PhD Studentship: Mathematics PhD – System dynamics modelling of services for children with complex health needs

A fully-funded PhD is available from February 2027 to work with Professors Sonya Crowe, Christina Pagel and Nici Zimmermann on an Operational Research / System Dynamics project as part of the NIHR/EPSRC-funded SPROCKET Hub (Systems and Process Redesign and Optimisation at Childhood Key Events and Transitions).

SPROCKET is a multidisciplinary hub bringing together experts in operational research, systems thinking, health services research, paediatric practice, implementation and evaluation, intervention design, community facilitation, special educational needs, co-production, and parents of children with complex health needs. The Hub aims to transform services for children and young people with complex health needs.

The student will develop System Dynamics simulation models to investigate factors influencing how children with complex health needs transition:

• from hospital to home, and
• when starting school or moving from primary to secondary school.

Applicants should have an interest in System Dynamics (as developed by Jay Forrester) and be willing to work closely with stakeholders across healthcare, social care and education, alongside collaborators from multiple disciplines.

About the Department

The UCL Mathematics Department has a long and proud history dating back to 1826. Whilst approaching its 200th anniversary, the department is firmly focused on research that tackles modern questions and challenges. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), over 97% of papers reviewed were graded as 4* world leading or 3* internationally excellent.

The Clinical Operational Research Unit (CORU) is a team within the Department of Mathematics dedicated to applying operational research, data science and mathematical modelling to problems in healthcare. To find out more, visit the CORU website.

About the Programme

The programme offers a combination of outstanding research supervision and a rich learning community. Students benefit from a wide range of frequent seminars on a diverse array of research topics and techniques. For more information on the programme, you can visit www.ucl.ac.uk/maths/study/mphilphd-mathematics.

Funding

This studentship provides a tax-free stipend for 44 months, together with full tuition fees (home or international rate) for the same period, and a research training allowance. During the 2026/27 academic year the stipend amount is £1,983.75 per month.

International applicants are welcome to apply.

This studentship will include teaching assistant duties within the Department of Mathematics, so candidates must have a background degree with sufficient mathematics content to fulfil these duties. The department offers training for new teaching assistants and there are opportunities to avail of further development with UCL’s Arena Centre.

Who should apply?

The minimum required qualification is an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Operational Research, System Dynamics or other relevant subject, or an equivalent qualification from another country. Successful applicants accepted onto the programme usually hold an MSc or MSci degree (or equivalent) at merit or distinction level.

Applicants must be able to start on 1 February 2027.

How to apply

You must apply through the UCL Postgraduate Applications portal.

You should select Research Degree: Mathematics (degree code RRDMATSING01).

In your application, list Sonya Crowe, Christina Pagel and Nici Zimmermann as supervisors in the “Proposal” section.

You do not need to submit a research proposal. Instead, you should explain:

• Why you are interested in the SPROCKET project;
• Your motivation for pursuing a PhD;
• Relevant skills, experience and qualifications.

For informal enquiries please contact maths.pgradmin@ucl.ac.uk

Applications will be accepted up to 25 October 2026.

tax-free stipend for 44 months, together with full tuition fees (home or international rate) for the same period, & a research training allowance; during the 2026/27 academic year the stipend amount is £1,983.75 per month.