General Advice

Site Logo

If you are interested in applying to do a PhD with us, here is some advice on the application process.

  • We particularly encourage students from underrepresented groups, including women, to apply. We work closely with the Piscopia Initiative to improve the representation at PhD level of women and minority groups in mathematics. Piscopia have produced a booklet with very sound general advice on PhD applications. The Hodge Institute also runs Count Me In, a summer research program for undergraduate mathematicians from underrepresented groups.
  • Application. First check that you satisfy the entry requirements listed on this page. You should then apply to the CDT in Algebra, Geometry and Quantum Fields, to which most of our PhD scholarships are attached. Applications will open in October 2024. In rare cases, offers may be made for non-CDT places, but the initial application route will still be via the CDT.
  • Application deadline. Most students start in September every year. For the upcoming round of admissions, the deadline for completed applications is December 16, 2024 to ensure consideration for CDT funding; later applications will still be reviewed as time permits. To ensure that we receive your completed application, we recommend that you submit your online application by January 6, to allow time for your referees to upload their references.
  • Supervisor. You can name one of more academic staff members you would like to work with in your application form, or leave it blank. You can find out more about us here, and a list of available supervisors is here. Feel free to contact potential supervisors for an informal chat before applying. It’s quite normal for us to receive such requests. All that’s needed is a short email introducing yourself and explaining your interests in a couple of sentences.
  • Funding. PhD positions are typically fully funded for four years: you don’t have to pay the fees, and we will pay you a stipend. We are able to support strong candidates from any part of the world. You can improve your chances of admission if you secure your own funding, see the page on Funding opportunities in the graduate school website.