Applied Mathematics major

Use maths to solve real problems in science, tech, engineering, finance, and beyond.

Turn complex problems in industry, research and government into mathematical models and solve them using computational methods. Applied mathematics teaches you practical problem-solving skills that industries actually need, from data science and engineering to finance and consulting. You'll graduate ready for careers where maths makes a tangible difference.

Your learning outcomes

By majoring in Applied Mathematics, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to:

Translate problems in industry, research and government into mathematical models you can solve
Use computational methods and coding to find practical solutions
Apply your maths skills to challenges in engineering, tech, science, and industry
Solve problems in data science, finance, consulting, and beyond
Think like a problem-solver who bridges the gap between theory and real-world impact.

What you’ll study

You'll start with the fundamentals – differential equations and calculus – then progress to more advanced applied maths in second year. By third year, you'll work on real-world problems through a capstone project and choose electives that match your interests, whether that's numerical methods, biological modelling, mathematical physics, or complex analysis.

Career outcomes

Graduates with an Applied Mathematics major work across data science, engineering, finance, consulting, and government. The problem-solving and coding skills you develop are in demand across industries, from tech startups to big corporations. You'll also be well-prepared if you want to continue to postgraduate study in applied maths or scientific computing.

This major is available in the Bachelor of Science.

In the Applied Mathematics major, you’ll use maths to model, analyse and solve problems in industry, research and government.

Major structure

The Applied Mathematics major is made up of seven subjects (87.5 credit points) taken in your second and third year. Each subject is worth 12.5 credit points. Level 2 subjects are usually taken in second year, and Level 3 subjects in third year.

To complete this major, you’ll need:

12.5 credit points of Level 2 major core
12.5 credit points of Level 2 major elective (Group A)
12.5 credit points of Level 2 major elective (Group B)
12.5 credit points of Level 3 major core
25 credit points of Level 3 major electives
12.5 credit points of Level 3 capstone

The rest of your degree will consist of a science core subject, elective subjects in science, and breadth (non-science) subjects.

Further information

You can find detailed information about your major – including structure, subject availability, and participation requirements – in the Handbook.

You can also explore your study pathway and sample course plans through My Course Planner.

Overview

Applied Mathematics graduates are in high demand across industries where analytical problem-solving drives innovation. Your skills in mathematical modelling, computational methods, and data analysis make you valuable to employers seeking to solve real-world challenges.

Our graduates work as data scientists, quantitative analysts, environmental modellers, and engineering consultants.

Employers in this field include:

Consulting firms including McKinsey, Deloitte, and EY
Financial services companies such as ANZ, NAB, and investment banks
Technology companies including Google, Amazon, and local tech start-ups
Research and government organisations including CSIRO, BOM, and Treasury
Engineering and environmental consultancies.

For more career examples and profiles, visit Careers in Science.

Further study

At the end of your degree, you'll be well-placed to pursue graduate study in maths – for example, in the Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) or the Master of Data Science. You could also explore further study in other disciplines – in science, law, teaching, health, business, humanities, and more.

If you’re interested in graduate research, you can progress to the Master of Science to set you up for a PhD and a rewarding research career.