PhD

Mathematics

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Deadline: Jan 15, 2025
43 place StudyQA ranking:5024 Duration:4 years

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Mathematics represents one of the highest peaks of human thought and achievement. Beautiful though they may be, mathematical results are not merely museum-pieces, but also form a vital underpinning for every branch of quantitative knowledge, including all domains of science and engineering. Mathematics is in constant and vigorous development, driven both by its internal dynamics and by the demands of other disciplines. The spectrum of mathematical research at EPFL reflects both this vigour and this diversity. It ranges from fundamental domains such as geometry and algebra, which despite their reputations as 'pure' topics nonetheless have increasingly important applications in areas such as communication systems, to more 'applied' domains such as numerical modelling, statistical science, and operations research, in which research is generally motivated by challenging real scientific and technological problems. EPFL researchers conduct high-level investigations across a wide spectrum of contemporary mathematics and enjoy high international reputations for their work. The EPFL Doctoral Program in Mathematics reflects this. It offers the point of entry and the administrative home for EPFL doctoral candidates in mathematics, and provides them with advanced courses and training.

Each year a wide range of advanced courses is offered, spanning the interests of researchers at EPFL. These range from formal lecture courses to working groups, and include intensive advanced seminars held away from the campus. The offerings are coordinated with mathematical activity elsewhere in Western Switzerland and more widely, and in particular with advanced courses and seminars organized as part of the doctoral programs at the universities of Fribourg, Geneva and Neuchâtel. 

Credits and course registration

•    During the course of his or her studies, each PhD student must earn at least 12 ECTS (credit units) before the final thesis defense.
•    At least 4 credit units must be earned within the first year.
•    For all courses taken, the PhD student must have the approval of the phd advisor. He or she must register by using the designated form.

Core courses

  • Abstract Harmonic Analysis 
  • Additive Combinatorics 
  • Bayesian Computation 
  • Calcul des variations I 
  • Calcul des variations II
  • Functional Data Analysis
  • Groupe de travail en Calcul des variations III
  • Groupe de travail en Calcul des variations IV
  • Groupe de travail en Calcul des variations V
  • Groupe de travail en Calcul des variations VI
  • High Dimensional Approximation for PDEs with random parameters 
  • Introductory course about Spatial Statistics 
  • Multivariate Extreme Value and Max-Stable Processes 
  • Probabilistic Coupling 
  • Reduced Order Modelling of parametrized systems 
  • Some problems in the theory of simple groups
  • Topics in geometric analysis I 
  • Topics in geometric analysis II
  • Working Group in Algebraic Groups, I 
  • Working Group in Algebraic Groups, II
  • Working group in Topology I
  • Working group in Topology II
  • Advanced Topics in Cryptology   
  • PhD candidates who have obtained a 4-5 year Master degree or an equivalent title and who have a strong background in mathematics, physics, computer science and/or related fields. Any applicant who has already completed a thesis in a similar or related subject to the field of mathematics is not admitted as a doctoral candidate at EPFL.
  • Complete and submit the online EPFL Doctoral School application form, including three reference letters and academic records, before the application deadline. Please contact your three referees in time, to ensure that your application is complete before the chosen deadline. See application for precise instructions.
  • If your native language is neither English nor French, we encourage you to take the TOEFL and submit your result as well. (Code EPFL : 3253)
  • The program committee evaluates the completed applications. If your application corresponds to the requirements of our program, it will be directed to the potential PhD advisors in your field.
  • You will be admitted to the doctoral program if and when a PhD advisor has agreed to accept you as a student. The beginning date will be discussed with your PhD advisor and depends on the availability of funds.
  • This procedure takes about 2 months.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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