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The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (MACS) at Heriot-Watt University offers high quality PhD programmes

PhD Opportunities in the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (MACS)

The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (MACS) at Heriot-Watt University offers high quality PhD programmes, in a welcoming and engaging environment

Our research culture and environment

We have a strong and vibrant PhD research community within MACS, with opportunities across Mathematics, Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, and Computer Science.

Our PhD opportunities provide you with the necessary skills and expertise to become successful in academia and industry. You will join our established research department, which has recently been awarded the Athena SWAN Silver Award.

Our PhD Programmes

We offer PhD projects in Mathematics (Pure and Applied), Statistics, Actuarial Mathematics and Computer Science.

As a PhD student, you will receive bespoke industry and teaching training, including PhD-level academic courses and Public Engagement and Entrepreneurship sessions. You will be invited to our active PhD Student Seminar Series, one of the many social events organised by our PhD students, to provide additional support and welcome you to our community.

Beyond Heriot-Watt, there is a unique research environment within the City of Edinburgh. There are many active seminar series, organised in collaboration with University of Edinburgh through the Maxwell Institute.

Our expertise

The School are co-founders of, or intimately involved in, the:

The research expertise in the School of Mathematical Sciences covers many fields, including, not exclusively:

Actuarial Mathematics, Algebra, Analysis, Applied Mathematics (Mathematical Biology/Ecology, Fluids, etc.), Artificial Intelligence, Computer Security, Data Mining, Financial Mathematics, Functional Programming Languages, Geometry, Imaging, Large Language Models, Mathematical Physics (Quantum Integrability, String Theory, etc.), Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Neural Networks, Numerical Analysis, Probability and Statistics, Risk Management, Robotics, Stochastic Analysis.

For more information please visit the Heriot-Watt website.

Funding opportunities

There are several prestigious funding opportunities available:

  • DLA (Doctoral Landscape Award) Scholarships
  • James Watt Scholarships
  • Maxwell Institute PhD Scholarships (joint with Edinburgh)
  • M-DICE (Mathematics Driven Innovation Centre) Industry Scholarships

All applications received before 31st January 2025 will be given full consideration for these scholarships. Applications received after this date will still be considered – so long as funding is still available. If your funding application is successful, you will be invited for an interview.

Applicants who obtained their own scholarships or funding are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Alternative funding opportunities are available via Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs):

Applications

We welcome applications from the UK, EU and Overseas from candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class Bachelor or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

Please look through our staff webpages and list of projects and identify one or more potential supervisors. We encourage you to informally approach staff whose research interests you, to determine whether they are willing to take you on as a PhD student.

If you have any questions and/or wish to make more general informal enquiries, please contact: (macs-pgr-support@hw.ac.uk).