Mathematics PhD – System dynamics modelling of services for children with complex health needs
University College London — Department of Mathematics
Prof Sonya Crowe, Prof Christina Pagel
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
London, United Kingdom — Applied Mathematics, Health Informatics, Mathematical Modelling, Operational Research
About the Project
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 that brings together experts in operational research; systems thinking; health services research; clinical paediatric practice; innovation implementation and evaluation; design of interventions for people with disabilities; community facilitators; parents of children with complex health needs; special educational needs experts; and experts in co-production. Our aim is to transform the delivery of services for children and young people with complex health needs.
The student will conduct System Dynamics simulation modelling of the multitude of factors that influence how well children with complex health needs transition (1) from phases in hospital to being back home and (2) starting school or moving from primary to secondary school. They must have an interest in system dynamics (as developed by Jay Forrester) and be willing and able to work closely with stakeholders across healthcare, social care and education, as well as collaborators across 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 department’s research activity is broadly classified into pure and applied mathematics. Full details of our research areas can be found on our website.
About the Clinical Operational Research Unit
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. CORU has five full-time academic staff, two post-doctoral research associates, four PhD students, two research coordinators and a senior finance manager. The CORU offices are at 4 Taviton Street on the main UCL site. To find out more about CORU, visit our website.
The student will be based primarily at CORU, with supervision also from Professor Nici Zimmermann, a Professor of System Dynamics at the UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering.
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.
UCL’s role in the London School of Geometry and Number Theory (LSGNT) and London Taught Course Centre (LTCC) ensures that students are firmly integrated into the wider mathematical community.
The training our PhD students receive equips them well for the employment market. Recent graduates have taken up academic posts, joined the financial services industry, become mathematics teachers, worked as computer programmers, and much more.
For more information on the programme, please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/maths/study/mphilphd-mathematics.
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.
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 successful candidate must be able to start in February 2027.
Funding Details
This studentship provides a tax-free stipend at UCL's standard doctoral stipend rate from February 2027 to September 2030. It also covers full tuition fees for the same period and includes a research training allowance and funding to purchase a laptop for research purposes. For the 2026/27 academic year, the stipend is approximately £1,983.75 per month.
International applicants are welcome to apply. Tuition fees will be covered at the appropriate rate for successful applicants.
This studentship will include teaching assistant duties within the Department of Mathematics. The department offers training to new teaching assistants and there are opportunities to access further professional development through UCL’s Arena Centre. Teaching assistants who undertake the relevant training can also apply for Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. This helps students to develop a range of additional skills alongside their core research skills.
For more information on the funding arrangements for this post please contact maths.pgradmin@ucl.ac.uk.
How to apply
Applications can be made online through the following system:
You should select Research Degree: Mathematics (degree code RRDMATSING01).
In your application, you should identify Sonya Crowe, Christina Pagel and Nici Zimmermann as your potential supervisors in the “Proposal” section, and note your interest specifically in the ‘SPROCKET’ project.
Applicants are not required to submit a detailed research proposal. Instead, applications should explain:
- Why the applicant is interested in the SPROCKET project;
- Their motivation for pursuing a PhD;
- Relevant skills, experience and qualifications.
Applications will be accepted up to 25 October 2026.
For informal enquiries please contact maths.pgradmin@ucl.ac.uk
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