Major

Mathematical Operations Research

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Use maths to make smarter decisions and run systems more efficiently in the real world.

You'll learn optimisation, modelling, and decision-making techniques to tackle complex real-world problems – from managing supply chains and transport networks to improving resource allocation. Studying operations research teaches you how to use maths strategically to improve efficiency and outcomes across a wide range of industries. You'll graduate with analytical and problem solving skills valued in analytics, finance, consulting, engineering, and government.

Your learning outcomes

By majoring in Mathematical Operations Research, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to:

  • Apply mathematical modelling and optimisation techniques to solve complex problems in industry, research and government
  • Analyse complex systems to identify opportunities for improvement
  • Use quantitative methods and data-driven insights to support decision-making
  • Combine mathematical thinking with real-world problem solving
  • Prepare for careers in analytics, finance, consulting, engineering, and government.

What you’ll study

You'll start with the fundamentals – calculus and linear algebra – then progress to operations research and probability in second year. By third year, you'll apply these skills to solve practical problems through a capstone in decision-making and optimisation, and choose electives in areas like stochastic modelling, graph theory, or numerical methods.

Career outcomes

Graduates with a Mathematical Operations Research major work across analytics, finance, consulting, engineering, and government. The modelling and optimisation skills that you develop are in high demand wherever organisations need to improve efficiency and make better decisions. You'll be well-prepared for careers in industry and postgraduate study in operations research, applied mathematics and related fields.

This major is available in the Bachelor of Science.

In the Mathematical Operations Research major, you’ll learn to use maths to optimise decision-making in complex real-world systems.

Major structure

The Mathematical Operations Research 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

Operations Research graduates are in high demand as organisations seek to optimise decision-making and improve efficiency. Your skills in optimisation, analytics, and strategic thinking make you valuable across industries managing complex systems.

Our graduates work as operations research analysts, optimisation specialists, supply chain managers, and management consultants.

Employers in this field include:

  • Consulting firms including McKinsey, BCG, and Deloitte
  • Financial services companies such as banks, insurance companies, and investment firms
  • Technology companies including Google, Amazon, and tech start-ups
  • Government agencies involved in policy, infrastructure, transport, defence, and public services
  • Organisations in logistics, transport, healthcare, manufacturing, energy and other sectors that manage complex operations.

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.