Engineering Mathematics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Self-funded Students in the UK

A PhD in Engineering Mathematics requires you to perform unique and in-depth research in areas where Maths is applied in order to meet the challenges in engineering and the industry

What’s it like to do a PhD in Engineering Mathematics?

An Engineering Mathematics PhD can have both theoretical and computational elements depending on the field of research you wish to pursue. The one thing that’s common across the board is the focus on collaboration with other STEM subjects like Physics and Biology.

Some of the most popular Engineering Mathematics research topics are

• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Robotics
• Dynamics and control
• Environmental uncertainty
• Predictive life sciences
• Neurosciences

Like most other STEM subjects, a PhD in Engineering Mathematics is advertised with a research aim attached. You can, in some case, also propose your own research topic. However, we highly encourage that you speak to a prospective supervisor about your research before making a formal application.

Your PhD will end in the submission of an 80,000 word thesis based on the research you have carried out in the 3-4 years of your study. You will also be required to defend your thesis in front of an academic panel during your viva.

Even though PhDs do not have any compulsory teaching hours, you might be asked to take some specific teaching modules only in your first year to help you with any concepts that might prove beneficial during your research.

Entry requirements

For a PhD in Engineering Mathematics, you must have both a Bachelors and a Masters degree in a subject like Engineering, Mathematics or Statistics. In some special cases, your application might be considered with only a Bachelors degree if you hold a first-class degree and you can show genuine ability to carry out independent research.

You might also have to prove proficiency in the official language of the country you are applying to.

PhD in Engineering Mathematics funding options

In the UK, both the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Councils (BBSRC) fund PhDs in Engineering Mathematics. Funding is guaranteed if you apply for a PhD that was advertised with funding attached. If you’re proposing your own research you will have to be accepted into a university before you can apply for funding.

PhD in Engineering Mathematics careers

There are a lot of career options available after a PhD in Engineering Mathematics. You can work in academia or as a research fellow. If you think academia is not for you, governments, civil services and finance and engineering firms are some of the top employers of Engineering Mathematics doctoral graduates