University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This honours pathway builds a strong foundation in pure and applied mathematics in the early years, then moves toward specialised applied topics and a substantive research thesis in the final honours year. Typical first‑ and second‑year subjects cover single and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics and introductory real analysis, together with probability and statistics.

• Core intermediate modules – ordinary differential equations, multivariable calculus, complex variables and mathematical methods for applied problems.
• Computational and numerical subjects – numerical analysis, scientific computing, numerical linear algebra and algorithms for differential equations.
• Advanced applied subjects – partial differential equations, dynamical systems and stability, optimisation and control, mathematical modelling in physics, biology or engineering.
• Probability, stochastic processes and applied statistics for modelling uncertain systems.
• Honours year – a substantial supervised research project or thesis in applied mathematics, plus advanced coursework in a specialised area (for example, computational fluid dynamics, inverse problems, or optimisation).

Students can usually tailor their studies with electives from computer science, engineering, physics, statistics or finance to strengthen computational skills and domain knowledge. Practical work often includes programming, numerical experiments, and the application of mathematics to industry‑relevant problems.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours) typically requires successful completion of secondary school or an equivalent qualification with strong results in advanced mathematics. Applicants are expected to have a background in calculus and algebra at senior secondary level or equivalent college/university preparation.

• Domestic applicants: an appropriate senior secondary certificate with the University of Adelaide’s standard selection criteria; demonstrated proficiency in higher‑level mathematics is expected.
• International applicants: an equivalent secondary qualification with strong mathematics; successful completion of recognised pre‑university programmes or bridging studies may be acceptable.
• Alternative pathways: applicants with prior tertiary study, diplomas or relevant work experience may be considered; progression to the honours year often requires achieving a specified academic standard in the bachelor component.
• English language proficiency: non‑native English speakers must meet the university’s English language requirements through recognised tests or qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates with an honours degree in Applied Mathematics are well placed for roles that demand strong quantitative, modelling and computational skills. Career pathways include:

• Data science and analytics — roles in industry and government using statistical modelling and machine learning.
• Quantitative finance and risk analysis — modelling, pricing and risk management in banks, funds and insurance.
• Scientific and engineering modelling — computational modelling in sectors such as aerospace, energy, environmental modelling and materials.
• Research and academic careers — progression to PhD study and research positions in universities and research institutes.
• Software development and computational engineering — algorithm design, simulation and high‑performance computing.
• Public sector and consulting — policy modelling, operations research and optimisation for transport, defence and utilities.

Some professions (for example, actuarial practice or specialised engineering roles) may require additional professional exams or further study. The honours year provides a strong foundation for research careers and makes candidates competitive for postgraduate research scholarships.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a research‑oriented mathematics programme with access to experienced academic staff working on contemporary applied problems. The School of Mathematical Sciences has active research groups in numerical analysis, applied partial differential equations, optimisation and mathematical modelling.

• Research and industry links: opportunities to work on industry‑aligned projects and interdisciplinary collaborations with engineering, sciences and health research groups.
• Honours and postgraduate pathways: a structured honours year with supervision and project options that prepare students for PhD studies or research roles.
• Facilities and computing: access to university computing resources and software used in scientific computing and numerical simulation.
• Location and environment: studying in Adelaide provides connections with local research institutes and a compact city environment conducive to study and collaboration.

Together these features make the University of Adelaide a strong choice for students seeking a rigorous applied mathematics education with pathways into research, industry and technical professions.