Mathematics Education

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in mathematics, education, psychology or a related discipline.

It would be an advantage in some cases to have a master's in mathematics education, educational/psychological research methods or in a related discipline.

Projects which have funding attached (e.g. through research councils, University funding or industry sponsorship) are advertised on our online prospectus and do not require a research proposal.

If you can't find an advertised project that fits your interests and experience, you can submit a research proposal to find a supervisor who will work with you on your project. You can view our list of academic staff on our website or you can email us for guidance.

Alongside your research proposal, you must also submit the following to accompany your application:

• a one-page CV summarising relevant experience and skills
• a one-page cover letter describing the reasons for wishing to undertake research in your chosen area and the personal qualities you will bring
• a two-page essay on one or more issues affecting teaching/learning in mathematics related to your proposed area of research. This should be a specially constructed piece of writing, making reference to relevant academic literature.

You should also indicate on your application the area in which you would like to study and the person with whom you would like to work, if appropriate. You are strongly encouraged to contact this person ahead of making an application to discuss your interests and possible research topics.

Months of entry

February, April, July, October

Course content

The Department of Mathematics Education is one of the largest mathematics education research groups in the UK. Our research focuses on three areas: Mathematical Cognition, Education Design and Evaluation, and Higher Education Pedagogy. We explore the fundamental processes involved in learning mathematics, as well as the design and evaluation of innovative pedagogy.

In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 83% of our research activity was judged to be ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. Academics from the Department have won national and international awards for their research and research-informed teaching practices. They connect with other specialists throughout the UK and run monthly seminars and workshops, attracting academics and researchers from across the region, which you will benefit from as a student, along with our reading group sessions.

We attract an increasing amount of external funding for our research with grants from, for example, the ESRC, the Royal Society, the Nuffield Foundation, the British Academy, Action Medical Research and the HE STEM programme. Notable recent funding successes include the Centre for Mathematical Cognition which was established in 2019 with a £7.2m ‘Expanding Excellence in England’ grant from Research England and the Centre for Early Mathematics Learning which is funded by a £9.8m ESRC Centre grant.

The Department is responsible for the University-wide Mathematics Learning Support Centre, which provides mathematics and statistics support to all students. In addition, one-to-one support for students at all levels of study is provided by Mathematics Education staff and colleagues in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The Statistics Advisory Service is a specialist service which is in great demand, providing support for final-year project students, postgraduates and staff requiring help with statistics.

The Department of Mathematics Education is proud to be part of the ESRC Midlands Graduate School Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) in partnership with the universities of Warwick, Nottingham, Birmingham, Aston and Leicester.

Information for international students

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

Please see our website for a list of research degree funding and scholarships.