MPhil/PhD Mathematics

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE. For this reason, we recommend that you take a look at our staff research interests before applying.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your form, including your:

• academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
• statement of academic purpose
• references
• CV
• outline research proposal
• sample of written work.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Academic achievement
Provide detailed transcripts, with individual marks for all courses on your undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes you've completed, and any available/provisional marks obtained in your current degree programme.

CV

• Provide details of your education history.
• Provide details of any employment history or other professional experience, including internships or volunteering activities.
• Mention any relevant prior research experience, such as thesis work, research projects.
• If relevant, mention any career breaks or career changes, for example due to caring responsibilities.

Statement of Academic Purpose (1-page long)

• Explain your motivation for doing a PhD.
• Explain your current career goals and aspirations and clarify how the PhD programme might help you realise them.

Outline Research Proposal (1-2 pages long)

Many applicants will have little or no prior experience of research and therefore we don't expect a fully developed research proposal. The following is a recommendation of what to address, in a concise manner, in the research proposal.

• Explain which overall research area you are interested in and explain why.
• Provide an example of one or two research papers that you've read or open problems you have heard about (in your proposed research area) and explain why you found them interesting.
• Clarify who you see as potential supervisors and explain why.
• Explain how your training and skills are suitable for conducting research in your area of interest. For example, provide specific examples of related courses you have taken, and any research, internship, or work experiences that are relevant to your research area of interest.
• If applicable, describe how any dissertation work from your BSc or MSc is relevant to your planned PhD research (be aware that this research will most likely be different).

Sample of written work (at least 5 pages long)

Submit something that showcases your mathematical writing and that is single-authored by you. For example, this could be a thesis, a project report, or some detailed exercise solutions. We like to see a writing sample that contains both mathematical details and plain text in which you discuss/interpret/explain the mathematical results. You can submit more than one writing sample if you only have short pieces of written work. If you've contributed substantially to any co-authored paper/report that you'd like to be considered as part of your application, you can include this in addition to your single-authored sample of written work.

See further information on supporting documents.

References

You'll need to nominate two referees. Academic referees are preferred, ie, people who have taught you at university level.

If you can find a referee who can specifically comment on your research potential and your academic background in your chosen research area, that would be helpful. If you have any previous research experience, you could ask supervisors/project partners for a reference letter. An academic reference from your current degree programme where you already took exams are usually most helpful. If you haven't taken any exams in your current programme yet, you can also ask for reference letters from previous degrees.

The referees will be asked to provide a reference letter and answer a selection of multiple-choice questions in which they will need to provide an assessment of your academic performance/potential etc. and research potential.

Completed applications are sent to the Department after they are processed by the Graduate Admissions Office. In the department, the numbers and quality of competing applications and the availability of an appropriate supervisor are considered. If your application is shortlisted for consideration, an interview will be arranged with the appropriate members of staff by telephone or video conferencing software. Once all interviews have been conducted, the department will decide on who to accept and who to offer funding. If your application is received before the deadline, we aim to notify you about the outcome by the end of Winter Term.

Please note that LSE allows part-time PhD study only under limited circumstances. If you wish to study part-time, you should mention this (and the reasons for it) in your statement of academic purpose, and discuss it at interview if you're shortlisted.

We'll consider applications for part-time registrations in the PhD programme, subject to visa regulations. Applicants with personal circumstances such as caring responsibilities who may otherwise not pursue a PhD may consider this route. We emphasise that studying for a PhD requires a serious commitment of regular periods of time and concentration. Pursuing a PhD while holding full-time employment is discouraged.

We'd need to see evidence that you:

• would be available to participate in activities that are essential to becoming an independent researcher (eg, attend seminars, go to conferences, follow taught courses in their first year(s), and so on)
• can find mutual times to work with your proposed supervisor
• can spend sufficient time on their PhD research.

Can I apply to start in the Winter Term (January) or Spring Term (April)?

Under execptional circumstances, starting in January may be permissable. Starting in the Spring Term is not permitted.

I'm already enrolled in a PhD programme at another university and I would like to transfer to your PhD programme. How do I do that?

LSE doesn't accept transfer of credits. All MPhil/PhD applicants, regardless of previous academic experience, are required to complete a formal application. Previous research will be considered, but all students are initially registered as MPhil students by the School, are upgraded to PhD status according to the department's standard policy and are required to fulfil the School's minimum registration requirements.

Supervisors are selected during the application process, where we take into account the information and preferences you mention in your application. You'll be assigned to:

• One or two principal supervisor(s) with requisite knowledge in your chosen field. Most of your day-to-day supervision will be with the principal supervisor(s). If the research project or your interests shift during your time in the Department, it is possible to change principal supervisor(s).
• If there is only one principal supervisor, an appropriate second supervisor will be appointed. There will always be a principal supervisor from the Department of Mathematics. Where appropriate, a second or joint supervisor may be appointed from another department or institution.

All mathematics MPhil/PhD students are usually expected to undertake some class teaching for the Department. You will be paid separately for this. Further details will be provided on your arrival.

Each registered PhD student in the Department is entitled to claim up to £500 per academic year towards their research expenses relating directly to your studies, such as the purchase of books or conference attendance. All claims must be accompanied by full receipts.

Students are provided with their own workspace and Windows PC within the Department of Mathematics’ PhD study room. This area was recently renovated, and has been modernised to become a professional, purposeful, and relaxed work environment. Students are thus offered a supportive environment within a community of scholars and are well-placed to pursue a career building on their research accomplishments.

In addition to the space provided in Columbia House, a dedicated Postgraduate Common Room is available to students in 32 Lincoln's Inn Fields. Students will also find the PhD Academy useful, a dedicated space and services hub for doctoral candidates.

Students will have access to the comprehensive facilities of the LSE Library and to the libraries of other colleges of the University of London. They'll also benefit from the IT and other facilities available at the School.