MARS: Mathematics for AI in Real-world Systems is offering fully-funded, four-year PhD studentships in Applied Mathematics and Mathematical AI.

MARS, which is based in the School of Mathematical Sciences at Lancaster University, is looking for the next generation of mathematicians working at the interface of applied mathematics and AI methods.

Our four-year PhD programmes offer a distinctive training experience:

Cutting-edge research
Focusing on mathematical innovations that tackle long-standing hard problems, PhD research in this rapidly advancing field will have significant potential for impact.

Real-world experience
Through collaboration with MARS public and private sector partners our PhD students will become innovation leaders, applying their research to solve complex organisational challenges.

Expert supervision
MARS PhDs will have regular, expert supervision from a dedicated team of internationally-leading academics and benefit from funding to attend training courses.

Postgraduate community
Students will join a thriving postgraduate community and, as part of the MARS PhD cohort, will have access to a social and professional network of like-minded peers.

Sustainable career pathways
MARS graduates will leave our programmes with the skills required for impactful, research-led careers in academia, industry, or government.

Applications open for October 2025!
MARS PhDs are full-time and fully funded. Students receive an enhanced stipend, fees, and training grant. The stipend for students is approximately £22,814 for 2025, rising to approximately £24,651 in the final year. We have a limited number of fully-funded places available for overseas students.

We seek PhD researchers who have demonstrated excellence in their studies and who are expecting to hold, or already hold, a first class honours degree or 2:1 with a master’s with substantial mathematical content e.g. mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science or engineering.

Early applications are strongly encouraged as we will be interviewing candidates on an ongoing basis.

How to apply
Before applying, please contact an appropriate prospective supervisor within the department to discuss your research interests. Then, send the following information to [email protected]:

• A current copy of your CV (no more than two sides of A4 in Word or PDF format).
• A covering letter (no more than two sides of A4 in Word or PDF format) outlining which MARS PhD programme you are applying for, which of the potential projects (see website) you are interested in, the name of the prospective supervisor you have contacted, and your motivation for undertaking a PhD with MARS.
• An up-to-date copy of the degree courses you have studied including marks awarded.
• Your current fees status (UK or overseas including EU).
• Details of where you saw the opportunity.