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Why study mathematics and statistics?
Studying mathematics and statistics will equip you with powerful analytical and problem-solving skills to understand the world. You’ll be taught by world-renowned experts at the top-ranked Australian university for this area of study, solving the challenges of a data-driven 21st century.
Whether you’re curious about predictive modelling or patterns that determine how the universe works, this universal language leads to rewarding careers in start-ups, health care, government, finance, engineering and beyond. Learn about the possibilities, or hear what our students and alumni enjoyed most about their studies and where their degree has taken them.
Study options
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Undergraduate studies
We offer three majors as part of the Bachelor of Science, as well as a concurrent diploma for students interested in pursuing mathematics and statistics alongside another major.
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Masters, diplomas and certificates
A graduate degree in mathematics and statistics can prepare you for entry into the workforce with specialist skills or provide a pathway to graduate research.
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PhD degrees
If you've completed an Honours or a Masters course with a significant research component, you're eligible to go on to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or other graduate research program.
Undergraduate course advice and resources
The Mathematics and Statistics Learning Centre (MSLC) offers course advice and preparatory resources for current and potential students. If you're having trouble working out what you want to study or how to plan your course, visit them online or in person.
Scholarships, awards and prizes
We are proud to offer diverse scholarships, awards and prizes to recognise the academic achievements of students studying mathematics and statistics. Available at undergraduate, Masters and PhD levels, students will generally be automatically considered for a scholarship with a small selection requiring application.
The University of Melbourne also offers an impressive scholarship program to new and current students.
Our research themes
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Applied mathematics
The Applied Mathematics Group has interests across the fields of colloid science, medicine, chemical engineering and materials processing.
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Data science
Data science combines aspects of statistics, computer science, and mathematics in order to organise, analyse, and extract knowledge from data sets.
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Discrete mathematics
Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are by nature discrete rather than continuous. It includes combinatorics and graph theory.
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Learning and teaching innovation
This group fosters innovations in learning and teaching for tertiary mathematics and statistics.
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Mathematical biology
Mathematical, statistical and computational methods are crucial in many areas of modern biological research. Conversely technological advances in biology allow more data, often of a novel type or at a finer resolution, to be collected resulting in new challenges that are motivating research in mathematics, statistics and computational methods.
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Mathematical physics
Mathematical Physics is the study of the mathematics associated with models of the physical world.
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Operations research
Operations Research (OR) provides a scientific approach to decision making. It involves formulating mathematical models of these problems, and developing mathematical tools to obtain solutions.
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Pure mathematics
Pure math is the study of the intrinsic concepts and structural properties underlying modern mathematics. Its purpose is to search for a deeper understanding and an expanded knowledge of mathematics itself.
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Statistics
Statistics is the science of collecting, organising and interpreting data. Mathematical descriptions of the data collection processes and the statistical analysis are used to determine accurate statistical methods.
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Stochastic processes
This group studies a variety of areas, from the theory of branching processes to applications such as stochastic models of the stock market.
Learn more about our research
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Find a potential supervisor
Explore a comprehensive list of potential postgraduate supervisors and the research areas they work in.
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Partnerships
We host and collaborate with a number of institutes, networks and research centres.
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Seminars
Upcoming seminars based on research by staff at the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
Prospectus
Research within the School of Mathematics and Statistics covers areas of pure and applied mathematics and statistics. A broad school with an international reputation, we have research foci in Algebra, Continuum Modelling, Discrete Mathematics, Geometry and Topology, Operations Research, Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Physics, Stochastic Processes, Statistics, and Data Science.
Explore our research prospectus to find out what projects our leading academics are investigating.
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Academic staff
Teaching and research staff in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
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Professional staff
Administrative, technical and support staff in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
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Honorary staff
Honorary appointees in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
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Postgraduate students
Students undertaking PhD, MPhil and MSc qualifications in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
Upcoming events
Seminar series
View upcoming seminars and subscribe to seminar notifications.
Our initiatives
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School outreach
We work with primary and secondary schools to run a range of popular mathematics and statistics programs, including incursions, competitions and professional development opportunities for teachers.
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Women in Maths and Stats
Every year Women in Mathematics Day is celebrated on the 12th of May. Get to know some of the women in the School of Mathematics and Statistics and learn about their journeys.
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Vacation Scholarships Program
The Vacation Scholarships program provides selected students with a supervised introduction to research in mathematics or statistics.
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Student Awards
These awards are granted to high-achieving students, in recognition of their academic success and overall performance in specific areas of their course. Students are nominated for these awards by the University teaching staff.
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Upcoming events
The School hosts many seminars, with speakers ranging from PhD students on the cusp of completing their studies to world-renowned experts in their fields.
Statistical and consulting services
The Statistical Consulting Centre (SCC) provides statistical and consulting services to business, industry, government and the academic world, bringing a wealth of knowledge to real-world issues in a practical, robust manner, as well as courses in statistical methods. The SCC's courses are open to anyone, and participants come from academia, business, industry and government.
International engagement
Melbourne-Peking Virtual Research Hub for Mathematics and Statistics
This research hub promotes collaboration between The University of Melbourne and Peking University in the fields of teaching and research in mathematics and statistics.
Connecting with alumni and students
We are passionate about sustaining a sense of community amongst our students and alumni, served by our student societies and alumni network.
Support Mathematics and Statistics
Our generous benefactors make it possible for us to recognise the achievements of our talented students, support development of early career researchers and make surprising fundamental research discoveries. This builds the foundation for our future stars, continuing excellence in the mathematical sciences to benefit its broader application in just about every aspect of life. We invite you to be one of our valued philanthropists to support our people and work.
The University of Melbourne's School of Mathematics and Statistics is a world-leading school of mathematics and statistics. The School has achieved this status through the high quality of its research and teaching programs. We offer a wide range of subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students and are involved in all aspects of community life that impacts on the discipline and its applications.
Featured content
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Message from Head of School
We are a broad School with an international reputation covering areas of pure and applied mathematics and statistics, read more on what School of Mathematics & Statistics has to offer.
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Leadership Team
View our academics who help to lead and coordinate School activities and committees.
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Equity and diversity
The School of Mathematics and Statistics is strongly committed to providing support and resources to create an equitable environment for all members of the community, including students at all levels and visitors.
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Contact
Get in touch with us if you have any general enquires or seeking information and guidance for academics.