Applications open from the beginning of September and should be submitted via the Postgraduate Admissions applicant portal.
Academic requirements
The usual minimum entry requirement is a first-class honours degree, awarded after a four-year course in mathematics or mathematics-related subject, or a three-year degree together with a one-year postgraduate course on advanced mathematics or a mathematics-related subject. Part III (MMath/MASt) of the Mathematical Tripos provides such a course. Note, however, that entry is competitive and a higher level of preparation may be required.
Deadline for applying
We strongly encourage all applicants to apply by 12:00am (midnight) UK time on 5 January 2023. It is important that applicants wishing to be considered submit their application and supply all the necessary supporting documentation by this date as shortlisting for interview will take place shortly thereafter.
Please refer to the Postgraduate Admissions website for other potential earlier funding deadlines.
Finding a supervisor
The topic of the research thesis may be chosen from the wide range of subjects studied within the Faculty and CCIMI. It is expected that applicants to the PhD course will investigate the research interests and expertise of academic staff prior to making a formal application. This should be done by consulting the dedicated page on finding a supervisor, as well as research pages of our website, and individual profiles of our academic staff.
Applicants are encouraged to make informal contact with potential supervisors prior to making an application. Applicants should clearly state in the 'Proposed supervisor' field of the application form the name(s) of those member(s) of academic staff with whom they wish to work, and provide a clear indication of the areas or topics in which they intend to undertake research in the 'Research Summary' field. We do not currently require submission of a separate detailed research proposal.
Selection process
After the January closing date, we will review all the applications received and contact those who have been shortlisted to invite them for an interview. Space limitations may mean that late applications cannot be considered.
Interviews take place either in Cambridge or online. During the interview, the panel will try to ascertain the extent of the applicant's mathematical knowledge and experience. We aim to contact all interviewees within a week or two of the interview with a provisional outcome. It is important to note, however, that formal offers of admission can only be made by the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Office.
Applicants should expect to receive a decision within twelve weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents. Applicants should check the Applicant Portal for formal notification of the outcome of their application.
Equality and Diversity
The Faculty aims to implement good practice that benefits all, men and women, equally and has a solid foundation of policies and practices to eliminate gender bias and promote an inclusive culture. The Faculty holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award for promoting women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine and supports the aims of the Charter Scheme and the LMS Good Practice Scheme in seeking to advance women's careers in the mathematical sciences.
The Department would particularly welcome applications from women, since women are, and have historically been, underrepresented in our student cohorts.
