Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours)

From the abstract to the applied.

If you have a love for mathematics and statistics and are looking to develop the skills that form the basis for the increasing range of quantitative careers in areas such as finance and technology, this is the degree for you.

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours)

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

4 Year(s)

Overview

Are you a high achiever with a keen mind wanting to specialise in mathematics? If you’re interested in the increasing range of quantitative careers in areas such as finance and environmental modelling, this degree offers a strong foundation.

This four-year degree combines advanced coursework with an honours-level research project. You’ll also choose a major to specialise in a particular subject area.

Applied Mathematics
Understand and predict real-world problems and improve their outcomes. Mathematical methods and models are employed to find solutions not only for technical and industrial problems, but also for social, biomedical and economic problems.

Pure Mathematics
Study the foundation of all mathematics. This major is concerned with discovering the patterns and structures that underlie wide areas of mathematics. Although motivated more by a search for beauty and symmetry, this area of mathematics has led to major advances in many areas of science and technology.

Advanced Statistics
Explore the methodology for drawing conclusions from data - estimating the present, predicting the future and making decisions in the face of uncertainty. Modern statistics is a rapidly evolving science where innovations in technology present exciting new opportunities for collection and analysis of huge and complex data sets.

Key features

Supervised research project
Your honours year is an integral part of the degree. It involves a supervised research project and advanced coursework. You’ll conduct original scientific investigations and analysis while developing your critical and integrative thinking.

Flexible subject choices
You can choose from a wide range of electives to tailor your study to your interests. This degree is designed to be flexible enough to combine with a second degree from the Faculties of Arts, Design and Architecture (ADA), Engineering, Law or Business.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities
At UNSW Science, we focus on delivering the optimal balance of theory and practical work to equip you with the skills and experience to fast-track your career. The SCIF3199 Science Work Placement course gives you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through an internship. Previous work placement students have interned with IT companies, start-ups, government departments and large biomedical and biotechnology companies. Along with new professional skills and connections, you’ll also gain course credit for your work placement.

Research internship course
The SCIF2041 Research Internship course gives you the opportunity to complete a short theoretical or experimental research project in a world-leading research team supervised by a member of academic staff. Internships may also involve a placement outside of UNSW, in the form of externally funded research programs.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Learn with the best
We’re ranked 48th in the world for mathematics.^* As Australia’s largest and highest ranked school of mathematics & statistics, we provide comprehensive coverage of modern mathematics, underpinned by leading teaching and research.

Leverage our industry connections
Reach your career goals with industry relevant skills and training. We have links with many leading organisations such as the Roads and Maritime Services, CommBank and SIRCA. Our connections with industry give you the opportunity to apply your learning to real-world issues. Our industry connections also benefit from the mathematical insights of our talented students. Tap into our network of 400+ industry and research partners to start building your own professional connections.

Join our Talented Students Program
The Talented Students Program (TSP) introduces high-performing students entering selected science degrees to cutting-edge, world-class research in UNSW Science. TSP gives you the opportunity to engage in research experiences as early as possible to nurture the passion for research that all UNSW scientists share. Our previous TSP students have written research papers, attended conferences, integrated into research groups, developed peer groups and much more. All of these opportunities are available from year one of your science degree.

^{*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023}

Program Code

3956

CRICOS Code

088843G

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

429300

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

192

Indicative Enrolments

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

88.7*

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Extension 1

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

The advanced mathematics program differs from the Bachelor of Science with the inclusion of compulsory advanced mathematics coursework. This includes majors in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, quantitative risk and advanced statistics.

This degree starts with foundation courses to build your introductory skills, before progressing to advanced mathematics coursework and an honours-level research project. You’ll also study free electives from any faculty at UNSW and general education non-science courses to diversify your study and expand your knowledge base.

Full program structure

The Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) is offered as either a single degree or a double degree.

Single degree structure

As a single degree, the Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) is made up of 24 courses plus an honours year taken over four years of full-time study.

Type	Units of Credit (UOC)	Number of courses
Major	84	14
SCIF1131 (core course)	6	1
Science electives	6	1
Honours year	Your honours year (48 UOC) includes coursework and a thesis component.
Free electives	36	6
General education	12	2

Double degree structure

As a double degree, the Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) is made up of 16 courses plus an honours year taken simultaneously with courses from your other degree. Students undertaking a double degree do not take general education or free elective courses.

Type	Units of Credit (UOC)	Number of courses
Major	84	14
SCIF1131 (core course)	6	1
Science electives	6	1
Honours year	Your honours year (48 UOC) includes coursework and a thesis component.
Other degree	96 or 144	16-24

Majors

This major covers the development and implementation of methods to understand and predict real-world problems and improve their outcomes. Mathematical methods and models are employed to find solutions not only for technical and industrial problems, but also for social, biomedical and economic problems.

Find out more
Pure Mathematics is the foundation of all mathematics. It’s concerned with discovering the patterns and structures that underlie wide areas of mathematics. Although motivated more by a search for beauty and symmetry, this area of mathematics has led to major advances in many areas of science and technology.

Find out more
This major explores the methodology for drawing conclusions from data - estimating the present, predicting the future and making decisions in the face of uncertainty. Modern statistics is a rapidly evolving science where innovations in technology present exciting new opportunities for collection and analysis of huge and complex data sets.

Find out more

Download Sample Program

Go to the handbook

Future careers

The Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) is designed to match local and global career opportunities, preparing you for the workplace. Mathematics and statistics graduates work in a huge variety of areas, wherever logical skill and analysis of quantitative data is needed to provide accurate and timely answers.

Data Forensics/Fraud Detection
Analysing patterns in large data sets to find the “needles in the haystack” of fraudulent or terrorist activity.
Environmental Modelling
Understanding of massive computer models that predict changes in weather, climate and ocean currents.
Biostatistics
Securing public health and testing drugs and new procedures for safety and efficacy, using statistical inference.
Cryptography
Encoding and decoding signals within financial markets, the internet and the military, as well as numerous other applications.
Quantitative Risk
Monitoring the risk positions of banks in light of changing market conditions as well as credit and operational profiles.
Game Design
Designing complex games to ensure correct probabilities and accurate simulations.
Data Management
Ensuring accuracy and accessibility of organisations’ data warehouses.
Teaching
Inspiring the new generation with an understanding of the power of mathematics.
Research
Answering the many abstract questions thrown up by other sciences and by mathematics itself.

Our alumni

"In the earlier years of my degree, I was exposed to a broad range of mathematical concepts, drawing on things only touched upon in high school. In the upper years, I was then able to choose which part of math really interested me and hone in on my skills by completing focused subjects in the area. The small classes and dedicated time with the academics meant that I was always able to achieve a deeper level of understanding, even with the trickier concepts."

Miriam Greenbaum

Consultant, Business Consulting (Finance), Ernst & Young

"My first reason for choosing to study mathematics at UNSW was because of the quality and diversity of the faculty, which is one of the largest and most respected in Australia. This gave me the opportunity to study mathematics at a very high level over a broad range of fields. Secondly, a mathematics degree at UNSW gave me a lot of flexibility with what I wanted to study. This allowed me to extend myself with higher levels of mathematics, as well as to study courses outside of mathematics which I found interesting."

Anthony Morris

Staff Software Engineer, Google

Double degrees

Our double degrees enable you to broaden your opportunities and study different areas simultaneously.

Double degree options:

Actuarial Studies
Arts
Commerce
Computer Science
Economics
Engineering (Hons)
Law

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to apply?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to apply?

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$5,910*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 1

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$47,490*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$198,520*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.