Notes for the Guidance of Graduate Students in Mathematics
Introduction
These notes are intended as a supplement to the Divisional Handbook. They explain, in particular, the details of Transfer and Confirmation of Status for research students within Mathematics. The divisional Graduate Handbook contains a great deal of crucial information about all aspects of graduate studies. In addition students should refer when necessary to the University's Examination Decrees and Regulations (published annually. These give the formal regulations governing the various graduate courses.
A great deal of further information, on matters ranging from personal development planning to plagiarism, is available on the Mathematical Institute website All graduate students are asked to retain these notes for reference throughout their period of study.
Any questions about these notes, or about any other matters concerning graduate studies within the Mathematical Institute, should be addressed to Prof B Zilber Director of Graduate Studies.
These sections are for the guidance of post‑graduate students wishing to study for the DPhil or MSc by research, and must be read in conjunction with the relevant regulations given in the Examination Decrees and Regulations. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that the contents of these notes accurately reflect the wishes of the department, it must be emphasized that they are advisory and nothing in them should be construed as augmenting or modifying the University and Divisional regulations
Before applying for transfer from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status, students should make sure that they are aware of the fee implications and that they will have adequate financial support. Applications (form GSO.2) to transfer to DPhil status need to be signed by the appropriate officer of the student's college, who will need to be assured on this point.
Preparing for the application to transfer from probationer to DPhil student status
If a student has had little or no previous experience of research then he or she must prepare to make what is called a Category A application. This means that in consultation with the supervisor he or she must write a dissertation, preferably 15‑30 printed pages of TEX, depending on font used, which is specifically for the purpose of supporting the application. The dissertation need not be bound but it should be securely fastened. It should also be typewritten or printed on A4 sheets with ample margins.
A dissertation may consist of a short piece of original mathematics, or work that could be included or developed to be part of a doctoral thesis, or a critical review of some part of a student's subject area, and so on. It need not contain original mathematics but it must offer something which is not readily available in the existing literature. Simply interlacing sections of existing texts and papers is not enough.
If the applicant has already had experience of mathematical research (for example if he or she has studied for a Master's degree) and thinks that he or she already satisfies these criteria, the first thing to be done is to decide whether or not the applicant should make what is called in the regulations a Category B application.
For category B applications the written work may consist of:
- a thesis or dissertation produced in connection with another course of research or study; or
- work that has been accepted for publication in a learned journal; or
- other work which is in the opinion of the applicant's supervisor of comparable standing.
If at the start of study the applicant considers that he or she has work such as this and also has carried out sufficient course work and study to prepare himself or herself for research for the DPhil then the supervisor should be consulted immediately. If, in the light of the supervisor's opinion the applicant then decides to make a Category B application, he or she should proceed to do so in the manner described in the next sections.
For both category A and category B applications an oral presentation on the candidate's work will be a part of the assessment. Candidates will probably require some practice and training for this. The presentation may either take the form of a seminar, (which could be a `junior seminar') or it may be a part of the transfer interview.
The assessors will also examine the student's Skills Training. The assessors will need to confirm that the student's training is at the required rate of ten days per year.
Timing the application
If the applicant chooses to make a Category B application, this should be done in his or her first term.
Category A applications should normally be made by the end of the student's first year. Only in exceptional circumstances may this be delayed beyond the end of the fourth term. If you need an extension, please apply by e-mail to the Director of Graduate Studies.
The oral presentation may take place before the application is made, providing that this is retrospectively approved by the assessors.
Instead of making a Category A application for transfer to DPhil student status, applicants may instead apply for transfer to MSc student status. The procedure is similar except that no written work is needed.
Transfer to MSc status is of course appropriate if applicants decide they would prefer to study for the MSc; but it is also appropriate if applicants are uncertain. A student registered for the MSc by research may subsequently make a Category A application for transfer to DPhil status.
Making the application for transfer to DPhil Status
To make an application the following must be submitted:
- an application for transfer from Probationer Research Student to DPhil student status (form GSO.2);
- a departmental application form (MAT.1);
- a description of the work undertaken in preparation for research (this must accompany form MAT.1);
- Two copies of a dissertation of between 15-30 pages of TEX
Forms GSO.2 and MAT.1 are available online or from the Graduate Studies Assistant in the Mathematical Institute. These two forms should be completed by the applicant and the supervisor, and form GSO.2 should also be signed on behalf of the college (usually by the Senior Tutor). Both forms should then be forwarded to the Graduate Studies Assistant, MPLS Division, 9 Parks Road. The MAT.1 form has to be signed by the Director of Graduate Studies, but this can be arranged by the Graduate Studies Office after submission of the forms. The written work must be sent either to the Graduate Studies Assistant at the MPLS Divisional Office, 9 Parks Road or directly to the assessors. This must be done by the date applicants have indicated on the MAT.1. If the dissertation is sent directly to the assessors it is ESSENTIAL that the Graduate Studies Office is informed that this has been done. Otherwise the office will be unable to send the assessors the correct forms and information.
After the application has been made
After submission of the written work applicants may expect their assessors to approach them to fix upon a time for the interview.
The interview will be conducted informally. There will be an opportunity for the applicant to discuss his or her research plans, but the major portion of the time will indubitably be taken up by the assessors orally examining the applicant on the work submitted.
The form of this interview will depend considerably on circumstances and the supervisor may be able to help by providing the applicant with some general indication of what to expect. In all cases, however, applicants can be assured that unlike undergraduate examinations they will not be expected to commit every detail to memory. The length of the interview will vary, but it is unlikely to last for much less than an hour nor for much more than two hours.
Having completed the interview the assessors will prepare a report. An assessment of the oral presentation will form part of the assessors' overall recommendation. It is the responsibility of the Director of Graduate Studies to decide in the light of this report either to approve the application or to allow the applicant to transfer to MSc status, or to permit the applicant to remain only as a Probationer Research Student. An applicant failing to secure a Category B transfer to DPhil status would be allowed to apply subsequently to transfer under Category A: one further application in Category A is allowed, provided that the applicant made his or her first attempt well before the sixth term of the probationer period. Applicants whose applications to transfer to DPhil status are rejected are also allowed to apply for transfer to the status of MSc by research.
The MSc should not be seen as an inferior version of the DPhil. It is less advanced in the sense that the course of research is generally of shorter duration and also in the sense that it is a course where diligent scholarship is more likely to ensure a favourable outcome. However, it is a degree with value of its own requiring a different pattern of discipline and training. For some careers, it is considered as providing a better preparation than the DPhil.
Transfer to MSc by Research
This is similar to the process for transfer to the DPhil, but no written work is required.
Transfer from MSc by Research to the status of DPhil Student
This is similar to the process for transfer from Probationer Research Student to DPhil student, except that the time limit is nine terms from admission as PRS. A student whose application is rejected may re-apply just once more.
Confirmation of DPhil Status
Confirmation of DPhil status should normally happen during a student's third year. Students usually will have successfully met this requirement well before submitting their DPhil thesis. In rare cases where they have not, students may apply for confirmation of status at the same time as they apply for appointment of the DPhil examiners.
The candidate's application, using forms GSO.14 , GSO.14a and MAT.3, accompanied by his or her progress report should reach the Graduate Studies Office by the end of 0th week of the seventh term. Once again, two assessors will be appointed to interview the candidate. The assessors will also examine the student's Skills Training. The assessors will need to confirm that the student's training is at the required rate of ten days per year.
The interview may take place at any time during the term. Any student who is not successful may have one more attempt to be confirmed in DPhil status. Applications for the second attempt must be received no later than the end of 8th week of the ninth term in the student's third year and the assessors may require evidence of progress such as written work etc. at this second interview (the assessors will have indicated what is required of the student when making their report of the first attempt). The report of this second attempt must be made before the beginning of the fourth year.
If, after considering a candidate's application for confirmation of status, it is concluded that the student's progress does not warrant this, the status of student for the degree of Master of Science by Research may be approved.
A few students transfer from Prob. Research status to MSc status and then transfer to DPhil status at the end of their third year of study. Such students should apply for confirmation of DPhil status no later than the end of their eleventh term. If unsuccessful at the first attempt, a second try may take place no later than the end of the twelfth term.
Transferable Skills Training
All research students are required to acquire "transferable" skills as part of their training, and must spend at least 10 days per year in such activities. An account of students' skills training must be presented at transfer and confirmation of status.
Information on transferable skills training is available on the departmental website and through the University Skills Portal at www.skills.portal.ox.ac.uk.
This is a new website created for all research students, postdoctoral researchers and their supervisors at Oxford. It brings together a range of information about transferable skills development and has details of skills training courses, seminars and workshops offered throughout the University in a searchable database. There are links to online resources and tips on subjects such as project management and teaching skills. It also gives advice on getting the most from your time at Oxford and putting yourself in the best possible position to succeed in your career, whatever it might be. The Skills Portal Forum is the place to ask questions, discuss issues with other researchers and make your views known to the people who organise the training.
Citation and Plagiarism
The attention of all students is drawn to the department's statement on citation and plagiarism.
Prizes and Grants
Senior Mathematical Prizes 2009
The arrangements for these prizes are advertised each year in the University Gazette. At present the arrangements are as follows.
The Trustees award one or more Senior Prizes of the value of £500 or less each in Trinity Term, if candidates of sufficient merit present themselves.
Candidates must either have passed all the examinations for the Degree of BA or MMath, or be DPhil, MPhil, MSc or Probationer Research Students admitted not later than the preceding Michaelmas Term. They must not have attained twenty-five years of age on the first day of the Trinity Full Term in which entries are received.
Prizes may be awarded to candidates who present dissertations on any subject of Pure or Applied Mathematics selected by the candidates themselves, provided that a prize shall be not awarded twice to the same person, and that if dissertations of sufficient merit are not sent in, the awards may be withheld. The candidate who presents the dissertation of the greatest merit shall be the Senior University Mathematical Prizeman, shall be called the 'Johnson University Prizeman', and shall receive the emoluments from Dr Johnson's bequest (approximately £500) in addition to his or her other emoluments. A dissertation which has been used before in competition for any prize or scholarship, other than a college senior scholarship or fellowship or the Senior Mathematical Prize, may not be presented.
Candidates must send in their dissertations under their own names to the Academic Administrator, Mathematical Institute, by Friday of week 2 of Trinity Term, and must state in writing what portions, if any, of their dissertations they claim as original, and give references to writings which they have studied in connection with the subjects of their dissertations. They must at the same time state their age and their academic status (see paragraph three).
CEGB Prize in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
This annual prize of £100 for especially meritorious performance in the examination for the MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing is awarded by the examiners.
Esson Bequest Fund
There is a fund available to help research students in Mathematical Sciences facing unexpected financial hardship, consisting of the income from the bequest to the University of William Esson (Savilian Professor of Geometry from 1897 to 1916). Applications may be sent at any time to the Departmental Administrator of the Mathematical Institute, 24-29 St Giles', Oxford.
Heads of Subject Groups in Mathematics in 2008-9
Algebra: Professor R Rouqiuer
Analysis: Professor C Batty
Analytic Topology: Dr P J Collins
Applied Analysis and Mechanics: Professor Sir J M Ball
Discrete Maths: Professor A Scott
Geometry: Professor N J Hitchin
Logic: Professor B Zilber
Mathematical Biology: Professor P K Maini
Mathematical Finance: Professor S D Howison
Mathematical Physics: Professor P Candelas
Number Theory: Professor D R Heath-Brown
Oxford Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics: Professor S D Howison
Stochastic Analysis: Professor T Lyons
Topology: Professor U Tillmann
Equal Opportunities
The department subscribes to the University Equal Opportunities Statement. It also has its own Disability Statement:
The Institute will do everything within its power to make available its teaching and other resources to students and others with disabilities to ensure that they are not at a disadvantage. In some cases, this may require significant adjustments to the building and to teaching methods. Those with disabilities are encouraged to discuss their needs with the Administrator [tel: 01865 273525, email departmental-administrator [-at-] maths [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk] at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Executive Committee is responsible for the department's disability policy.
In addition, individuals may seek specialist advice and support from the University Disability Office or disability [-at-] admin [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk or tel: 01865 280459.
Complaints and Appeals
Complaints may be dealt with informally by students consulting their supervisor, or advisor, or the Director of Graduate Studies.
Whilst it is hoped that every effort will be made to resolve any problems through the above informal routes, students have the right to register formal complaints, which should be addressed to the Academic Administrator. Moreover students may take complaints and appeals direct to the Proctors'. In the latter case they should channel their communication through their College Advisor, rather than their supervisor.
Students should note that the department will be appointing two harassment advisors; their names will be displayed in Reception at the beginning of term.
Consultative Committee with Graduates
Graduate students views are fed into the departmental structure via the Consultative Committee with Graduates. The committee's operation is described in the following standing order:
There shall be a Consultative Committee with Graduates consisting of up to six junior members reading for higher degrees, and the Director of Graduate Studies. One or two of the junior members should be following an MSc by coursework.
Committee members shall be elected from amongst graduate students admitted by the Mathematical Institute, and graduate students following taught MSc's by coursework for which the Mathematical Institute shares some teaching responsibility. Nominations and self-nominations shall be invited by circulating these graduate students electronically in the second week of Michaelmas Term. Elections shall be held electronically during the fourth week of Michaelmas Term, with three working days being given for voting. The one MSc (coursework) student with the most votes, the three research students (DPhil or MSc by research) with the most votes, and the two remaining students (either MSc or DPhil) with the most votes will be elected. The Committee shall have the power to co-opt junior members such that membership is complete. The committee may operate, if necessary, without its full complement of places having been filled.
The committee shall be concerned with matters such as the syllabus, teaching arrangements, library facilities, office facilities, and the general aspects of examinations. It shall annually review examiners reports for the taught MSc's.
The Director of Graduate Studies shall be the chairman of the committee. The Graduate Studies Assistant or another member of Mathematical Institute staff shall act as secretary to the committee. The Consultative Committee with Graduates reports to the Research Committee.
The Committee shall be able as of right to address a communication direct to the Departmental Committee, the Research Committee, or the Teaching Committee, of the Mathematical Institute depending on the matters involved.
Unless the Chairman shall order otherwise, the committee shall meet at 2pm on Thursday in the fifth week of each Full Term.