Mathematics is at the core of all technological innovations.

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. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.

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

This program is excellent preparation for work in any mathematical field, whether in academia, private industry, or government. See the following information provided by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute for examples of employment opportunities for those trained in mathematics.

https://amsi.org.au/resources/mathsadds-careers-guide/

This program is excellent preparation for work in any mathematical field, whether in academia, private industry, or government. See the following information provided by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute for examples of employment opportunities for those trained in mathematics.

https://amsi.org.au/resources/mathsadds-careers-guide/

Learning Outcomes

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. describe and critically evaluate the methods and theories of political analysis, and the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy;
2. describe and critically evaluate major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social practices and institutions;
3. describe and critically evaluate the methods and findings of economics and apply them to the study of political institutions and processes;
4. articulate and debate, both orally and in written form, arguments and positions drawn from the disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics; and
5. critically reflect and draw upon the distinct contributions of diverse disciplines, including politics, philosophy and economics, to devise innovative solutions to real-world challenges, both independently and in groups.

Further Information

Student Advice

What courses should you take in your first year of study?

• MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)
• MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)

Our first-year curriculum lays a common foundation for all mathematics students, keeping all doors open. In the second-year, students take a collection of core courses to better understand their mathematical tastes. Later in the program, particularly in the third year, students will follow their mathematical interests through a variety of course choices.

Additional advice:

• Additionally, students who intend to take MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units) as part of their program requirements should enrol in it alongside MATH1115 in first semester.
• Students who intend to take MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs (6 units) as part of their program requirements, can choose to take it alongside MATH1115 in first semester of first year, or wait to take it in the first semester of their second year. Students are welcome to seek advice if they are unsure which choice is correct for them.
• Please also note that if MATH1005 is completed as part of the main program requirements in first year, then students may still choose to take MATH2222 as an elective course in second year.

How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?

• Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
• Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.

Internship opportunities

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.

How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.

Academic or enrolment advice:

If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).

Student Advice

What courses should you take in your first year of study?

• MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)
• MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)

Our first-year curriculum lays a common foundation for all mathematics students, keeping all doors open. In the second-year, students take a collection of core courses to better understand their mathematical tastes. Later in the program, particularly in the third year, students will follow their mathematical interests through a variety of course choices.

Additional advice:

• Additionally, students who intend to take MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units) as part of their program requirements should enrol in it alongside MATH1115 in first semester.
• Students who intend to take MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs (6 units) as part of their program requirements, can choose to take it alongside MATH1115 in first semester of first year, or wait to take it in the first semester of their second year. Students are welcome to seek advice if they are unsure which choice is correct for them.
• Please also note that if MATH1005 is completed as part of the main program requirements in first year, then students may still choose to take MATH2222 as an elective course in second year.

How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?

• Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
• Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.

Internship opportunities

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.

How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.

Academic or enrolment advice:

If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites

ACT: Specialist Mathematics and Specialist Methods (double major) / Discrete Mathematics ANU/UC.

NSW: Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. 

VIC: Specialist Mathematics.

QLD: Specialist Mathematics.

TAS: Mathematics Specialised / Both Mathematics IA and IB through UTAS.

SA / NT: Specialist Mathematics.

WA: Mathematics Specialist.

IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL.

More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here .

There are no formal program prerequisites. But assumed knowledge is: ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/Specialist Methods or NSW: HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here [https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria]

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:

• achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
• if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
• applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program

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:

A minimum of 84 units from completion of courses from the lists below, which must include:

30 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)

MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I (6 units)

MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications (6 units)

MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra (6 units)

6 units from the completion of one of the following courses:

MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units)

MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs (6 units)

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

A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 units from completion of courses not previously taken from the following subject areas:

ASTR – Astronomy & Astrophysics

BIOL – Biology

CHEM – Chemistry

COMP – Computer Science

EMSC – Earth and Marine Science

ENVS – Environmental Science

HLMD – Health and Medicine

HLTH – Health Science

MATH – Mathematics

MEDN – Medical Science

NEUR – Neuroscience

PHYS – Physics

PSYC – Psychology

SCNC – Science

SCOM – Science Communication

STAT – Statistics

HURDLE REQUIREMENTS

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 to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. During their first year of study, students will be considered in breach of this requirement only if it is not met in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

First-year students should note that a prerequisite for the MATH1116 course is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1115, and a prerequisite for both MATH2320 and MATH2322 is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1116.

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 to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. During their first year of study, students will be considered in breach of this requirement only if it is not met in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

First-year students should note that a prerequisite for the MATH1116 course is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1115, and a prerequisite for both MATH2320 and MATH2322 is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1116.

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:

54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1

ECON2101 Microeconomics 2

PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction

PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking

POLS1002 Introduction to Politics

POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations

PPEI1001 PPE Integration 1

PPEI2001 PPE Integration 2

PPEI3001 PPE Integration 3

6 units from completion of one of the following courses:

ECON1100 Economics I (H)

ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1

12 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level POLS course of which at least 6 units must come from one of the courses on the following list:

POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Political Science and International Relations

POLS2094 International Political Economy

POLS2114 Australian Politics

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics

POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective

POLS3043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying

POLS3111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia

POLS3125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

12 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level PHIL course of which at least 6 units must come from one of the courses on the following list:

PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science

PHIL2122 Philosophy and Public Policy

PHIL2125 Rationality and Social Cooperation

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

PHIL2129 Normative Ethical Theory

PHIL2290 Philosophy, AI and Society

PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy

PHIL3075 The Philosophy of Gender: Knowledge, Power, Bodies

6 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level ECON, ECHI or EMET course, or EMET1001.

A maximum of 6 units of Experiential Courses from the following list:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A

ASIA3037 Study Tour: Cultural Landscapes and Environmental Change in Asia and the Pacific

ASIA3084 Study Tour: Modern Mongolia - Challenges to the Environment, Economy and Empire

CBEA3001 College of Business and Economics Special Industry Project

ENVS2005 Island Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School

MEAS2008 Middle East and Central Asia Study Tour

PASI2030 Regional Policy Making for Pacific Development

STST2020 Study Tour: Southeast Asia's Security Choices

Minors

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics Minors

Study Options