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Research Students

Welcome to our MPhil/PhD Programme

The Department's hallmarks are friendliness and a supportive environment for all our members. You are joining a department with a strong focus on the mathematics of the social sciences. It is well known for its research excellence and plays a key role within LSE, providing expertise in mathematics related to quantitative social sciences such as accounting, economics, finance, decision science and statistics. No matter what your chosen field of specialisation, your time at LSE will open up to you wider and ever-more inspiring intellectual vistas.

Please note: the comprehensive account of this programme can be found in the MPhil/PhD in Mathematics Handbook.

For prospective PhD applicants, please see here.

To read all our student stories, .

Key Information

All students registering for a programme of study leading to a PhD begin under MPhil registration. The opportunity to upgrade this registration to PhD typically comes in the second year.

During their first year, all Mathematics PhD students are required to attend four appropriate taught courses:

  • London Taught Course Centre for PhD students in the mathematical sciences - the centre offers courses in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics
  • London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance - a consortium providing a programme of advanced courses in mathematical finance
  • LSE Department of Mathematics’ MSc course modules
  • Graduate course modules from a related LSE department

Student choices are, of course, dependent on the focus of their research and are agreed with their supervisor in advance of registration. Some taught courses have associated examinations whilst others are assessed by attendance only.

Alongside their studies, our research students are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in the Department's seminar series. These include the (MA500) and the (MA422). In addition to those seminars organised within the department, we also co-host a joint seminar series with several other London-based universities entitled The London Mathematical Finance Seminar, details of which can be found on the London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance's website.

We also host seminars aimed specifically at research students. The PhD Seminar on Combinatorics, Games and Optimisation is designed for students working in Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms, Game Theory and Probability Theory (MA501) whilst the  is aimed at those studying the field of Financial Mathematics. Students are expected to attend all sessions of the relevant seminar and to contribute talks on their current research during the year. Although the two seminar series have different focuses, students are encouraged to attend talks at both whenever possible. Other PhD events are held throughout the year, where students are encouraged to present and chair sessions.

The PhD Academy is a dedicated space and services hub for doctoral candidates studying at LSE, guiding them from registration to graduation and providing valuable academic professional development. All information surrounding regulations, visas, and changes to registration can be found on the PhD Academy page.

This important Committee meets once a term, providing a forum for feedback from students on their programme and for discussion of issues which affect the student community as a whole. The role of an SSLC representative is central to effective quality assurance of courses and programmes in the School; representatives will be provided with training.

You can find out more about LSE's alumni relations by emailing alumni@lse.ac.uk, visiting this webpage, or seeing the Department of Mathematics' Alumni page.

You can also explore our to learn about where our graduates are now, and view the for a comprehensive list of all graduates, including their supervisor(s), thesis title, and award date.

Childcare Services

LSE is partnering with three local nurseries to support LSE families and early years childcare. Find out more here.

LSE Disability and Wellbeing Service

This is the first point of contact for disabled students, both before arrival at LSE and throughout their time here. They have experts in long-term medical and health conditions, physical disabilities and sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia). They are available for advice and guidance, and can put in place MyAdjustments (MAs) and help with Central Examination Adjustments. Find out more here.

LSE Student Counselling Service

This is a free and confidential service for all students, offering one-to-one appointments, drop-in sessions and group-based support on issues such as stress management and self-esteem. Find out more here.

LSE Peer Support

This service enables students to talk confidentially to a fellow student about anything that is troubling them. Located in halls of residence and on campus, the Peer Supporters are a group of specially selected and trained students who help their peers to find their own solutions. Find out more here.


Frequently Asked Questions

Timetabling is undertaken by the School rather than by Departments and the Module Timetable is available online (see LSE Teaching and Timetables) shortly before teaching begins.

Students are normally upgraded from MPhil status to the PhD degree by the Doctoral Programme Director and their supervisor by the end of their second year.