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Postgraduate Study in Mathematics

 

Applications are welcome in all areas.

Research Topics

Our research page lists the various research groups and their interests. Note that in some cases there are overlaps. You need to determine which group or groups cover your range of interests, and where appropriate identify a potential supervisor as described below.

The following is a list of some, but by no means all, of the current PhD opportunities in DAMTP:

Qualifications

The usual minimum entry requirement is a first class honours degree, awarded after a four-year course in mathematics, physics or engineering, or a three-year degree together with a one-year postgraduate course on advanced applied mathematics and theoretical physics. Please note that a very large majority of the successful applicants for PhD studentships with the High Energy Physics (HEP), General Relativity & Cosmology (GR), and Quantum Information (QI) groups will have taken Part III of the Mathematical Tripos.

Finding a supervisor 

The topic of the research thesis may be chosen from the wide range of subjects studied within the Department. It is expected that applicants to the PhD course will investigate the research interests and expertise of academic staff within DAMTP prior to making a formal application. This should be done by consulting the dedicated page on finding a supervisor, as well 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.

Funding

Applicants with Home fee status will be considered by the Department for a full Research Council studentship (including 3.5 years of maintenance).  Overseas applicants may be considered for partial support.  Receipt of this funding is not guaranteed and all applicants, irrespective of fee status, are expected to apply to other funding schemes for which they are eligible.  Applicants are advised to investigate potential sources of funding as early as possible.

Other funding opportunities for students studying in DAMTP include:

There are other awards available from Cambridge sources outside DAMTP. An up-to-date guide can be found here.

How to apply

Applications must be made via the University Application Portal. Applicants are advised to consult the University Postgraduate Admissions website for details of the admissions process and to review the Course Directory entry for the PhD at DAMTP prior to making an application.

Applicants are encouraged to make informal contact with potential supervisors prior to making an application. Applicants should clearly state in the relevant field of the application form the subject area in which they intend to undertake research as determined under 'Research Topics' above.  If possible they should mention which DAMTP research group(s) they would like to consider their application. We do not expect applicants to submit a detailed research proposal. 

All applicants are required to submit two references, for MASt students this should be an updated reference which covers your performance in the final year at your previous institution. MMath students must include one from their College Director of Studies.

The DAMTP PhD course code is: MAAM21.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The Department would particularly welcome applications from women, since women are, and have historically been, underrepresented in our student cohorts.

Deadlines and Offers

Those wishing to do a PhD in DAMTP are strongly encouraged to apply by 4 January 2024 for admission in October. However, later applications will still be considered where possible (up until the general University deadline). Applicants wishing to explore the possibility of a later start date (January or April) should contact DAMTP prior to submitting an application. Applicants will only be considered for admission in January or April in exceptional circumstances.

Earlier application deadlines apply for:

Postgraduate Open Day

Click here for further information about the Postgraduate Open Day.

Enquiries

If you have queries please contact the Faculty Postgraduate Office