At the core of all technological innovations is maths.

If you’d like to master quantitative problem-solving, mathematical modelling and critical thinking, this is the degree for you.

It is an elite, research-focused program for exceptional students at Australia’s highest-ranked university.

Make your mark with maths at ANU: find out more about mathematical studies, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

Are you a leader? The Australian National University is a leader too, especially in the fields of philosophy, politics and economics. This progressive and well-regarded degree will arm you with the moral, economic and political perspectives you need to make a real impact.

You will develop exceptional problem solving skills and critical and conceptual thinking, all while gaining a passport to some of the world’s most promising careers.

Employment Opportunities

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences is designed for students who want a career based in the quantitative modelling of the real world, a research-oriented career in government, commerce or industry, or who are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies.

Mathematical Science graduates have gone on to positions at the CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, Geosciences Australia, the Australian Signals Directorate, Macquarie Bank, Boston Consulting, Treasury, the Australian Tax Office and Google.

See where a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences is designed for students who want a career based in the quantitative modelling of the real world, a research-oriented career in government, commerce or industry, or who are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies.

Mathematical Science graduates have gone on to positions at the CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, Geosciences Australia, the Australian Signals Directorate, Macquarie Bank, Boston Consulting, Treasury, the Australian Tax Office and Google.

See where a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:

1. Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems, such as the ability to read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
2. Demonstrate mastery of the concepts and techniques of Advanced Mathematics
3. Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
4. Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
5. Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
6. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.

1. major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social institutions;

2. the methods of economics to the study of political institutions and processes;

3. the methods of economics to questions within political philosophy;

4. the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy; and

5. the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory.

Admission Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

• Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
  • completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
  • co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
  • previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
  • previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
  • ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency  
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission

Prerequisites

ACT: Specialist Mathematics/ Specialist Methods (double major)/ Discrete Mathematics ANU/UC, NSW: Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent.  More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded. 

You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:

• applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
• undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
• achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
• not previously attempted tertiary study.

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must consist of:

36 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs

MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I

MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications

MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra

36 units from completion of 3000- or 4000-level courses from the subject area MATH Mathematics

24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list

Students must achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in the subject area of MATH in order to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. 

Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:

48 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1

ECON2101 Microeconomics 2

ECON3056 PPE Integration 3: Classic Literature in PPE

PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking

PHIL2116 PPE Integration 2

POLS1002 Introduction to Politics

POLS1008 PPE Integration 1

POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science

6 units from completion of the following courses:

PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction

PHIL1008 Introduction to Ethics

Note: A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list, which must also be counted towards completion of any other requirements for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics ( these courses are included in the following lists. )

ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A

ASIA2090 Study Tour: The Political Economy of Myanmar

EURO3002 Comparative European Politics

POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying

POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory

POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy

POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia

POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions

POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

POLS2126 Democracy and Dictatorship

POLS2127 U.S. Politics

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics

POLS3022 Washington DC Internship

POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective

POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics

POLS3039 Political Leadership and Executive Government

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

PHIL2016 Philosophy of Language

PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice

PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science

PHIL2080 Logic

PHIL2082 Sex and Death: The Philosophy of Biology

PHIL2101 Democracy, Difference and Desire

PHIL2113 Global Justice

PHIL2121 Philosophical Logic

PHIL2122 Philosophy and Public Policy

PHIL2124 Philosophy of Cognitive Science

PHIL2125 Rationality and Social Cooperation

PHIL2126 Science in Society: Ethics, Public Policy and Scientific Practice

PHIL2290 Philosophy, AI and Society

PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy

PHIL3075 The Philosophy of Gender: Knowledge, Power, Bodies

PHIL3076 Philosophy of the Life Sciences

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

CRIM2000 The Illicit Economy

ECHI1006 The Australian Economy: Past and Present

ECHI3008 History of Economic Thought (P)

ECHI3009 World Economy Since 1800

ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1

ECON2013 Behavioral Economics

ECON2014 Managerial Economics

ECON2016 Economics II (H)

ECON2026 Money and Banking

ECON2091 The Economy, Politics and the State

ECON2102 Macroeconomics 2 (P)

ECON2120 Law and Economics (P)

ECON2125 Optimisation for Economics and Financial Economics

ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory

ECON3100 Economics 3 (H)

ECON3101 Microeconomics 3

ECON3102 Macroeconomics 3

EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models

INDG3003 The Indigenous Economy

6 units from the completion of 2000- and 3000-level courses from the following subject areas and courses:

ECON Economics

PHIL Philosophy

POLS Political Science

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A

Minors

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics Minors

Study Options