项目介绍

2021年8月2日

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Mathematics of Random Systems is a four-year doctoral programme that offers academically outstanding students training in the areas of probabilistic modelling and stochastic analysis at Imperial and Oxford. 

The Mathematics of Random Systems CDT offers a comprehensive four-year doctoral training course in stochastic analysis, probability theory, stochastic modelling, computational methods and applications arising in biology, physics, quantitative finance, healthcare and data science. It provides solid training in core skills related to probability theory, stochastic modelling, data analysis, stochastic simulation, optimal control and probabilistic algorithms. 

Research topics focus on five Foundation areas:

1. Stochastic analysis: foundations and new directions
2. Stochastic partial differential equations
3. Random combinatorial structures: trees, graphs, networks, branching processes
4. Stochastic computational methods and optimal control
5. Random dynamical systems and ergodic theory

and five application areas:

6. Randomness and universal behaviour in physical systems
7. Stochastic modelling and data-driven modelling in finance
8. Mathematical modelling in biology and healthcare
9. Mathematical and algorithmic challenges in data science
10. Mean-field models and agent-based modelling

In the first year, students follow four Core courses on Foundation areas and three elective courses, and choose a main research topic and a research supervisor. This research project will then be expected to evolve into a DPhil thesis in years two to four. 

Throughout the four years of the course, students will participate in various CDT activities with their cohort, including a CDT spring retreat, the annual summer school as well as regular seminars, workshops and training in transferrable skills such as communication, ethics and team-working.

The CDT has multiple industry partners in the areas of data analytics, finance and healthcare who provide funding for DPhil projects linked to their areas of activity. Candidates with an interest in industry-related research projects are encouraged to apply. Industry-funded DPhil projects provide students with the opportunity to actively engage with our industry partners through collaborative research.

Supervision

Research will be supervised by CDT faculty from the Mathematical Institute or the Department of Statistics. A list of supervisors may be found on the CDT website. The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Mathematical Institute and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Students interact with their research supervisor through periodic meetings and participation in seminars and working groups throughout the duration of their doctoral studies.

Assessment

The outcome of the research project will be presented in the form of a doctoral thesis which, if successfully defended, will lead to the award of the DPhil degree.

Students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within around 15 months of your course starting you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.

A successful transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status will require completion of assessed work to a satisfactory level for the four core and three elective courses. You will be required to acquire transferable skills as part of your training and to complete six days of training prior to transfer of status. Students who are successful at transfer will also need to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within around 39 months of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track.

Both milestones involve submission of written work and an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and therefore provide important experience for the final oral examination.

You will be expected to teach at least one set of classes before transfer of status and at least two additional sets before confirmation of status.

You will be expected to submit an original thesis after three or, at most, four years from the date of admission. To be successfully awarded a DPhil in Mathematics you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners.

Graduate destinations

The CDT in Mathematics of Random Systems will aim to provide postdoctoral research opportunities in the UK and abroad through the CDT’s international network of academic partners, as well as  industry placement opportunities through our numerous industry partners.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic (including Covid-19), epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

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