Postgraduate research in Mathematical Sciences

Our world-class research in pure and applied mathematics, theoretical physics, operational research and statistics informs our teaching and industrial collaborations.

Commitment to Excellence and Collaboration

We are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our dedication to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for all students and staff. Equality and diversity are central to our ethos and underpins our research and teaching activities.

Our excellence is further demonstrated by our ranking as 12th in the UK for mathematics research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

We maintain over 100 partnerships across diverse sectors, collaborating with organisations such as Boeing, GlaxoSmithKline, the World Health Organisation, Tesco, and Southampton City Council. These partnerships enable us to apply our expertise to real-world challenges and drive innovation through collaborative research.

Our research spans curiosity-driven and impact-focused projects across pure and applied mathematics, statistics, theoretical physics and operational research.

We have flourishing research groups in:

• data science
• geometric group theory
• gravity
• mathematical biology
• mathematical modelling
• noncommutative geometry and operator algebras
• operational research
• statistics
• string theory
• sustainable energy and climate change mitigation
• topology
• topological data analysis

Our strength is the interdisciplinary ethos across the spectrum of our interests.

We offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including modern mathematics, statistics, actuarial mathematics (with actuarial exemptions), finance, data science, and operational research. Our Maths Student Centre provides a dedicated, large‑capacity learning space designed to support study and foster a strong academic community. Graduates from our programmes progress into exciting and varied careers across academia, industry, government, and beyond.

Find a research project

Apply for a funded studentship

We offer studentships across all current research areas. Explore our research groups and project pages to contact members of staff listed in your area of interest and discuss potential PhD projects. Find out more.

Apply for a funded doctoral training centre studentship

Doctoral training centres offer fully funded studentships which include:

• a taught first year
• 3 year of PhD research

We administer the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) DTP funding for mathematical sciences. Funding decisions are made independently of PhD admission decisions. Find out about EPSRC DTP funding.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships and teaching bursaries. Supervisor can guide you on available opportunities. International students may be able to apply for a scholarship from their home country. Find out about scholarships

Fund your own PhD research project

Once you've found a supervisor, they can help identify potential funding sources. In some cases, we offer match funding. You'll need to state how you intend to pay for your tuition fees when you submit your application.

Find out about funding your PhD

Get industry sponsorship

Some students fund their PhD through support from their employer or industry partners. Supervisors can advise on possible routes.

Take out a PhD loan

Additional funding options include industry sponsorship, UK doctoral loans (up to £30,301 for PhDs starting after 1 August 2025), and charitable funding opportunities.

Find out about PhD loans Learn about charity funding