Pilot selection procedure: Mathematical Institute courses
About
This page provides information about the continuing pilot to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, in order to ensure all candidates are evaluated fairly.
Motivation
The Mathematical Institute has joined the continuing pilot to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications for entry in the 2023-24 academic year.
At the Mathematical Institute, we believe that a supportive and inclusive research environment, in which students and staff alike can achieve their full potential, is essential to achieving academic excellence. Mathematics is central to science and society, embedded in every discipline and every industry, making it imperative to ensure that a diversity of voices and perspectives are involved in the development of new ideas across the subject.
We are exploring ways to better contextualise admissions procedures for graduate students to ensure that those with the greatest potential for academic excellence from every background are given the opportunity to join our academic community. Embracing and supporting diversity will contribute to a vibrant and flourishing research community, and our actions in this space are informed by ongoing efforts by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The information provided on this page applies to all courses taking part in the selection pilot that are listed below (unless indicated otherwise).
Courses taking part in the selection pilot
This list will continue to be updated as courses are opened to accept applications. Please check back regularly for updates.
What actions are we taking?
We will be:
- taking into consideration socio-economic data as part of the shortlisting and decision-making process; and
- collecting a contextual statement.
The academic selection criteria used for shortlisting and selection at interview are listed on the individual course pages that can be accessed through the course links above.
What do these things mean and why are we taking these actions?
Use of collected socio-economic data
For the courses taking part in the selection pilot, we will take into consideration the socio-economic data collected in the graduate application form, where it has been provided, for the assessment of applications. Further details can be found in the Socio-economic data section of this page.
Use of a contextual statement
We recognise that socio-economic data may not fully capture an individual student’s personal circumstances, so if any of a range of criteria apply (listed in the in the Contextual statement section of this page), we encourage you to submit a statement providing additional detail on your personal circumstances using the contextual statement form. Please refer to the Contextual statement section of this page for full details.
Selection of offer holders for college places
The changes apply to the departmental selection procedure only. The college selection procedure has not been amended, and will be undertaken in the same way as for any other courses within the University.
Collection of socio-economic data
The University currently collects a range of socio-economic data from candidates who apply for graduate study. This information is used to understand the demographics of those applying and of candidates who are offered places, but it is not available to assessors.
We would like to use these data to contextualise our shortlisting and decision-making processes. Academic assessors will be enabled to do this by the use of a flagging system similar to that used for United Kingdom applicants for undergraduate admissions.
By better understanding your socio-economic background, we can better understand the challenges that you have had in your education to date.
Contextual statement form
We recognise that socio-economic data may not fully capture an individual student’s personal circumstances, so if any of the criteria listed below apply, we encourage you to submit a statement providing additional detail on your personal circumstances using the contextual statement form.
This will not be made available to assessors during the initial phase of academic shortlisting, but may be used in association with socio-economic data to contextualise short-listing and decision-making processes.
You may wish to provide a contextual statement, particularly if you:
- are in the first generation of your family to go to university;
- have been in care for at least three months;
- have been a young carer;
- are from a low-income background;
- you have received a means-tested scholarship;
- you have needed to work to support yourself during your academic studies because of your socioeconomic circumstances;
- are a refugee;
- are neurodivergent;
- have or have had one or more disabilities or chronic illnesses that have affected you in education or at work; and/or
- wish to disclose other circumstances that have substantially affected you in education or at work.
Please note, this statement is in addition to completing the 'Extenuating circumstances’ section of the standard application form.