Information for an application to Mathematics Research (PhD)

Students interested in applying to a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) should follow the application process for the relevant CDT as detailed on the CDT’s website, as the process may be different to the detailed below.

A comprehensive guide to the application process can be found on the College webpages.  

The standard Mathematics PhD programme academic eligibility requirements are:

• A first or upper second -class honours degree (or equivalent from a non-UK University) and a master’s degree in relevant subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Computer Sciences, Statistics. 
  OR
• A first or upper second -class integrated master’s degree (or equivalent from a non-UK University), in a relevant subject such as Mathematics, Physics, Computer Sciences, Statistics.

Candidates who do not meet the above criteria but have outstanding accomplishments in other areas (e.g. through previous work or research experience) may also be considered.

Students are required to achieve the College’s Standard level of attainment in English language before registration. More information can be found on the English language requirements page.

Students with Overseas qualifications can check the College’s minimum entry requirements using Country Index.

Students who require a visa to study in UK can find visa information on Visa and Immigration website. 

Most non-EEA nationals will require ATAS clearance for this programme. ATAS processing times are long. Students who require ATAS should apply as soon as they receive an offer. Information about ATAS requirement and guidance how to complete an ATAS application can be found here.

Applications open in October, and then are accepted throughout the year. Funding decisions are typically made starting in December and ending in April. For applicants requiring funding, we recommend that you apply early (October to March) to increase the chances of securing supervision and funding. 

Before you submit your formal application to the College, we strongly encourage you to contact those academic staff members with whom you would like to work, to discuss the project you are interested in, and to check if they are planning on taking new PhD students. 

Once your potential supervisor has agreed to support your PhD application, you should clearly name them in your application.

If you are unable to find an academic who is happy for you to indicate their name as prospective supervisor on your online application, you can still apply without naming a supervisor. It is important that you indicate on your application the Stream/research group with which you might be affiliated: (Pure, Applied, Stats, MF). This will then go to a pool of applications, where academics in the department are invited to look through and decide if there were an applicant they would like to interview. However, from previous admission cycles’ experience, those applications are less likely to receive a quick, positive outcome.

View members of the Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Physics section
View members of the Mathematical Finance section
View members of the Pure Mathematics section
View members of the Statistics section

When contacting an academic, it is important to: 

• Ask if they are planning on taking a new PhD student next academic year.
• Give a very brief (short paragraph) description of what research you have done in your previous degree.
• Tell them briefly about your research interest and how it aligns with their research.
• Be specific and write personable emails: avoid being general with the copy-and-paste-one-message-fits-all emails.
• Be brief: long emails discourage people from reading on.
• Include your funding status (secured funding, self-funded, needs funding), and whether you are a UK or Overseas Applicant.

Applications are submitted through the College online application system My Imperial. 

As part of the application, you will be asked to provide a CV, a personal statement and transcripts. You will also need to name two academic referees and provide their contact email (professional) so we can contact them for references.

A Research proposal is not essential. However, applicants who want to be considered for the President’s Scholarship are required to provide a Research proposal as part of their Personal statement. You can do it when submitting your application, or later, after securing a departmental nomination for this award (note that at this stage nominees will receive a short, 1-2 day notice to provide a Research proposal).

Your application will be reviewed first by the Faculty Admissions team, who will check that you meet the minimum eligibility criteria. After their eligibility check, your application is passed to the department and assessed by the department’s Admissions team, including the proposed supervisor. If you are shortlisted for an interview your prospective supervisor will contact you to arrange it. In addition to covering your academic profile and motivation for PhD, some technical questions may be asked during the interview. 

Applicants who pass the interview stage will be considered for funding on a rolling basis. If you are awarded a studentship, you will be notified by email and made an offer of admission. 

Please note that we normally only make offers for admission to applicants who secured funding. If you do not wish to be considered for Imperial College funding, please let your supervisor know so you can be considered for a non-funded offer of admission.  

You should expect to receive a decision on your application within 12 weeks of the application arriving in the Department. You can check the decision on the admissions system.