Pure Mathematics PhD

There are opportunities for postgraduate research in Pure Mathematics, especially in the areas of algebra, analysis, combinatorics and graph theory. Training is provided through individual supervision of research, by advanced seminar courses and conferences, and by generic courses. 

The PhD degree usually involves a qualifying dissertation submitted during the second year of study, which is helpful training for writing the PhD thesis.

Course details

There are opportunities for postgraduate research in Pure Mathematics, especially in the areas of algebra, analysis, combinatorics and graph theory. Training is provided through individual supervision of research, by advanced seminar courses and conferences, and by generic courses. The PhD degree usually involves a qualifying dissertation submitted during the second year of study, which is helpful training for writing the PhD thesis. 

The Pure Mathematics group contributes to research in various parts of algebra, analysis, combinatorics model theory and set theory.  Birmingham is recognised as one of the leading centres in the European Union for research in Extremal Combinatorics group theory and real analysis.

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School of Mathematics

Why study this course

The School of Mathematics has a strong research culture, with researchers of international stature in each of its main specialisms.

We have:

  • around 50 members of academic staff
  • around 60 full-time postgraduate students (UK, EU and International)
  • regular research seminars and specialist meetings providing a stimulating research environment and opportunities to interact with international experts; see the Birmingham Mathematics Institute

Currently thriving at Birmingham are the following research groups: Applied Mathematics: applied analysis, financial mathematics, fluid mechanics, mathematical biology, nonlinear waves, scientific computing Theoretical and Computational Optimization: mathematical theory and methods applicable to managerial decision-making, particularly non-linear, discrete, and multi-criteria optimization Pure Mathematics: algebra, analysis, combinatorics and logic Statistics: nonparametric, robust methods, time series analysis and medical statistics

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Fees and funding

We charge an annual tuition fee. Tuition Fees 2019/20 academic year:

  • £4,320 UK/EU students, full-time
  • £2,160 UK/EU students, part-time
  • £16,740 International students, full-time

Learn more about fees and funding.

2019 China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarships

University of Birmingham PhD Scholarships are available for holders of China Scholarship Council (CSC) studentships. See our  CSC 2019 PhD Scholarships page for more information on eligibility and how to apply. Application deadline is 23:59 (GMT) on 31 January 2019.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD. You will be able to apply for funding for the 2018 to 2019 academic year in summer 2018.

Follow the video link below to find out more
Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

Further information is available at the student finance zone.

Scholarships and studentships

We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at postgraduate level.

Additional scholarships can be found in the funding database.

Contact the department for further information.

We award up to ten home/EU EPSRC doctoral training grants each year to eligible students. In exceptional circumstances fully-funded School doctoral training grants may be awarded. Additional income can often be generated by tutorial and marking work. For more information contact the School directly.

For students applying for the 2020/21 academic year

The UK Government has confirmed that EU students will continue to be eligible for 'home fee status' for entry in September 2020, and will continue to have access to financial support available via student loans for the duration of their course. For more information take a look at the gov.uk website.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree in a Mathematics-related subject, or a lower degree plus an MSc or substantial relevant experience. Learn more about entry requirements. 

International students:

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about  international entry requirements

English language

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications are required:

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with 5.5 minimum band score
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • PTE Academic: 51 in all four skills

Further information about postgraduate English language requirements, including alternative qualifications considered and Pre-Sessional English.

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

OverviewResearch interests

We are internationally renowned for our world-leading research, which involves international and multidisciplinary collaboration. We have strong research groups in algebra, analysis, combinatorics, continuum mechanics, initiatives and infrastructures, mathematical biology, nonlinear systems, numerical analysis, statistics, and theoretical and computational optimization.

The Pure Mathematics Group has internationally renowned research groups in algebra, analysis and combinatorics. In the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008) over half of our research outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Visit our Pure Mathematics research group website for further information.

Teaching and Learning

Training is provided through individual supervision of research, by advanced seminar courses and conferences, and through MAGIC taught courses (see below). The PhD degree involves a qualifying dissertation submitted during the second year of study. We expect students to give seminars, attend conferences and present papers, preparing them for professional life.

A successful PhD student will produce independent and original research work which should contribute to knowledge in the chosen field. This should be an exciting and extremely rewarding experience.

The School of Mathematics is a founding member of MAGIC, the 'Mathematics Access Grid: Instruction and Collaboration'. This is an interactive video conferencing resource, which is used to present lectures to postgraduate students across the whole of England. Our postgraduate lectures are broadcast to about 20 English universities and our students have the opportunity to collaborate with students and academics in other universities. This is a very exciting development and means that postgraduate students will have access to lecturers not available on their own campus.

All PhD students must take five 10 credit graduate level courses during their first three years of study. These are typically MAGIC courses, but they can also be courses presented at Summer Schools or final year undergraduate courses.

We have a vibrant postgraduate society called BUMPS which provides an active social network for research students.

Our webpage for current postgraduate students includes:

  • a comprehensive guide for PhD students
  • a list of recent theses

Related research

Find a PhD

Course detailsEmployability

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Research interests