In collaboration with the Mathematics Institute, the Department of Statistics has created the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Mathematics and Statistics.  

Unlike many CDTs, this is not dedicated to a single topic, but covers the range of research interests of both departments. Our vision is to create a thorough training environment in mathematical sciences, spanning theoretical, methodological, and applied areas. 

The CDT environment provides common training to a cohort of PhD students across the mathematical sciences in addition to the specialised work of the PhD project under the supervision of individual faculty members. CDT students choose their supervisor and research topic during the first year of the programme. Both Departments have separate dedicated training programmes in the first year, designed to optimally prepare you for your PhD project work. PhD training that is not via the CDT and where the student works with a nominated supervisor from day one is available only in cases where this training scheme is required by the student’s funding source. 

Further details of potential PhD projects can be found on individual staff web pages. 

Applicants to the CDT do not need a detailed research proposal. However, it will help to indicate your areas of interest. Applicants who require funding from one of the University's scholarship schemes must develop a research proposal in close collaboration with a potential supervisor and are strongly encouraged to contact the department well before applying. 

Teaching and learning

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Mathematics and Statistics is a four-year program that includes a taught component in the first year with modules aimed specifically at research students. These modules are assessed by coursework and oral examination. PhD students also have the option to follow modules from our Masters courses to refine their knowledge in areas appropriate to their future research plans. All first-year students have an Academic Advisor who will help them tailor the training in the first year to fit their background and interests.

An important part of the research training is the first year project, which will be conducted from the start of term three until the end of August. Students can choose their project from a long list of proposals by potential project supervisors in a wide range of topics. Often this project will be the prelude to the actual PhD research.

All PhD students also participate in the Academy for PhD Training in Statistics (APTS), a taught course network that offers residential intensive courses four times per year.