Mathematics - Research

Overview

The Mathematical Research Centre conducts world-class research in the following areas: Algebra, Analysis, Operator Algebras, Algebraic Topology, Topological Data Analysis, PDEs, Survival Analysis, Bayesian Networks, Data Analytics and Operational Research. It maintains vibrant international links with a large number of researchers around the globe and regularly hosts international conferences and research visitors.



Queen’s is ranked in the top 170 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022) and 18 in the world for international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023).



List of researchers, their interests and upcoming PhD projects can be found at:

https://web.am.qub.ac.uk/wp/msrc/



Subject Summary

The focus of the PhD is to carry out research under the guidance of your supervisor. Over the course of study you can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School. You will normally register, in the first instance, as an ‘undifferentiated PhD student’ which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree. The decision as to whether you should undertake an MPhil or a PhD is delayed until you have completed ‘differentiation’. Differentiation takes place about 9-12 months after registration for full time students and about 18-30 months for part-time students. You are normally asked to submit work to a panel of up to two academics and this is followed up with a formal meeting with ‘Differentiation Panel’. The Panel then make a judgement about your capacity to continue with your study. Sometimes students are advised to revise their research objectives or to consider submitting their work for an MPhil qualification rather than a doctoral qualification. To complete with a doctoral qualification you will be required to submit a thesis of original and novel research and you will be required to attend a viva voce (oral examination) with an external and internal examiner to defend your thesis.



Mode of study / duration

Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).



Course structure

There is no specific course content as such. A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can register for a writing up year should it be required.



The PhD is open to both full and part time candidates and is often a useful preparation for a career within academia or consultancy.

Graduate

The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time.

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects

Introduction

Mathematical and statistical skills are in great demand in the economy, particularly the advanced skills developed at the PhD level.



Employment after the Course

As well as continuing in research careers, our PhD graduates have also gone on to work in finance, computing, data analysis, management and teaching. Our advisors will be happy to provide further information on the career prospects arising from your chosen research area. Further information on careers can be obtained from the School and the Faculty.

Research information


Associated Research

Algebraic Topology

Non-commutative Functional Analysis, with an emphasis on Operator Algebras, Operator Theory and Amenability