PhD Studentship - Ranks and in Logic; Kirbyj_UEmpsfp

Primary Supervisor

Dr Jonathan Kirby

Model theory is traditionally done with “classical first-order logic”, the logic which allows unlimited use of the operators AND, OR, NOT, with the EXISTS and FOR ALL quantifiers. More recently, positive logic has emerged as a useful generalisation. For a theory in positive logic, one can specify how much you are allowed to use the NOT operator and the FOR ALL quantifier: either without restriction (to get the classical case) or much less.

Positive logic is more appropriate to use directly for some applications in algebra, such as for modules, and for theories which do not admit quantifier elimination. Theories in classical logic can be classified according to their combinatorial complexity, via a number of dividing lines which are mostly due to Shelah. A map of this classification appears at  Many of these dividing lines are related to the existence of a suitable rank notion on formulas or on type spaces such as Morley rank, U-rank, dp-rank.

These are ordinal-valued ranks which explain the complexity of a formula or type, not as a piece of syntax but in terms of how it relates to other formulas within the context of the particular theory. For example, in vector spaces, any formula has an associated vector subspace and all these ranks will give the dimension of that subspace. These ranks are then often the most useful model-theoretic tool to apply to the theories.

This PhD project will aim to develop suitable analogues of Morley rank, U-rank and dp-rank in positive theories, and will explore new applications of the results obtained.

Students should have some knowledge of mathematical logic and preferably also model theory. They are advised to contact Dr Kirby directly to discuss their application.

• 1st class BSc in mathematics
• 2:1 Masters in mathematics
• or equivalent in mathematics

Full or Part time

1st October 2026

This project is offered on a self-funded basis. It is open to applicants who are self-funded or who are in the process of securing external funding.

A bench fee is payable in addition to the tuition fee, to cover the cost of specialist equipment and laboratory facilities required for the research. Applicants should contact the primary supervisor for details of the bench fee applicable to this project.

If you are part of the UEA alumni community, you may be eligible for a tuition fee discount.

For information on doctoral funding visit our Postgraduate Student Loans page.