Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics admits students to its MPhil/PhD Programme whose research interests are aligned with those of the Department: supervision is currently available in: algorithms and computation, combinatorics, combinatorial optimisation, computational learning theory, control theory, financial mathematics, game theory, graph theory, probability theory, search theory, stochastic calculus, and in the applications of mathematics in areas such as telecommunications, finance and economics.  The normal entrance requirement for the programme is an MSc in a relevant area of Mathematics, or a good four-year degree equivalent to a Masters.

Each student is assigned a supervisor, who will be an expert in the field of the student's research, and who will suggest research topics and problems. Students are also allocated a second supervisor, who will be familiar with the student's research, and who will be available to provide advice.

Students are initially registered for the MPhil, and will be able to upgrade to PhD registration during their second year, dependent on satisfactory progress. Progress is assessed regularly by the student's supervisors, in consultation with the Doctoral Programme Director, on the basis of the extent to which the agreed research goals have been achieved. Full-time students are expected to complete in three or four years.

In their first full year, all Mathematics PhD students are expected to attend taught courses, chosen in consultation with their lead supervisor. This will normally consist of four courses organised by the London Taught Course Centre, or by the London Graduate School in Mathematical Finance, depending on specialty.

Training in established research techniques, and development of a capacity in the student for original research in the chosen field of specialisation, is provided through one-to-one weekly meetings with the supervisor, as well as through directed reading. The final aim is to produce a thesis, and publications in mathematics journals, that contribute to the development of and understanding of the chosen area of mathematics.

A further important element of training is participation in the weekly Mathematics seminar (MA500), and the Lunchtime Seminars (MA501). Research students are expected to give talks at the Lunchtime Seminars on a regular basis. These seminars are also an opportunity for LSE research students to meet research students from other Mathematics Departments in London.

The Department offers its research students the opportunity to teach classes in undergraduate Mathematics courses. New teachers are required to attend a training session at the beginning of the academic year; teachers have the opportunity to study for the LSE Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education.
Further information is available at: http://www.maths.lse.ac.uk/research.html

Doctoral Programme Director: Graham Brightwell, B302

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