First year
In the first year, you'll complete training consisting of taught courses, short research projects, and participation in Integrative Think Tanks. This will lead to the award of an MRes qualification.
You'll choose six units across a cross-disciplinary syllabus with two units from each of these streams:
- Statistics and data science
- Applied and probabilistic analysis and modelling
- Computation and numerical mathematics
The exact choice of units will depend on your background and experience. More detail on available units can be found in the University's Programme and Unit Catalogue.
You'll develop the subject of your thesis, through working with academics, industrial partners and other students in the cohort.
Interdisciplinary research projects
You'll work in small groups on an interdisciplinary research project, which will bring together elements of the core streams into a short research project.
Student-led symposia
The student-led symposia will run continuously through your first year. You'll be deciding on topics and reading group activities, as well as inviting speakers to give seminars or short courses from a self-managed budget.
Topics will often relate to upcoming Integrative Think Tanks. There will be support from SAMBa leaders and students from the years above you.
Integrative Think Tanks (ITTs)
ITTs are facilitated, week-long, off-campus workshops involving around 80 participants. They include postgraduate students, academics from mathematical sciences, application-focused researchers, and collaborators from around the world.
You will be presented with high-level challenges from non-mathematical partners. You'll be working in small groups to formulate these challenges into mathematical problems.
Find out more about ITTs.
Thesis formulation
During the three-month summer period you'll determine the subject of your PhD thesis research through a structured and mentored process. You'll work with your chosen supervisor to prepare a Thesis Formulation Report, outlining motivation, objectives and methodology for your proposed PhD.
Second year
You'll start work on your PhD thesis whilst also undertaking a number of taught units. You'll attend at least one ITT and act as a mentor to new SAMBa students.
Third and fourth year
You'll focus on research and the preparation of your thesis. Your PhD thesis must be submitted within four years of joining SAMBa.
You'll continue to be involved in student-led symposia throughout your four years at SAMBa and present developing research to first-year students, including open research problems for discussion. You'll also participate in at least one more ITT.