The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training in the Mathematics for our Future Climate (MFC CDT) is an interdisciplinary initiative that harnesses the power of mathematics to address the issues presented by climate change.
By joining our community, you will embark on a journey of research, collaboration, and hands-on experience in shaping the future of our planet.
You will be a part of a student cohort that this doctoral training programme will equip with skills in theory for climate science, (geo)physical sciences, scientific computing, statistics and data analysis.
PhD project areas are split into mathematical theory and numerical modelling of fundamental oceanic and atmospheric processes, analysis of data and assimilation with weather and climate models, and mathematical applications related to the response to climate change.
The MFC CDT programme involves:
- Imperial College London, the University of Reading and the University of Southampton
- ocean, weather and climate services, including the National Oceanography Centre, the National Centre for Earth Observations, the UK Meteorological Office, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
- industrial partners from key sectors of the UK economy, notably insurance, energy, water, and marine sectors.
Note that you should make separate applications to each of the three institutions that you are interested in.
Find out more about the MFC CDT programme: https://apply.mfccdt.ac.uk/.
The Director at Reading is Professor Jennifer Scott who may be contacted via email jennifer.scott@reading.ac.uk.
How To Apply
Please apply using the PhD and professional doctorate online application portal.
We can only consider applications made through the portal. There is no closing date. Applications will be considered as soon as they come in and, as places are limited, we advise applying as soon as possible.
Start your application by creating an account on the portal. Once your account has been created, you will receive an email acknowledgment and a link to the RISIS portal, which you will need to make your application. Note: the portal can be slow so please be patient and complete all sections.
Having logged into the RISIS system, choose:
- Programme title PhD in Mathematics (initial registration) (full-time)
- Entry year 2024/25, start month September.
You will be asked to complete a series of questions. These are self-explanatory except for the following sections, where you need to follow the guidance given here. Any questions, please contact the MFC Admissions Officer via zuowei.wang@reading.ac.uk.
References
Please provide contact details for two referees that you are happy for us to contact. You must supply academic or business email addresses (for example, Gmail is not acceptable and will prevent your application from being considered). You should not upload any references.
Your Funding
Enter No for 'Funding secured already' and, in the second box, state you wish to apply for a 'PhD studentship in Mathematics for our Future Climate.'
You do not need to supply a project title or supervisor name.
If you have your own funding, please indicate this. This will not influence the application process, but you should be aware there are limited funds to support international students.
A PhD studentship for the MFC Programme is for 4 years. It includes a full stipend (the 2023/24 stipend is £20,622 per year), PhD fees, and a generous allowance for research-related travel.
Research proposal
Do not provide a research proposal. Instead, upload a file that contains your personal statement. This should include:
- your motivation for wanting to study for a PhD and why you are applying to the MFC CDT programme
- which areas in MFC you are interested in studying
- how you will contribute to the cohort culture that is a key part of the MFC CDT programme
- anything we should know to better understand your CV, transcript, references (for example, if there are mitigating circumstances then let us know, but we do not need to know the details of the circumstances).
This personal statement will be important in assessing your suitability for the PhD programme so you should complete it with care.
Supporting documents
Include transcripts, certificates, and English language proficiency (if relevant).
At this stage, it is not necessary to have certified English translations of your qualifications. You should upload original transcripts. Translations will be needed later if you are offered a place on our programme.
Under 'Other document' you must include a full CV. This should include:
- your personal information (but do not provide a photo)
- a concise timeline of your education
- a concise timeline of other employment, including voluntary work, periods of extended leave, time spent caring for others, etc
- any other information that supports your application, but which is not included elsewhere.