MARS PhD programmes
Applications for 2025 entry to MARS PhD programmes are now open! We will be interviewing and making offers on an ongoing basis so early applications are strongly encouraged.
MARS has full-time, fully-funded PhD studentships available for UK students and a limited number of places for overseas students. Our offer includes an enhanced tax-free stipend, tuition fees and a research, training and support grant for four years.
Check out our list of indicative PhD projects for a flavour of the exciting PhD research opportunities that MARS is offering.
How to apply
Programme overview
MARS is offering two brand new, full-time, fully-funded, four-year PhD programmes in Applied Mathematics and Mathematical AI.
The MARS PhD programmes will suit graduates from a mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science or engineering background who are looking to develop their research skills in applied mathematics, mathematical modelling, AI and computer programming.
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The MARS PhD in Applied Mathematics offers rigorous research training in the development of applied mathematics methodology to solve complex, high-dimensional modelling challenges from across domains including Cyber Security, Engineering, Environmental Science and Health. Each project is centred on advancing applied mathematics and will typically involve one or more of the following:
- the development of mathematical theory,
- the creation of innovative modelling techniques
- the application of mathematical dynamical modelling to tackle substantive, open problems in a domain outside of the mathematical sciences.
This programme provides a unique opportunity to make a substantial contribution to real-world problem-solving through advanced mathematical approaches.
The MARS PhD in Mathematical Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers comprehensive research training focused on building mathematical approaches to address challenges in AI and dynamical systems modelling. This programme is designed to equip students with the mathematical tools and AI expertise needed to deeply understand the foundational principles of AI systems, enabling MARS PhD graduates to solve complex challenges across various industries.
Students can expect to work on data driven projects inspired by real-world applications in fields such as Cyber Security, Engineering, Environmental Science and Health.
This programme offers students the opportunity to contribute innovative solutions at the intersection of mathematics and AI, advancing knowledge in these transformative areas.
How to apply
We are now accepting applications for October 2025 entry.
Before applying, please contact an appropriate prospective supervisor within the department to discuss your research interests. Then, send the following information in an email to mars@lancaster.ac.uk:
- A current copy of your CV (no more than two sides of A4 in Word or PDF format).
- A covering letter (no more than two sides of A4 in Word or PDF format) outlining which MARS PhD programme you are applying for, which of the potential projects you are interested in, the name of the prospective supervisor you have contacted to discuss your application, and your motivation for undertaking a PhD with MARS.
- An up-to-date copy of the degree courses you have studied including marks awarded.
- Your current fees status (UK or overseas including EU).
- Details of where you saw the opportunity.
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an interview.
If you are offered a place following interview, you will be invited to apply via the online admissions portal so that you receive a formal offer of admission.
As places on the MARS PhD programmes are limited, and will be allocated on a rolling basis, we encourage all UK (including Republic of Ireland) applicants to apply by 31 March 2025.
Overseas applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by 31 January 2025.
Before applying, please read our information on entry requirements and funding.
Entry requirements
We are looking for PhD researchers who have demonstrated excellence in their studies and who are expecting to hold, or already hold, a first class honours undergraduate degree or 2:1 undergraduate degree with a master’s with substantial mathematical content (for example, in mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science or engineering).
Please note, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence that they meet the entry requirements for the programmes.
Those with relevant industrial experience who completed their undergraduate degree in the past are also welcome to apply. If you wish to discuss your experience, please contact us.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we strongly advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously. We will accept any of the following:
- IELTS Academic test (UKVI approved or other centres) or IELTS Online with an overall score of at least 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element; or
- Pearson PTE Academic with a score of at least 58 and a minimum of 50 in each component of the test; or
- ToEFL IBT or ToEFL IBT Home Edition with an overall score of at least 87, with a minimum of 19 in reading, 19 in listening, 19 in speaking and 22 in writing.
Funding
All MARS PhDs are full-time, for four years and are fully funded. For October 2025 entry, funding for the four-year duration includes an enhanced tax-free stipend, fees and a research, training and support grant.
The stipend is approximately £22,814 for 2025, rising to approximately £24,651 in the final year.
Due to constraints from our funder, there are different rules for funding depending on your fee status:
- Home students (UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands & Isle of Man): Full funding (fees and stipend) is available.
- Overseas (including EU): Applications from within the EU and globally are encouraged. Strong applicants will be considered for a restricted number of fully-funded places.
