridge Mathematics Placements (CMP) programme connects undergraduate and Master’s students at Cambridge with placement hosts in industry, the public sector, and other university departments. Mathematical research questions arise in a wide range of disciplines. Our CMP hosts are looking to engage talented mathematicians to tackle those questions by undertaking projects that frequently lead to real impact in the field.
As a CMP student you will gain experience conducting research outside the lecture room, and develop invaluable transferable skills. Whether you are looking for a career in industry after you graduate or hope to pursue a career as an academic mathematician, a CMP project offers you a unique opportunity to experience how the outside world used mathematics.
Finding a Project
Hosts propose specific projects for which they would like to recruit a mathematics student. These are listed on our webpages (link below) from January onwards. You can apply for the projects you are interested in by writing to the contact given in the project listing.
Come along to the CMP Lunchtime Seminar Series in February 2024 to hear hosts give a short presentation about their project. There will be an opportunity afterwards for you to chat informally with them about their projects. A successful and enjoyable project depends on a good fit between your expectations and the host supervisor’s needs. It is good practice to talk with several potential supervisors about their projects.
Eligibility
The CMP programme is open to Cambridge students in Part IB, Part II, and Part III of the Mathematical Tripos.
Timeline Summary
- CMP projects are listed on our webpages from January and you will have the opportunity to meet with hosts and speak to them about their projects in February at the CMP Lunchtime Seminar series
- The recommended deadline for applying to CMP projects that interest you is Friday 23 February 2024. We ask hosts not to decide on a student for their projects until after this date – so your best chance of securing a project is to apply before this deadline. After this date you may continue to contact hosts and apply for any projects that are not marked as already filled on the website.
- Hosts are advised to make their offers before 8 March 2024.
- For some academic CMP projects, you may need to apply for support from the CMS Bursary Fund. The deadline for bursary applications is Monday 18 March 2024. For more information, please see the Funding your Project page.
- Projects typically take place for 6-10 weeks between June and September. The project dates, working arrangements and hours, are agreed directly between you and your host.
- The CMP Presentation Day will take place on Wednesday 21 August 2024. This is the annual showcase of the projects undertaken by maths students as part of the CMP programme. Students are invited to give a 20-minute presentation on their projects. All host supervisors and partners are invited to attend. It will be a full-day event concluding with drinks and formal dinner at a Cambridge college.
All the important dates and deadlines for 2024 can be found on the Dates and Deadlines page.
