PhD in Mathematics and Applications
PhD Program Officer
Silvia Acquati
The PhD Program in Mathematics and Applications is a four-year doctoral program taught in English. It is fully funded by the Tech Europe Foundation (TEF). First cohort: a.y. 2026–2027.
Based in the Department of Decision Sciences, it couples rigorous foundations in Mathematical Analysis — including the opportunity to tackle some of today’s most fascinating problems — with interdisciplinary links to economics, finance, decision theory and computer science. Students join a vibrant, international research environment supported by a faculty with a strong record of excellence, including several ERC grantees.
The Program
Why a PhD in Mathematics?
Mathematics underpins breakthroughs across science and society. A PhD builds the depth and creativity to tackle challenging problems, model complex systems and design algorithms with real-world impact — preparing graduates for leadership in research-intensive settings.
Why Bocconi for Mathematics?
Bocconi offers a strong mathematical community embedded in the social, data and decision sciences, with close interaction with the computing sciences, optimization and machine learning. This setting bridges foundational theory and high-impact applications.
Curriculum and Timeline
First year. Core advanced training in Mathematical Analysis (PDEs, variational methods, geometric analysis) that brings students quickly to the research frontier; electives from mathematics or, depending on interests, economics, finance, statistics or computer science.
Second year. This preparation — with a view toward applications — is completed through research-oriented courses (including visiting professors) while deepening the individual research started in the first year.
Third and fourth years. Fully devoted to research and thesis writing, with opportunities for international research visits and exchanges.
Faculty and Visiting Scholars
Our faculty includes internationally acknowledged researchers in Mathematical Analysis and Applied Mathematics, Decision Sciences, and Mathematical Finance. The program is supplemented by visiting professors who deliver short monographic courses on frontier topics.
Who We Are Looking For
We welcome highly motivated applicants with a strong analytical background (MSc in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Economics, Data Science, Engineering or related fields). Two pathways: a fully analysis-centered track, or an interdisciplinary track spanning economics, finance and machine learning via targeted electives and projects.
Careers
Graduates may pursue careers in:
- academic and institutional research
- quantitative roles in industry and finance
- strategy consulting, operation research, optimization and AI/ML labs.
For an overview of the program structure, please go to: Preparing to Apply > Select a program.
Find out more on how to apply and the admissions process.