Postgraduate research
Our PhD Programmes
We offer the following postgraduate research degrees
- MPhil/PhD Mathematics
- MSc by Research Mathematics
Find out more on our research programme page »
Current PhD opportunities with funding
View current funded PhD opportunities »
Other PhD opportunities
We always welcome enquiries from students interested in undertaking a PhD in any areas of our research, and are happy to discuss scholarship and external funding opportunities. Contact an academic directly via our research group pages, call our admissions team on +44 (0) 1392 722730 or enquire online.
Find out more about funding a PhD »
The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy has excellent teaching and research resources. You will have access to our fully-equipped research centres, comprehensive laboratories, workshops and computer facilities.
The excellent computing facilities are based around a Unix/Linux system networked to the University computer system. We have our own supercomputing facility built around a Beowulf cluster which is used, for example, by students modelling astrophysical and geophysical fluid flows. The college has a brand new study area with core texts for courses, individual rooms for study groups to meet, and wireless connection for laptops and LCD TVs to display presentations.
The working environment for postgraduate students is friendly and welcoming: each research student has a desk in a shared or open plan office equipped with a networked computer terminal. We provide training in research methodology and in relevant computer software, bibliographical resourcing and mathematical word-processing. You will have access to state-of-the art facilities for remote collaboration and advanced PhD training via the APTS and MAGIC consortia.
Mathematics brings together our internationally-leading research in several areas of pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics, including number theory, arithmetic geometry, geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics, dynamical systems, control theory, statistical forecasting and uncertainty quantification.
Our research has a strong focus on important applications in fields such as climate science, systems biomedicine, engineering, ecology, epidemiology and natural hazards.
- Pure mathematics - Our research centres on number theory, arithmetic geometry, analysis and dynamical systems.
- Geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics - Our research centres on theoretical fluid dynamics and numerical modelling with applications to atmospheres, oceans, magnetic fields and solar physics.
- Systems, dynamics and control - Our research centres on control theory, dynamical systems and complex systems with applications to biology, medicine and engineering.
- Environmental Mathematics - Our research centres on dynamical modelling, control theory and complexity science with applications to ecology, evolutionary dynamics, infectious diseases and renewable energy.
- Climate dynamics - Our research centres on modelling the climate system and on quantifying and reducing uncertainties in climate projections.
- Statistical science - Our research centres on stochastic modelling, forecasting and uncertainty quantification with applications to the environment, health and decision support.
We are one of only four UK universities to enjoy an academic partnership with the Met Office.
I chose to do my PhD at Exeter because of the strong interdisciplinary collaboration within the university and its links to external bodies such as the UK Met Office and the World Health Organization.
For me, studying for a PhD represents a vast change from taught education, becoming a producer rather than a consumer of knowledge and expertise. Over the last two years I have attended training courses, presented my work at conferences and gained valuable experience teaching undergraduates.
Oliver Stoner - PhD Mathematics, 2022