PhD projects

We welcome applications to study for a PhD in any of the research areas covered by our group. To get an idea of what kind of project you might be interested in, it will help to look at our staff members’ websites or some of their recent publications. You can also contact a member of staff directly for more insights into what type of research we do.

As is standard in the UK, you must directly apply to the University rather than sending documents to us by email, and funding for a PhD is separate from the academic offer of a place to study.

PhD funding: For October 2026 starts, there is limited funding via EPSRC & STFC studentships and the Derek Collins studentship. These studentships are open to students with Home fee status only (typically requiring UK or Irish nationality or long-term residency). 

EPSRC: These studentships cover projects in mathematical physics. To be considered for EPSRC funding, submit an application via the EPSRC DLA by 15th January 2026 (5pm). Our projects (list below) are considered “student-led proposals” and require the application code S3.5-MPS-Open. It helps if you give a motivation for what types of projects you would consider and why. Your application should be complete before any funding deadline.

Derek Collins: More information will be provided soon, please check the page for PhD studentships in Mathematical and Physical Sciences. (We expect a similar funding deadline.)

STFC: Funding covers the areas of astronomy/astrophysics (including cosmology). To be considered, submit a standard PhD application and state that you would like to be considered for a STFC studentship. (Again, application deadline to be confirmed.)

For 2026 we have no PhD funding for international (Overseas) students. If other sources of funding are available to you, you can apply for a place to study at any time, although we will primarily review applications after the funding deadlines in January. Please contact the potential supervisor before submitting an application. We aim to conclude interviews and make offers in February 2026 (for October 2026 starts).

Further information on how to apply for a PhD and what to consider in your application can be found here. A list of possible projects (with possible routes for funding for Home students) is given below. Again, note that the projects do not come with funding on their own; funding is only awarded via a competition across Mathematics and Statistics.