Mathematics

Overview

This research activity will ensure that, at Nazarbayev University, mathematics as science will develop and advance, at least at the same pace as the other sciences, from which the other areas of research can also benefit.

As Kazakhstan strives to become one of the top 30 most developed countries under the ‘Third Modernization of Kazakhstan’ model of economic growth, we anticipate growing demand from local, national, and international sources for highly trained English speaking Ph.D. holder in mathematics, thus, providing a healthy job market for our graduates in academic, corporate, and government sectors. Graduates of this program are expected to find highly respected positions in academia and industry.

Graduates of the Mathematics program from Nazarbayev University will be prepared to play important roles in Kazakhstan’s economy, especially with respect to research, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. In this regard, this program will serve as a key building block in the research-driven economic and technological development of the region, and as a key amplifier of the influence of the Nazarbayev University within Kazakhstan and beyond its borders.

The proposed PhD program is a 4-year program and comprises compulsory coursework, research, and dissertation writing. The program aligns with the structure of similar programs in North America, and is in compliance with the Bologna process, adopted by the Republic of Kazakhstan and the revised Graduate Programs Framework of Nazarbayev University.

Career and Internship Support

Student support is provided by a combination of services, centrally in the university, by SSH and at the PhD program level. Much of the support focuses on developing students’ skills to enhance their performance in the program.

This support is provided through the main Supervisor and Co-supervisors, who are the primary point of contact for all matters relating to students’ welfare and progress including career counseling. The Supervisor(s) and PhD candidate work together to identify the student’s Advisory Committee. The Supervisor is the key faculty member responsible for guiding the student through the PhD program, and especially through the process of identifying and designing his/her dissertation topic. The Supervisor is also expected to work closely with the PhD student in planning the research work and in the analysis of the data. Finally, the Supervisor must approve the draft of the dissertation prior to it being sent for external review. The Supervisor(s) will work with the student to address the comments and suggestions of the external examiner and will then determine when the dissertation draft is ready for the final defense at the University.

Academic staff delivering taught modules and lectures will provide students with necessary material, in classrooms, laboratories, and workshops, by print and electronic material such as Moodle. Students will be encouraged to attend Professional Development Workshops organized by CAC, SSH or the Department.