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Key information

Award:
MPhil
PhD
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time

Our internationally renowned department fosters an innovative and intimate research environment. We welcome PhD students from around the world working on a broad range of topics. A PhD in Applied Mathematics can be based in the Disordered Systems Group or the Financial Mathematics Group or the Probability Group. Disordered Systems is at the forefront of research in statistical mechanics of disordered and complex systems. The Financial Mathematics Group explore mathematical techniques used in finance which bring together a number of different branches of pure and applied mathematics, including, but not limited to: probability, optimisation, functional analysis, partial differential equations, statistics, geometry, complex systems and numerical analysis. Researchers in the probability group study a range of topics in pure and applied probability, including random graphs, random walks, stochastic analysis, free probability, random matrices, interacting particle systems, discrete probability, and machine learning.

Scholarships

King’s is a partner of the Martingale Foundation, which awards fully funded scholarships for postgraduate degrees in mathematical sciences at research universities in the UK. 

Tuition fees and research expenses are fully covered, and Scholars receive a tax-free living wage stipend. Martingale Scholars also receive access to leadership and career development through a multi-year programme of training and support. Find out more

Partner organisations

We have strong links with national and international academic institutions, industry, government and other institutions, such as the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC). We are always looking for opportunities to develop non-academic partnerships.

1. Search our Research Groups to find your supervisor

There two ways to apply. You can search our list of funded or non-funded projects or, you can approach a supervisor and present a speculative research proposal.

We are especially interested in receiving applications from students planning their research projects in fields that will enhance the strength of the Department’s research groups.

 Explore our Research Groups to find relevant supervisors

Explore our Funding and Project Opportunities

2. Application procedure

You should complete the application form and send all appropriate documentation as listed in the requirements. Ideally, you should indicate the research group and, if possible, names of potential supervisors. Your application is evaluated by the relevant research group or individual academic. Applicants may be interviewed, by telephone for those not based in the UK. We aim to notify you of the result within six-eight weeks of receipt of an application by the department.

The department accepts students for October, February and June entry, however applicants are strongly encouraged to start their degree at beginning of the academic year in October, when the College offers a full induction programme.

Please note an ATAS certificate is required for successful applicants applying for this course whose nationality is not listed under the exempt nationalities here . For further guidance on obtaining an ATAS certificate can be found on our International Student Advice pages.

 Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal statement

Yes

A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).

Research Proposal

Yes

The proposal should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it. For advice on how to write a winning application, please visit the following page.

Previous Academic Study

Yes

A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.

References

Yes

Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.

Other

Optional

You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application

 

Application closing date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process. In addition, if you receive an offer, this programme requires all non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (with some exceptions) to have an ATAS certificate before they can enrol at King’s, and this can take some time. We therefore advise applying as soon as possible to avoid any delay in obtaining this certificate.

Some projects and funding opportunities may have earlier deadlines than the listed college deadlines listed below, so please check carefully.

The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.

 

  • February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
  • June 2025 entry – 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
  • October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
  • February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
  • June 2025 entry – 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status

Submit an online application via King's Apply.

For 'Programme Name', enter 'Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability MPhil/PhD' and mention your intended supervisor and their project in the 'Research Proposal' section of the application form.

For funding opportunities please explore these pages:

UK Tuition 2024/25

Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Part Time Tuition fees: £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Part Time Tuition fees: £13,035 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

UK Tuition 2025/26

Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Part Time Tuition fees: £3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

Full time tuition fees: £28,000 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Part time tuition fees: £14,000 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Full time tuition fees: £28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Part Time Tuition fees: £14,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Mathematics Research with University of Hong Kong or Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

Full time tuition fees:

£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with University of Hong Kong)

£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

Part time tuition fees:

£13,035 (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

Full time tuition fees:

£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with University of Hong Kong)

£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

Part time tuition fees:

£14,000 (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

All of these fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

Bench fees will be applicable to the non-award research programme for visiting students.

Our research groups organise regular seminars, where top-ranking scientists from around the world present new results. Students themselves organise informal seminars and discussion groups to share their expertise and latest findings. The department provides funding for PhD students to attend suitable schools and conferences during their studies.

You will be assigned a supervisor with whom you will work closely. You will also attend research seminars and take part in other research related activities in your research group, the Department and more widely in the University of London. You will be provided with access to working and storage space, as well as a laptop.

We participate in the London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance, a consortium of the mathematical finance groups of Birkbeck, Brunel, Cass Business School, Imperial, King's, LSE and UCL. It provides a programme of advanced courses in mathematical finance. We also participate in the London Taught Course Centre which offers advanced courses for PhD students in mathematics, including several courses that are relevant for research in analysis and statistics.

Postgraduate training

Department and College induction events are scheduled at the beginning of your degree to prepare you for life as a PhD student. All students are required to complete 10 days of training each year.

Our PhD students receive various forms of training during their period of research, e.g. attending courses in the London Taught Courses Centre, attendance at EPSRC summer schools; provision of advanced lecture courses; College training courses for graduates who will give tutorial teaching to undergraduates; weekly seminars in the area of your research; frequent research group meetings; attendance at national and international conferences and research meetings. Communication skills are developed by preparing and presenting seminars in the department, assisted by your supervisor.

There is a centrally provided programme of training coordinated by the King's Doctoral College and the NMES Graduate school offers a range of unique training for our students with a focus to support PhD research and the PhD journey. The NMES Graduate School organises a variety of social and research events for students from hosting the NMES PGR Welcome event, Science walking tours, Winter and Summer social parties, Movie and board game nights, to Presentation and Writing coffee mornings, a space for students to present their research work to peers and receive feedback. One of the highlights in the NMES PGR calendar is the Research Competition, where 3rd year students across all five departments present their research in a 3-minute video, culminating in an in-person event where all finalist videos are viewed, and the winners receive their prize.

Research students are encouraged to submit papers to conferences and supported with travel to present papers and posters.

Our research students are also encouraged to teach alongside their studies to help prepare them for a potential future career in academia.

 

UK requirements

  • Financial Mathematics
    Bachelor's degree with 1st class or 2:1 honours. Those applying for the joint degree are encouraged to contact an academic at King's to develop research links with the partner institution. Candidates may also be interviewed.
  • Disordered Systems
    Bachelor's degree with 1st class or 2:1 honours. Those applying for the joint degree are encouraged to contact an academic at King's to develop research links with the partner institution.
  • Pure Mathematics
    MMath, MSci or Master's degree with Merit and high grades in modules relating to the research area. Candidates may also be interviewed.

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Disordered Systems
Disordered Systems

The Disordered Systems group at King's is at the forefront of research in statistical mechanics of disordered and complex systems.

Financial Mathematics
Financial Mathematics

King’s College has a large and thriving Financial Mathematics group, with an international reputation for research excellence. 

Probability
Probability

The Probability group in the Department of Mathematics at King's College London.

1. Search our Research Groups to find your supervisor

There two ways to apply. You can search our list of funded or non-funded projects or, you can approach a supervisor and present a speculative research proposal.

We are especially interested in receiving applications from students planning their research projects in fields that will enhance the strength of the Department’s research groups.

 Explore our Research Groups to find relevant supervisors

Explore our Funding and Project Opportunities

2. Application procedure

You should complete the application form and send all appropriate documentation as listed in the requirements. Ideally, you should indicate the research group and, if possible, names of potential supervisors. Your application is evaluated by the relevant research group or individual academic. Applicants may be interviewed, by telephone for those not based in the UK. We aim to notify you of the result within six-eight weeks of receipt of an application by the department.

The department accepts students for October, February and June entry, however applicants are strongly encouraged to start their degree at beginning of the academic year in October, when the College offers a full induction programme.

Please note an ATAS certificate is required for successful applicants applying for this course whose nationality is not listed under the exempt nationalities here . For further guidance on obtaining an ATAS certificate can be found on our International Student Advice pages.

 Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal statement

Yes

A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).

Research Proposal

Yes

The proposal should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it. For advice on how to write a winning application, please visit the following page.

Previous Academic Study

Yes

A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.

References

Yes

Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.

Other

Optional

You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application

 

Application closing date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process. In addition, if you receive an offer, this programme requires all non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (with some exceptions) to have an ATAS certificate before they can enrol at King’s, and this can take some time. We therefore advise applying as soon as possible to avoid any delay in obtaining this certificate.

Some projects and funding opportunities may have earlier deadlines than the listed college deadlines listed below, so please check carefully.

The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.

 

  • February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
  • June 2025 entry – 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
  • October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
  • February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
  • June 2025 entry – 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status

Submit an online application via King's Apply.

For 'Programme Name', enter 'Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability MPhil/PhD' and mention your intended supervisor and their project in the 'Research Proposal' section of the application form.

For funding opportunities please explore these pages:

UK Tuition 2024/25

Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Part Time Tuition fees: £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Part Time Tuition fees: £13,035 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

UK Tuition 2025/26

Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Part Time Tuition fees: £3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

Full time tuition fees: £28,000 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Part time tuition fees: £14,000 per year (PhD, Applied Mathematics Research: Disordered Systems/Financial Mathematics/Probability/Theoretical Physics)

Full time tuition fees: £28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Part Time Tuition fees: £14,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Mathematics Research with University of Hong Kong or Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

Full time tuition fees:

£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with University of Hong Kong)

£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

Part time tuition fees:

£13,035 (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

Full time tuition fees:

£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with University of Hong Kong)

£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

Part time tuition fees:

£14,000 (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

All of these fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

Bench fees will be applicable to the non-award research programme for visiting students.

Our research groups organise regular seminars, where top-ranking scientists from around the world present new results. Students themselves organise informal seminars and discussion groups to share their expertise and latest findings. The department provides funding for PhD students to attend suitable schools and conferences during their studies.

You will be assigned a supervisor with whom you will work closely. You will also attend research seminars and take part in other research related activities in your research group, the Department and more widely in the University of London. You will be provided with access to working and storage space, as well as a laptop.

We participate in the London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance, a consortium of the mathematical finance groups of Birkbeck, Brunel, Cass Business School, Imperial, King's, LSE and UCL. It provides a programme of advanced courses in mathematical finance. We also participate in the London Taught Course Centre which offers advanced courses for PhD students in mathematics, including several courses that are relevant for research in analysis and statistics.

Postgraduate training

Department and College induction events are scheduled at the beginning of your degree to prepare you for life as a PhD student. All students are required to complete 10 days of training each year.

Our PhD students receive various forms of training during their period of research, e.g. attending courses in the London Taught Courses Centre, attendance at EPSRC summer schools; provision of advanced lecture courses; College training courses for graduates who will give tutorial teaching to undergraduates; weekly seminars in the area of your research; frequent research group meetings; attendance at national and international conferences and research meetings. Communication skills are developed by preparing and presenting seminars in the department, assisted by your supervisor.

There is a centrally provided programme of training coordinated by the King's Doctoral College and the NMES Graduate school offers a range of unique training for our students with a focus to support PhD research and the PhD journey. The NMES Graduate School organises a variety of social and research events for students from hosting the NMES PGR Welcome event, Science walking tours, Winter and Summer social parties, Movie and board game nights, to Presentation and Writing coffee mornings, a space for students to present their research work to peers and receive feedback. One of the highlights in the NMES PGR calendar is the Research Competition, where 3rd year students across all five departments present their research in a 3-minute video, culminating in an in-person event where all finalist videos are viewed, and the winners receive their prize.

Research students are encouraged to submit papers to conferences and supported with travel to present papers and posters.

Our research students are also encouraged to teach alongside their studies to help prepare them for a potential future career in academia.

 

UK requirements

  • Financial Mathematics
    Bachelor's degree with 1st class or 2:1 honours. Those applying for the joint degree are encouraged to contact an academic at King's to develop research links with the partner institution. Candidates may also be interviewed.
  • Disordered Systems
    Bachelor's degree with 1st class or 2:1 honours. Those applying for the joint degree are encouraged to contact an academic at King's to develop research links with the partner institution.
  • Pure Mathematics
    MMath, MSci or Master's degree with Merit and high grades in modules relating to the research area. Candidates may also be interviewed.

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Disordered Systems
Disordered Systems

The Disordered Systems group at King's is at the forefront of research in statistical mechanics of disordered and complex systems.

Financial Mathematics
Financial Mathematics

King’s College has a large and thriving Financial Mathematics group, with an international reputation for research excellence. 

Probability
Probability

The Probability group in the Department of Mathematics at King's College London.

Key information

Award:
MPhil
PhD
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time