Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics)

at University of Melbourne

Course structure
 

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.

To be considered for entry, you must have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in a relevant discipline (mathematics, statistics or mathematical physics) with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 65 per cent in the best 50 points in appropriate discipline studies at third year.
 

Supervision requirements
 

You do not need to contact a supervisor prior to applying.
 

About selection
 

• Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

• Where our entry requirements mention a minimum WAM and subject-specific requirements, please note that these refer to University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If your previous qualifications are not from the University of Melbourne, we will assess the results of subjects that are most relevant to the course you are applying for. We may make adjust your final WAM depending on the accreditation of your university/institution, subject grading/scales and pass marks.

• In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider prior academic performance.

• The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

• Quotas may be applied to the degree as a whole, or to an individual stream, and preference may be given to applicants with evidence of appropriate preparation or potential to undertake research.

• Entry into the Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) is subject to the capacity of the relevant school to provide adequate supervision in the research project.
   

• TOEFL (internet-based): total score at of least 79 and scores of 21 for writing, 18 for speaking, 13 for reading and 13 for listening. To submit your scores when you apply, use our TOEFL Institution Code: 0974.
   

• IELTS: total score of at least 6.5 in the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no bands less than 6.0.

• Indicative first year fee AUD$48,128
   
• Indicative total course fee AUD$98,662

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.