Mathematics (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

DPhil
The DPhil in Mathematics is an advanced research degree which provides the opportunity to investigate a project in depth and write a thesis which makes a significant contribution in the field. You will gain a wide range of research and other skills as well as in-depth knowledge and expertise in your chosen field, whilst studying in a beautiful, modern setting.

During your study at Oxford, you can share in the excitement of contributing to research in one or more of the many topics studied by Oxford mathematicians. The department’s research covers the entire spectrum of mathematics, with subject areas including:

algebra (primarily group theory and representation theory)
number theory
algebraic geometry
differential geometry
topology
complex manifolds
global analysis
partial differential equations
functional analysis
stochastic analysis
dynamical systems
mathematical logic
optimisation
combinatorial theory
quantum theory
string theory
relativity
mathematical biology and ecology
mathematical modelling
fluid and continuum mechanics
mathematical and computational finance
numerical analysis
history of mathematics
mathematics applied to problems in earth sciences, materials science and finance
data science
network science.

You will be asked to outline your research interests when you apply by listing at least one but no more than three of the fields of research listed above on your application form. More information about the Research Groups in the Mathematical Institute can be found on the department's website. Full instructions for completing this section of the application form can be found in the How to apply section of this page.

You will be expected to acquire transferable skills as part of your training, which will require you to attend courses, lectures, workshops and colloquia. You will be expected to complete a minimum of 68 hours of broadening training during your studies, comprising the equivalent of 3 standard 16-hour lecture courses and attendance at relevant seminars and colloquia. You will have the opportunity to develop other valuable skills and to contribute to the teaching work of the department, both by marking students’ work and later by leading classes of around eight to twelve students.

Undertaking the course is regarded as equivalent to working full-time hours and may also sometimes require some additional hours. The minimum period of registration for the DPhil is six terms but in practice you may need nine terms at least.

MSc by Research
The MSc by Research is an advanced research degree which provides the opportunity to investigate a project in depth and write a thesis which makes a significant contribution in the field. The research project is however designed to take less time than a Doctorate degree (normally two years, though it is possible to complete the requirements in a single year). It is not intended as a first step towards a DPhil, but rather as an alternative to a DPhil. Few students opt to apply for the MSc by Research unless there are limitations on the time or funding available.

There are no associated lectures, classes or written examinations. Your project can be in any of the subject areas for which supervision is available. The department’s research covers the entire spectrum of mathematics, with subject areas including:

Algebra (primarily group theory and representation theory)
Geometry
Topology
Mathematical biology and ecology
Industrial and applied mathematics (including fluid and solid mechanics, geosciences, mathematical physiology, methodologies, and networks)
Numerical analysis.

For the full description, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas