A young man in a red checked shirt standing in front of a red-brick building with autumnal trees in front

Postgraduate Research

Mathematics research degrees

Choose a research programme

Mode and duration

Start date

The length of programme registration will be longer as it includes the maximum writing-up phase.

Apply now

Find a researcher

How to applyHow to apply

Choose to study for an MSc by Thesis or PhD degree in Mathematics at Hull. Themes include pure and applied maths, probability and statistics.

About our Mathematics research degrees

Join a close-knit department and be supported by renowned academics working at the forefront of mathematical research with a PhD or Masters by Research at the University of Hull.

Our staff have a wide range of expertise in many different areas, from pure maths theories around low-dimensional topology and asymptotic geometric analysis, to fluid dynamics, superstring theory and astrophysics across other disciplines.

We welcome research proposals in any of our specialisms and while studying towards a PhD at Hull, you’ll be fully supported by two supervisors who are able to offer expert supervision in your area.

Research topics

Our key research interests can be broadly themed into the following:

The Postgraduate Training Scheme

It is now widely recognised by employers, professional bodies and research funding agencies that specialist expertise alone is not sufficient preparation either for research or a subsequent career. With this in mind, we require all our postgraduate research students to follow a research training programme relating both to their particular field of study and to generic skills; for example, information technology and communication skills.

Find out more

Programme structure

PhD structure


Full time	Part time
3 years of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required	6 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required

Masters structure


Full time	Part time
1 year of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required	2 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required

Writing up and thesis submission

A standard full-time PhD programme comprised three years of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation (also referred to as “writing-up”). Part-time is six years plus up to 24 months thesis finalisation if needed. Full-time standard Masters programmes are comprised one year of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation needed; and part time Masters programmes have two years of research with up to two years of thesis finalisation.

For full-time students, the thesis finalisation phase should take three months but may be extended to one year without further paperwork. For part-time students, thesis finalisation should take six months, but may be extended to two years without further paperwork. The maximum thesis finalisation period is included in your overall programme length, which means that international PGRs will not need to apply for an additional visa to cover this phase.

If you need to move into the thesis finalisation period of your research degree, you must enrol for this phase and you will be liable to pay a continuation fee.

Thesis submission timelines

It is expected that you will submit your thesis within the timeframes outlined below:

Masters degrees

Submission by one year and 3 months full-time.
Submission by 2 years and 6 months part-time.

Doctoral degrees

Submission by 3 years and 3 months full-time.
Submission by 6 years and 6 months for part-time.

Entry Requirements

What do I need?

You should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in mathematics or a related discipline appropriate to your intended research.

Please contact your prospective supervisor in the first instance. Once a member of staff has agreed to supervise your research project in principle, please make a formal application.

Typical offer

2:1 in a relevant subject area