Berlin Mathematical School

The Berlin Mathematical School (BMS) is a joint graduate program of the mathematics departments at the three universities in Berlin: Freie Universität (FU), Humboldt-Universität (HU) and Technische Universität (TU). It combines the broad expertise in mathematics at the three Berlin universities into an excellent environment for post-graduate studies. Chosen for its innovative concept, its strong cross-disciplinary focus and outstanding teaching schedule tailored to the needs of international students, the BMS obtains major funding as a Graduate School in the framework of the German “Excellence Initiative” since October 2006.

Research Areas
The subject of the Berlin Mathematical School is Mathematics, which encompasses many fields that are traditionally termed either „pure“ or „applied“ mathematics. The BMS prefers, however, not to make that distinction; instead, the research areas covered by the BMS are grouped into seven parts, each of which covers a quite broad, but coherent, part of mathematics:

1. Analysis, geometry, and mathematical physics
2. Algebraic and arithmetic geometry, number theory
3. Probability, statistics, and financial mathematics
4. Discrete mathematics and optimization
5. Visualization and geometry processing
6. Numerical methods and scientific computing
7. Mathematical modeling and applied analysis

PhD program
The BMS PhD program consists of two phases:

Phase I
In three to four semesters Phase I leads from a Bachelor‘s degree level to an oral qualifying exam. The study program for Phase I covers both a broad mathematical background and the specialization required for high-level research. On four days of the week, lectures are offered at the mathematics departments of the three universities, with a coordinated schedule. On Fridays, common activities such as seminars and colloquia take place.

Phase II
Phase II (four to six semesters) is dedicated to thesis research, preferably within one of the focused training programs provided by Research Training Groups (RTGs) and International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRSs), or in research projects such as the DFG Research Center MATHEON, the Collaborative Research Center “Space, Time, Matter”, or one of the interdisciplinary projects. The BMS integrates mathematics RTGs and IMPRSs as certified units that provide the research environment and supervision for Phase II students. For entering straight into Phase II, applicants are expected to have a Master’s degree or equivalent, or must pass the
BMS qualifying exams and meet the regular admission requirements of the Berlin universities‘ Ph.D. programs. Applicants are expected to name a supervisor in their application.

Student benefits
The BMS offers:
1. mentorship programs,
2. conference funds,
3. summer schools,
4. additional financial and organizational support
for students with children,
5. guidance and encouragement for female students,
6. soft skill trainings as well as
7. German language courses for international students,
8.“Buddy” program for new students.
Students have access to all facilities at each of the three universities.

Applications
The application period ends on May 31 of each year for the following academic year (winter and summer semester). The winter semester starts in October and lasts until mid-February, the summer semester begins in mid-April and ends in mid-July.
Applicants interested in a scholarship should submit their application before December 31! After that the allocation of scholarships is subject to availability.

Diversity
Besides striving for academic excellence, the BMS is actively pursuing the goals of internationality, gender equality and diversity and ensuring a working environment that is accepting, liberal, and supportive for ist students, faculty, and employees. The BMS is dedicated to make education available irrespective of race, class and gender.