PhD Mathematics

The PhD in Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University Dubai is a rigorous, research-focused programme designed to prepare students with a passion for mathematical discovery and innovation for advanced careers in academia, industry, and research. The programme offers candidates the opportunity to work alongside leading experts in both pure and applied mathematics, contributing to impactful research in academia and industry.

We foster a multidisciplinary research culture in collaboration with the Edinburgh Campus and aim to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships with industry and government sectors in the UAE.

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for roles in academia as lecturers or researchers, as well as positions in government, technology, and private industry where advanced quantitative skills are in demand. The programme’s strong emphasis on research, publication, and professional development ensures that students are competitive in both academic and non-academic job markets.

Research Areas

We welcome applications in a wide range of mathematical disciplines, including:

• Actuarial Mathematics
• Computational Mathematics and Numerical Analysis
• Financial Mathematics and Risk Modelling
• Mathematical Modelling and Applied Mathematics
• Operations Research and Optimisation
• Partial Differential Equations and its Applications
• Probability, Statistics, and Data Science
• Industrial Mathematics: we also encourage collaborative projects with industry partners and government sectors involving real-world problem-solving and innovation.

Research Proposal

The research proposal (typically three to four pages) should include as many of the following sections as possible:

• Introduction or Outline: A brief overview of the proposed research topic, including its context and relevance.
• Research Objectives and Questions: A clear statement of the aims of the research and the specific questions it seeks to address.
• Literature Review: A summary of key literature that supports the research objectives and highlights gaps the study intends to fill.
• Methodology: An outline of the proposed research methods, including the types of data to be collected and the proposed techniques that will be used for analysis.
• Theoretical Framework: A description of the conceptual or theoretical structure underpinning the research.
• Provisional Timeline: A schedule outlining the major phases of the research process, including milestones and deliverables.
• Expected Outcomes: A discussion of the anticipated results, including the potential practical value of the research and its contributions to knowledge, policy, or methodology.

At this stage, the proposal does not need to be definitive but should demonstrate that you have thoughtfully considered the scope, direction, and feasibility of your research.

Programme Structure

• Duration: 3–4 years full-time or up to 7 years part-time.
• Supervision: Each student is assigned a dedicated supervisory team with expertise aligned to their research interests, ensuring high-quality academic guidance and mentorship throughout the programme.
• Training: Participation in the university’s Research Futures Academy and transferable skills workshops.
• Thesis: Submission of a doctoral thesis demonstrating original research.
• Viva Voce: Oral defence of the thesis before a panel of internal and external examiners, demonstrating the originality, rigour, and scholarly merit of their work.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Mathematics programme at Heriot-Watt University have excellent career prospects, including opportunities in:

• Academic research and university teaching
• Quantitative roles in finance and insurance
• Data science and analytics
• Government and policy advisory roles