Postgraduate research degrees in mathematical sciences
Find out about our phd degrees, funding opportunities and how you can apply..
- Mathematical sciences PhDs (full or part time)
The Department of Mathematical Sciences is offers fully funded PhD studentships across its 6 main research groups of Algebra & Geometry, Analysis, Applied & Interdisciplinary Mathematics, Numerical Analysis and Data Science , Probability, and Statistics. Interdisciplinary research includes the areas of data science, machine learning, image processing, the mathematics of networks, and industrial mathematics.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Bath is one of the UK's leading research groups. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 96% of our research was rated world leading/internationally excellent.
There is a strong culture of inclusion and mutual support within the Department and we value diversity. Postgraduate students are able to access a variety of training courses, are encouraged to attend international scientific meetings, and have the chance to work collaboratively with people across the Department, other scientific areas, industrial partners, and international groups.
More information on broad research themes can be found through our research group pages:
- Algebra, geometry, and number theory
- Applied and interdisciplinary mathematics
- Numerical Analysis and Data Science
- Probability
- How to apply
Our students are funded through a variety of sources, including competitively through the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership allocation to Mathematical Science, the University of Bath, and the Mandy Norton PhD Scholarship.
You can see full details on applying for a PhD at Bath or follow the links to get straight to the application form.
- Apply directly for PhD in mathematical sciences
- Apply directly for PhD in statistics (including probability)
- Centre for Doctoral Training in Statistical Applied Mathematics
PhDs in statistical applied mathematics are delivered through SAMBa and are for five years (four years funded), with the first year consisting of taught courses, training in problem formulation, and research skills. You will be part of a large cohort of students and during your first year, will explore opportunities for research and scope your own PhD project, possibly in collaboration with researchers outside of the department.
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Find out more about the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Statistical Applied Mathematics at Bath
SAMBa is the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in S tatistical A pplied M athematics at Ba th. We offer 10-15 fully-funded PhD studentships a year. Our four-year programme of research and training is delivered in a world-class environment with opportunities to work flexibly across mathematical disciplines. Our PhD students are trained to become fearless in formulating large-scale challenges in the language of statistical applied mathematics and become leading problem-solvers.
We provide our students with a broad range of mathematical, computational and statistical skills, as well as developing expertise in collaboration with industry, government and applied sciences throughout their course. Due to the nature and flexibility of the SAMBa programme, our graduates are well placed to take up roles in both academia and industry.
EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) deliver four year funded PhD programmes within a broad area of research. Students are enrolled as part of a cohort and receive training as a group alongside their PhD research.
Organising training across a cohort helps to build a breadth of expertise in a supportive environment, and enables inclusive approaches that deliver high-impact research. SAMBa has built a creative and innovative community of students, staff, and industrial and international partners, who work together to deliver exciting research. The bonds built and expertise shared during the early stages of cohort training will place students in a network of researchers who support each other in everything from peer-learning of new mathematical techniques to student-led ED&I initiatives such as ‘ Behind the Research ‘.
Read more: EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training exercise 2023
Statistical Applied Mathematics refers to the interface of applied mathematics, probability, statistics, computation and data science. There is a broad spectrum of research in this area that ranges from fundamental to applied.
Find out more about the type of projects that SAMBa staff and students are working on: SAMBa research
Established in 2014, SAMBa has trained 100’s of students from all over the world and was awarded a 3rd round of EPSRC funding in 2024, which will support the recruitment of a new cohort of PhD students each year until 2028.
SAMBa was born out of the UK industry and academic need for highly-skilled graduates capable of developing new mathematical solutions to problems that arise in an era dominated by data. That need has deepened and accelerated in recent years with increased awareness of the power of data-integrative approaches, and the rapid development of machine learning techniques advancing faster than the UK skills base has been able to keep pace. Since its inception, SAMBa has been at the forefront of training a new generation of research leaders at the interface of applied mathematics, probability, statistics, computation and data science.
We now have a substantial pool of graduates who have successful careers in academic and industry: SAMBa Alumni
SAMBa is funded primarily by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) , part of UK Research and Innovation . This funding is supplemented by significant funding from the University of Bath. SAMBa’s government, industrial and academic partners invest in research and training to ensure impact and relevance. In 2024, SAMBa secured funding to extend the CDT until 2032.
Read the funding announcement from 2024:
- £1 billion doctoral training investment announced
- University of Bath to receive £25 million to train tomorrow’s research leaders
SAMBa promotes a vibrant and inclusive culture within the staff and student population based on: academic excellence in research; deep industrial partnerships developed through our emphasis on collaborative problem formulation and an international outlook grounded in strong academic links with global partners who share our vision. SAMBa training develops a deep and broad skill set in our students and is reinforced by our strong commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion.
Diversity is an essential component of SAMBa’s success and enables us to deliver an excellent research and training experience.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are embedded into the ethos of SAMBa. We believe a diverse group of researchers leads to creative thinking, exciting research, big impact and a valuable training experience.
Diversity is not something that should be forced, but developed from an inclusive and supportive culture, which makes everyone feel welcome. This is integral to the expectation we have that our students will not only support each other but learn from each other.
For more information please see: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The SAMBa CDT is located within the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Bath. Within Mathematics, there are over 80 academic staff and around 150 postdocs and PhD students, working in a highly supportive, collaborative and diverse environment, at the forefront of mathematics and statistics research.
- An internationally recognised mathematics research department with excellence in teaching at all levels
- 98% of our research outputs were ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (with 57% ‘world-leading’) in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021)
- Research groups share a focus on a particular research area within a strong culture of collaboration and mutual support
The University of Bath is one of the UK’s leading universities, regularly ranked highly in the National Student Survey (NSS) for student satisfaction and in the top ten of national league tables. The University is based on a single campus giving access to research and facilities including the renowned Sports Training Village . There are over 19,000 students enrolled at the University of Bath, over 6,000 of whom are postgraduate students, with 147 nationalities represented.
Studying at Bath means joining our multicultural community on a vibrant, friendly campus in a historic city. We’re a university that’s well placed to help you succeed, wherever you’re from. We’re ranked highly for overall performance, student satisfaction, and graduate employment. Our research is helping to change the world for the better; we work in partnership to help create a healthier, more sustainable and connected future for us all.
Find out more:
- University of Bath homepage
- Rankings and Reputation
- Our research impact
Bath is a beautiful city of around 80,000 people located in the south-west of England. in 1987 the city was inscribed as a World Heritage Site, designated by UNESCO in order to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. There are outstanding architectural sights, thriving cultural, social and shopping opportunities and the ability to escape to one of the many green spaces within and just outside the city.
The city was first established as a spa town with the Latin name Aquae Sulis by the Romans around AD60. They built a temple and the famous Roman Baths , which have now been restored. Its popularity as a spa town during the Georgian era led to a major expansion that left a heritage of Georgian architecture crafted from the honey-coloured Bath stone.
The city has a strong cultural heritage with a number of theatres, museums, art galleries and annual festivals of literature, film and art. There is also a popular annual Christmas market .
There are a number of sporting venues around the city including Bath Rugby , Bath Racecourse and Bath City Football Club .
Bath is less than one and a half hours from London by train and 15 miles from the city of Bristol which has an airport that flies to many locations across Europe. It is an easy day trip to beautiful countryside and coastline.
For general enquiries:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 (0)1225 383251
The University’s main campus is located at Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
See: Campus map and further location details
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about the programme
Lou Adkin, Centre Coordinator
- [email protected]
- +44 (0)1225 383251
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