Don't miss our weekly PhD newsletter | Sign up now Don't miss our weekly PhD newsletter | Sign up now

This project is no longer listed on FindAPhD.com and may not be available.

Click here to search FindAPhD.com for PhD studentship opportunities
  Dr R Hepworth, Dr M Grant  Applications accepted all year round  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Please consider this before applying. 

Graphs are among the most basic combinatorial objects studied in mathematics, consisting simply of a collection of objects and connections among them. They arise in a huge variety of contexts including computing, linguistics, biology, physics, chemistry, and of course mathematics itself.

Algebraic topology is the study of spaces using algebraic invariants to ‘measure’ and understand the spaces. Prominent examples of such invariants are homology and homotopy groups. As well as being a rich and highly developed part of pure mathematics, algebraic topology reaches further still thanks to the recent development of applied algebraic topology.

The last decade or so has seen the development of the algebraic topology of graphs, with the introduction of the new theories of magnitude homology and path homology, which can be regarded as algebraic ways to measure properties of graphs. This has been followed, in only the last two years, by the realisation that magnitude homology and path homology are in fact just two facets of a single overarching theory. This now gives us an entire spectrum of ways to measure properties of graphs, and researchers are working hard to understand this new theory and its implications.

The aim of this project is to develop new theory and applications of the algebraic topology of graphs. Possible directions include using the new techniques to study curvature properties of graphs, spectral theory of graphs, or random graphs; the underlying homotopy theory and homological algebra; or the connections to, and implications for, applied algebraic topology.

Informal enquiries are welcome. Please send a copy of your full undergraduate transcript (and Masters Transcript and Masters dissertation, if applicable) to Dr Hepworth with a brief description of why you are interested in this project.

Essential Background:

Decisions will be based on academic merit. The successful applicant should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours Degree at 2.1 (or equivalent) in Pure Mathematics and knowledge of algebra and topology.

Desirable knowledge:

Some knowledge of algebraic topology is useful but is not essential.

Application Procedure:

Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php.

You should apply for Mathematics (PhD) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.

Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the studentship.

Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.

Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application.

If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at [Email Address Removed]

Mathematics (25)

Funding Notes

This is a self-funding project open to students worldwide. Our typical start dates for this programme are February or October.

Fees for this programme can be found here Finance and Funding | Study Here | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.uk)

Additional research costs / bench fees may also apply and will be discussed prior to any offer being made.


Where will I study?

Search Suggestions
Search suggestions

Based on your current searches we recommend the following search filters.