Student Stories: Joseph Gill
Joseph studied in the School of Mathematics for his BSc in Mathematics and Physics before starting a career in the financial sector. A year later, he returned to pursue an MSc in Computational Applied Mathematics with the help of a scholarship from the Martingale Foundation. Joseph shares his journey as a Martingale Scholar, and how the scholarship has helped him grow both academically and personally, as well as his tips for any future Scholars.
Choosing postgraduate study
After finishing my undergraduate studies, financial constraints made me hesitate about continuing my education. I took a year off to work in a graduate scheme, which was really valuable as it let me take some time out from academia and work on developing my transferable skills. The urge to dive deeper into learning never left me though!
The Martingale Scholarship was a pivotal opportunity, providing not just financial support but also exposure to a range of possibilities that convinced me to pursue a master’s degree. It really opened doors that I hadn’t imagined possible, allowing me to fully focus on my studies and academic growth.
Impact of the Martingale Scholarship
The scholarship covered my tuition and living expenses, which was a relief, but its impact went beyond financial aid. I had the chance to participate in a week-long event in Cambridge, called “Solve for X”, where we worked in groups with Scholars from all the other Martingale partner universities on tackling real-world industrial problems.
A group photo from the ‘Solve for X’ event, captured by Amanda Summons Creative
This experience was invaluable, especially as we got to work on a project using medical statistics in legal contexts, which broadened my understanding of how mathematics can be applied outside traditional areas. The exposure to diverse fields and the opportunity to collaborate with other Scholars from across the country enriched my learning experience immensely.
Academic and personal growth
The Computational Applied Mathematics MSc programme is both rigorous and rewarding, challenging me to explore new areas like machine learning and mathematical applications in medicine. Being part of the supportive Martingale community has been incredibly encouraging, even opening up potential PhD opportunities.
Beyond academics, I’ve been able to enjoy learning new extracurricular activities, such as skiing and tennis, which I find really fulfilling. Sports have been as influential to my personal growth as my coursework and a great way to make new friends here in Edinburgh.
If I didn’t have the scholarship to support me then I definitely wouldn’t have been able to enjoy these activities, as I would have needed to spend my time outside of classes working a part-time job to support myself. During my undergraduate degree, even with my student loan it was sometimes hard to make ends meet so I wasn’t able to take part in as many activities as I would have wanted to. It’s been so great to have that opportunity this time round!
Future aspirations
Looking ahead, I aspire to merge my interests in computing and medical mathematics into a meaningful career. My dissertation project for my MSc has been working with data from wrist-worn devices, and trying to predict from the data what kind of physical activity the wearer is undertaking at a given moment, which has applications in disease monitoring in a non-invasive way which I find really interesting. Pursuing a PhD is definitely on my radar. The confidence, skills, and connections I’ve gained through the MSc and the Martingale programme have been pivotal, and I believe these will be instrumental in achieving my career goals. My passion lies in applying mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems, and I really like seeing the tangible impact of the work I’m doing and how that might potentially help people or have a positive impact on their lives. With the foundation I’ve built, I feel well-prepared to take on these future challenges.
Advice for future MSc students and Martingale applicants
For those considering this path, I wholeheartedly encourage you to embrace the opportunity. Go into the MSc with an open mind and be open to change. I used to think statistics were awful, but now I find statistics really interesting! The MSc has definitely helped shape the direction of where I want my career to go in the future. The MSc has also built a network of people from all different backgrounds, so I’d recommend you engage actively with your peers to allow you to fully benefit from the diverse opportunities and connections it offers, setting you on a path to success.
I am deeply appreciative of the Martingale Scholarship and its profound impact on my academic pursuits and personal development. It has truly shaped my outlook on future career paths, equipping me with the tools and confidence to pursue my dreams, so I would definitely recommend this programme to others! If you’re thinking of applying for a Martingale scholarship, I’d encourage you to approach it with confidence, don’t be scared to open up about yourself in your application and show what you’re interested in. Make the most of the incredible support and experiences available through the Martingale community.
The Martingale Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships support passionate and talented students facing financial barriers to pursue Masters and PhDs and excel in them. Applications for 2026 Scholarships are open from 13 August to 19 October 2025. Find out more on the Martingale Foundation website.
Feature image: Joseph Gill photographed by Amanda Summons Creative
