MARS PhD programmes

Applications for our 2026 cohort of MARS PhD studentships are now open for UK students!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to shape the future of mathematics and AI. Apply now!

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MARS PhD programmes

MARS is a UK Centre for research and teaching in mathematics underpinning applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to real-world systems. It is part of the School of Mathematical Sciences, which is one of the highest-ranked maths departments in the UK with a well-deserved reputation for top-quality teaching and world-class research.

The MARS PhD programmes in Applied Mathematics and Mathematical AI will empower students to drive advancements at the interface of applied mathematics and AI methods.

MARS PhD students will address critical challenges across four key sectors - Cyber Security, Engineering, Environment, and Health – working on projects that have real-world impact.

MARS graduates will leave our programmes prepared for impactful, research-led careers in academia, industry, or government.

The benefits of joining MARS

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

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Cutting-edge research

MARS is at the forefront of reimagining applied mathematics and AI, creating a dynamic research environment where PhD students can make a substantial contribution to a rapidly advancing field. Focusing on the mathematical innovation needed to solve long-standing hard problems, MARS PhD projects will tackle complex challenges and have significant potential for real-world impact.

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Real-world experience

MARS partners with a diverse range of non-academic organisations in the Cyber, Engineering, Environment and Health sectors. Our PhD researchers will benefit from opportunities for collaboration including placements and internships, support for specific research projects, and training from industry experts. These partnerships will enable MARS PhD students to become innovation leaders in mathematics and AI.

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Postgraduate community

MARS PhD researchers will join a thriving postgraduate community in the School of Mathematical Sciences. They will also be part of cohort of PhD researchers affiliated to the MARS Centre and will have access to a social and professional network of like-minded postgraduate and early career researchers. Students will be provided with their own desk and will also be able to access Lancaster University's advanced computing facilities.

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Fully-funded PhDs

MARS is offering fully-funded PhD studentships. Our generous package includes an enhanced, tax-free stipend, the full cost of fees and a research training and support grant for each year of the studentship. MARS students will benefit from support from a dedicated supervisory team of academic experts, personalised development pathways, and opportunities to develop engagement skills to enhance the translational aspects of the research.

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Why choose Lancaster?

Lancaster University is among the best in the UK. It is consistently placed in the top 15 in major UK league tables and ranks highly in international league tables such as the QS World Rankings. It is internationally recognised for its world-leading research and is one of the top 30 universities most targeted by employers.

Located in the North West of England, Lancaster is at the centre of a thriving innovation hub for key growth sectors such as Cyber Security, Manufacturing, Green Economy and Health. These sectors align with the University’s flagship areas of research excellence as well as with the four MARS application areas. MARS PhD researchers will benefit from connections with Security and Protection Science, Engineering, Lancaster Environment Centre, the Health Innovation Campus and with established industry partnerships within the region and beyond.

Lancaster is also a beautiful place to live, combining city, coast and countryside. It is surrounded by the Lake District, Morecambe Bay and the Forest of Bowland.

Find out more about what Lancaster has to offer by taking the virtual tour.

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