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Postgraduate Study in Mathematics

 

Information for new PhD students

Welcome to the Faculty of Mathematics

Michaelmas Term 2024

Please familiarise yourself with the information on this page in advance of your arrival. If you have any queries, please contact the Postgraduate Office. 

The Faculty is located in the Centre for Mathematical Sciences (CMS). The main entrance to the Centre, with reception desk, is at the east end of the building and is approached from Clarkson Road. View directions and map. Find your way around CMS.

Induction meetings and safety training

The PhD induction will take place on Tuesday 8 October 2024.

The schedule for the induction meeting will be available to download from here soon. 

All PhD students must complete the online University Postgraduate Safety Course before they start their research activities. Book a place here. Please make sure to complete this course before the end of your first week.

 

Computing and IT

You will have two computing accounts.

  • Your Cambridge log-in (previously known as Raven) provides access to your Cambridge email and most University resources.  Further details on how and when to activate this are provided in the online guide to 'Getting started with IT'.
  • Your Maths log-in uses your CRSid (collected as part of the process above) and a unique password which you can collect online. This gives you access to local resources such as your home directory and store space, and the ability to edit your webpage profile. The Postgraduate Office will request your Maths account when you have met your offer conditions and been confirmed for admission/continuation by the University.  It should be available for you to collect by the start of term.  Please contact the Postgraduate Office if you encounter difficulties with accessing your password.

For your office you will be provided with peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse) so that you can connect a laptop.  To obtain these please contact the Computing and IT team at help@maths.cam.ac.uk.  If you do not already have one, your Department is able to offer (limited) financial support to put toward purchase of a laptop.  See Computing arrangements for incoming PhD students for details.

You will be provided with an IT induction upon arrival.  In addition, the Maths Computing and IT team provide information on resources and access via the Maths Computing and IT webpages.

Handbooks and Code of Practice for Research Students

The Faculty of Mathematics  Research Student Handbook, CMI Handbook, as well as the University’s Code of Practice for Research Students, provide information, guidance and advice. Please take time to read these important documents. 

 

Funding

  • If your maintenance (living costs) will paid to you by the Department, please send us your bank details by returning a completed UPS3 form to the Postgraduate Office. You must also include a recent bank statement (you can black out account balance and transactions). We can accept UK bank accounts and international online bank accounts, like Revolut and Monzo.
  • If you do not have a UK or international bank account, please wait until you have arrived and set one up before providing the above information.
  • EPSRC / NERC / STFC funded students also need to create a Je-S account. Instructions are here. Your funding source can be found in your funding offer letter, but if you are unsure please contact the Postgraduate Office. Je-S is the online system via which the Department is required to report to funding bodies. You will also be required to declare your research output via Researchfish

Office Allocations

All PhD students are allocated office desk space in CMS. Please see the relevant staff member (see below) to collect your key and find out where you will be. Please note your offices will not be ready before your induction.

  • DPMMS students - Postgraduate Office C0.15 (£20 cash deposit required)
  • CMI students - Postgraduate Office C0.15
  • DAMTP students - your Pavilion/Group Secretary will contact you directly about arrangements for collecting keys.  If you do not hear from them please let the Postgraduate Office know and we will point you in the right direction.

Supervising Undergraduates

An email concerning supervision of undergraduates will be circulated to all new students ahead of the start of term.  Before you can undertake supervision of undergraduates, either for the Mathematical Tripos or for Mathematics in the Natural Sciences Tripos, you must complete appropriate training. Further details can be found on our Supervision and Teaching Training page.

Getting Started

Practical tips for working in the Faculty will be provided at Induction. You might also find these guides useful for settling in and learning what to expect from academic life.

  • Arrange to meet your supervisor on arrival. We recommend discussing your project, recommended training and expectations about how often you will meet
  • The PhD CamGuides contain useful information on navigating life as a PhD student such as arriving in the city, understanding Cambridge University jargon, interviews with current students, links to wellbeing and community
  • The International Student Office also produce a guide which contains practical tips for arriving such as finding your way to Cambridge, opening a bank account and accessing healthcare
  • Check when your first lectures are in the Faculty Lecture List. Lectures start on the first Thursday of term

 

Other Useful Information

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