Entry Requirements

No decision can be made, or opinion offered, on an application without receipt of a full application through the UCL admissions system. This is to ensure fairness, with all decisions being made on a like-with-like basis.

The programme requires a significant mathematical background, including material at an advanced level in probability and real analysis, and preferably experience in both ordinary and partial differential equations as well as in statistics. This is substantially higher than the standard that might be expected in a first college- or university-level course in such subjects.

Due to the very high level of competition involved for places, applicants should be on track for the equivalent of at least a high 2:1 UK Honours degree, including evidence of performance at that level in key areas such as probability, analysis, and differential equations. This performance needs to be exhibited in the exam components of any modules that also have a coursework component. We do not supply absolute GPA or percentage boundaries for other countries as these will vary greatly. However, it might help to know that, e.g., for applications from North America a GPA of 3.5 or better is likely to be needed overall, and for applications from China 85% from a top-ranked university is likely to be necessary. Please note that meeting these figures does not guarantee acceptance due to the requirements of point 2.

A first degree in subjects such as mathematics, theoretical physics, engineering, and computer science may be suitable, strictly provided that there is a substantial mathematical component along the lines of point 2. Degrees such as economics, finance, accounting, commerce, banking, business, and management are less likely to be suitable. Candidates with a less relevant degree but significant work experience that has extended their mathematical skills should explain this in the written statement (see point 6). You must indicate the full title of your degree in your application. For example, if your degree is "Mathematics with Economics" you must include this, not simply "Mathematics".

All applications should include a full transcript and should also include information on the mathematical content of courses described in the transcript. For example, if the transcript identifies a grade in a hypothetical course entitled "Advanced Mathematics III", there should be an explanation of what is in  "Advanced Mathematics III". Applicants should also include a list of modules or courses being taken in their final year, as sometimes we might wish to make an offer that is conditional not just on overall performance but on the performance in key modules. It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that these final course lists are an accurate representation of courses being taken for examination. If we make a conditional offer based on a grade in a module you have told us you are taking, then we will expect that you take the module and achieve the required grade. If the list of modules taken is provisional for some reason you should indicate this in advance.

Written statements should focus on highlighting relevant areas of competence or experience. If you have achieved a good result in your country's mathematics competitions, e.g. you made the final round of the regional stage of an Olympiad, tell us about it. A short, focused statement on such matters is much more helpful than general remarks on motivation. Candidates with substantive work experience that they feel balances a less relevant first degree should use the statement to present their case.