Mathematics and statistics provide powerful tools for understanding the natural world and human endeavours, ranging from health care to logistics to economics.

This coursework masters degree, which includes a major research project, will take your expertise in mathematics and statistics to an advanced level.

The Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) provides excellent preparation for a specialist role in the workforce or graduate research in the field.

Customise the course to suit your interests

The course is designed with flexibility in mind. Choose from one of five areas to specialise in:

• Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Biology
• Operations Research and Industrial Optimisation
• Pure Mathematics
• Statistics and Stochastic Processes
• Mathematical Physics and Physical Combinatorics

In addition to compulsory subjects, you’ll be able to select electives from a broad range of advanced subjects – both from your chosen specialty and from others.

You can even choose to take advanced subjects in physics, computer science or bioinformatics.

In demand globally

Qualified mathematicians and statisticians are in high demand due to a national shortage. High-level skills in this field are sought after in business, government and research organisations.

Develop your research skills

You’ll leave the course with a major research project to feature in your CV. The research project will put your skills to the test, working with one of our expert research staff on genuine mathematical or statistical problems.

If a career in research is your goal, the Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) is the ideal preparation for PhD studies in the field.

The Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) is a 200-point course, made up of:

• Discipline subjects (137.5 points), including compulsory subjects and electives
• A professional skills subject (12.5 points)
• A research project (50 points, or 25 points with approval and other subjects to compensate).

You’ll choose from one of five areas to specialise in:

• Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Biology
• Operations Research and Industrial Optimisation
• Pure Mathematics
• Statistics and Stochastic Processes
• Mathematical Physics and Physical Combinatorics

You'll select your subjects from the large range of advanced mathematics and statistics subjects on offer. The course will be made up of subjects from your chosen specialty and others. You can even choose masters level subjects in physics, computer science or bioinformatics. You can also take subjects through the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) National Graduate Summer School.

You'll choose your professional skills subject from a selection that includes modelling, science communication, and scientific computing, giving you an extra skill that you can take with you through your career.

All students undertake a research project, over 12–18 months, working on a mathematics and statistics research question. To support you and provide direction, you’ll be matched with one of our expert researchers as a supervisor. During the first semester of study you’ll select your research topic and supervisor, with the research project usually beginning in the second semester.

Qualified mathematicians and statisticians are in high demand due to a national shortage. Consequently, graduates of higher level degrees in these areas often attract head-hunters and above-average salaries.

Our graduates go on to work as data scientists and analysts, macroeconomists, quant analysts and data engineers.

Employers in this field include:

• Consulting firms including PWC, KPMG and EY
• Financial services companies such as ANZ, NAB and IAG
• IT companies such as IBM and Telstra
• Medical research institutes such as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
• Universities and public research institutions such as the CSIRO.

Technical and professional skills

On graduating from the course you’ll have in-depth knowledge of your chosen specialty, plus strong professional skills in:

• Modelling and simulation
• Programming using R
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Communicating research findings
• Research planning and literature reviews.

Further study

At the end of the course, you’ll be well-placed to begin a PhD in mathematics and statistics, if you choose.

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a directly related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equi

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