PhD Pure Mathematics at University of Essex

Programme overview

The PhD in Pure Mathematics offers research opportunities in areas such as algebraic geometry, group theory, semigroup theory, and combinatorics and differential equations. Staff publish in journals including the Journal of Algebra, Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra, Acta Arithmetica, Discrete Mathematics and Journal of Group Theory.

Department: School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science | Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time (minimum three years) | Intake: January 2027 | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

A PhD typically involves wide reading in the first year, then developing original results in the second and third years before writing them up as a thesis.

Career pathways

Former PhD students have become academics at institutions such as Cambridge and Nottingham, or postdoctoral fellows, research impact officers and lecturers at Essex; others have joined the Met Office, the Ministry of Defence and companies in the City of London.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A good honours degree and a Masters degree in a relevant subject, plus a well-developed research proposal. Applicants may be interviewed, and acceptance depends on research expertise in the department. English language (international applicants): IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all other components, or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year. Home/UK fee; fees increase for each academic year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 20,625 a year. International fee; fees increase for each academic year of study Source

Intake: January 2027

Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time (minimum three years)

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