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Gatsby Bridging Programme
University College London (UCL)London, United Kingdom
Not Available
On campus
7 weeks
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Program Details
- Degree
- Foundation
- Major
- Mathematics
- Area of study
- Natural Science | Mathematics and Statistics
- Timing
- Full time
- Course Language
- English
Program Overview
Gatsby Bridging Programme
The Gatsby Bridging Programme is an intensive, fast-paced summer school for predoctoral students to build mathematical intuitions and skills necessary to enter the fields of theoretical neuroscience and foundational machine learning.
Programme Overview
The programme is designed for penultimate-/final-year undergraduates and Master's students who aspire to pursue a postgraduate research degree in theoretical neuroscience and/or foundational machine learning but whose predoctoral degree(s) does not have a strong mathematical focus. The programme aims to promote intuition, confidence, first-principles thinking, and skills, to allow participants to understand and work with the mathematical language and tools used widely in these fields.
Programme Details
- Dates: 22 June - 7 August 2026, London
- Commitment: Full-time, Monday to Saturday, typically 10AM-5PM
- Topics Covered:
- Multivariate calculus
- Linear algebra
- Probability
- ODEs & dynamical systems
- Fourier analysis & convolution
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and will be assessed competitively. The criteria include:
- Currently taking or having recently completed an undergraduate or Master's degree without strong mathematical training.
- Keen interest in postgraduate research in theoretical neuroscience and/or foundational machine learning.
- Background in a relevant field such as biological sciences or computer science.
- Achieved a grade of A (or higher) in A-level mathematics or an equivalent school- or university-level examination.
- Proven and potential academic excellence.
- Good command of the English language.
- Consent to abide by the terms and conditions of the offer.
Programme Fee and Financial Assistance
There are no programme fees, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and subsistence expenses. A small number of bursaries are available to students who may find it difficult to participate for financial reasons.
Application Process
- Enter information about education and mathematics background.
- Provide a motivation statement (up to 300 words) showcasing research interests and academic potential.
- Complete a mathematics questionnaire.
- Upload a copy of university transcripts for each degree.
Outcome Notification
Due to the high volume of applications, individual feedback regarding the outcome will not be provided. Competitive applicants may be invited to join the waiting list for places that later become available.
Syllabus
The programme covers a range of mathematical topics, including:
- Multivariate calculus: Sequences, series, limit, continuity, derivation, univariate integration, multivariate functions, partial derivatives, chain rule, directional derivatives, and gradients.
- Linear algebra: Rn (vectors, basis, subspaces, orthogonality), linear maps, matrices, determinants, eigendecomposition, PCA, projections, SVD, linear regression, pseudoinverse.
- Probability: Events, random variables, expectations, discrete distributions, probability density, moments, continuous random variables, exponential family, and maximum entropy principle.
- ODEs & dynamical systems: Dynamical systems, analytical techniques, graphical analysis, bifurcations, complex numbers.
- Fourier analysis & convolution: Introduction to signals and systems, continuous time Fourier series, Fourier Transform, Inverse FT, LTI systems in Fourier domain, solving ODEs, 2D FT, discrete time Fourier series/transform, fast FT, random process, and Fourier analysis.
Recommended Textbooks
- Introduction to Linear Algebra by Strang
- Calculus by Stewart
- Probability and Random Processes with Applications to Signal Processing by Stark & Woods
- Signals and Systems by Oppenheim, Willsky, and Nawab
- Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos by Steven Strogatz
Key Dates
- Programme dates: 22 June - 7 August 2026
- Application open: 19 January 2026
- Information webinar: 23 January 2026, 10-11 AM GMT
- Application deadline: 16 February 2026
- Outcome communicated by mid-April 2026
- Deadline for offer acceptance: 1 week after outcome notification
Underrepresented Groups in STEM
The programme aims to increase diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including:
- Women
- Certain ethnic minorities
- Care background or family estrangement
- Those granted refugee status
- Caring responsibilities
- First generation to attend university
- Low-income background
Widening Participation
The programme uses positive action under the Equality Act 2010 to tackle underrepresentation in STEM. Applicants will be asked to describe their circumstances and provide relevant supporting documentation.
About University
UCL is a top-ranked university with life-changing research and a_x000D_
progressive approach to academia, making it different from the rest. At UCL,_x000D_
postgraduate students learn by doing—shaping the world around them with a_x000D_
hands-on approach.
Services
Student services
UCL is committed to providing an inclusive learning and working environment where students and staff of all religions, and none, can thrive.
- Their Student Support and Wellbeing team of expert wellbeing, disability and mental health staff provide a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space, in which you can discuss any issues that may be affecting your ability to study.
- UCL's Student Centre houses a large prayer room and a small room for silent prayer and meditation.
- UCL has schemes to help students who are facing financial difficulties The university provides support to international students, such as assistance with visas
- A Personal Tutor is on hand to help you settle into UCL through practical guidance and support.
Housing services
UCL provides a range of accommodation for graduate students. Our halls vary in size, facilities and history. Whatever stage you are at and whatever questions you have, the UCL Accommodation team is there to help and get you settled in quickly
Library services
You can access a number of library and information services to help you get the most out of your time with us. Your UCL user ID means that email, wifi, library and print facilities will be available to you whenever you need them.
The libraries are an invaluable resource, find out about the services they provide, when they are open and search the catalogue.ICT services
Support is available from IT services 24 hours a day, ensuring that you have 24/7 cover for all IT queries.
IT Services is your point of contact for supported computer hardware, software, IT account or other IT related issues; including telephone, audio visual and printing queries.