MARS PhD programmes

Applications for 2026 entry to MARS PhD programmes are now open!

MARS has full-time, fully-funded, four-year PhD studentships available for UK fees status students. Our offer includes an enhanced tax-free stipend, tuition fees and a research, training and support grant.

Check out our list of projects to see the exciting PhD research opportunities that MARS is offering.

Programme overview

MARS is offering four-year PhD programmes in Applied Mathematics and Mathematical AI.

The MARS PhD programmes will suit graduates from a mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science or engineering background who are looking to develop their research skills in applied mathematics, mathematical modelling, AI and computer programming.

How to apply

We are now accepting applications from UK fees status students for October 2026 entry.

You can see a list of available projects here. Please contact the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in before you apply.

Once you have spoken with your prospective supervisor, send the following information to mars@lancaster.ac.uk by 17:00 (GMT) on 31st January 2026:

1. A current copy of your CV (no more than two sides of A4 in PDF format).

2. A covering letter (no more than two sides of A4 in PDF format) which should outline:

   i) which project you are applying for and confirmation that you have discussed your application with the lead supervisor;

   ii) your motivation for undertaking a PhD with MARS.

3. Transcripts and certificates of the degree courses you have studied.

4. Confirmation that you are a UK fees status student.

5. Details of where you saw the opportunity.

Please provide all the requested information as incomplete applications will not be considered.

If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an online interview.

If you are offered a place, you will be asked to apply via the Lancaster University online admissions portal so that you receive a formal offer of admission.

Before applying, please read our information on entry requirements and funding.

Entry requirements

As a minimum, applicants must have or expect to obtain a first class honours undergraduate degree or 2:1 undergraduate degree with a merit at master’s in a subject with substantial mathematical content (e.g. mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science or engineering).

These studentships are available to UK fees status students only.

To be classed as a UK student you must:

• Be a UK national or UK/EU dual national or non-UK national with settled status / pre-settled status / indefinite leave to remain / indefinite leave to enter / discretionary leave / EU migrant worker in the UK or non-UK national with a claim for asylum or the family member of such a person, and
• Have ordinary residence in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or British Overseas Territory, at the Point of Application, and
• Have three years residency in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, British Overseas Territory or EEA before the relevant date of application unless residency outside of the UK/ EEA has been of a temporary nature only and of a period less than six years.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you are not eligible to apply.

Funding

All MARS PhDs are fully funded. For October 2026 entry, funding for the four-year duration includes an enhanced tax-free stipend (£3k more per year than UKRI standard rates), fees and a research, training and support grant (RTSG).

The stipend is approximately £24,403 for 2026, rising to approximately £26,388 in the final year.