Master of Science(Applied Mathematics)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Griffith University Nathan Campus

Program Overview

The Master of Science (Applied Mathematics) at Griffith University is a two-year, 160-credit-point program designed for students who want to develop advanced scientific research skills while specialising in Applied Mathematics. It suits graduates with a relevant science background who want to build expertise in applied mathematical research, statistical analysis, research methodology and mathematical problem-solving, while preparing for professional employment or further doctoral study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students first build a strong foundation in advanced scientific research and methodology, developing skills in critical evaluation of research, statistical analysis, research presentation and research proposal design. The coursework component is followed by preparation for the research component, including developing a research proposal with clear aims, methodology and literature review relevant to Applied Mathematics.

Year 2: The second year focuses strongly on independent applied mathematical research, where students undertake a major research project under the supervision of a Griffith researcher. Students complete and communicate their research through a research thesis, seminar and research-project assessment, giving the degree a strong research orientation and preparing graduates for doctoral-level study.

Focus areas: Applied mathematical research, statistical analysis, mathematical modelling, research methodology, data-driven problem solving, machine learning and computational applications. Griffith highlights applications of applied mathematics in data mining, statistics, advances in computing, mathematical modelling and machine learning.

Learning outcomes: Advanced scientific research capability, statistical analysis, research proposal development, critical evaluation of research, literature-review skills, mathematical problem-solving, research communication and independent research capability.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The program is research-focused rather than presented by Griffith as a professionally accredited mathematics qualification. Its professional value comes from advanced research and applied mathematical capabilities, while Griffith identifies career applications across data mining, statistics, computing, mathematical modelling and machine learning.

Reputation (employability rankings): Griffith University has a strong international profile, and the university's official career information identifies Applied Mathematics/Physics as an area with strong future demand, with approximately 11,000 people employed in the relevant occupational group and weekly earnings of $2,213.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Science (Applied Mathematics) at Griffith University’s Nathan Campus gives students opportunities to apply advanced mathematical knowledge to real research and computational problems. The program is supported by Griffith’s Applied Mathematics and Physics discipline, where research activity includes areas such as numerical modelling, simulation and computational science. Students can also access Griffith’s computing environment and scientific software, including MATLAB, which is particularly relevant for mathematical modelling and numerical analysis.

The Nathan Campus provides dedicated science facilities, computer laboratories, research spaces and the Willett Centre Library, creating a strong environment for independent study and research-based learning. Griffith also provides students with access to digital learning and software resources, allowing them to build practical computational skills alongside their mathematical studies.

Students can strengthen their practical and research capabilities through:

Mathematical modelling and simulation: Griffith offers applied mathematics research projects involving numerical models, simulation frameworks and computational science, including projects that can be tailored to applied mathematics.
MATLAB: MATLAB is included among Griffith's supported scientific software, providing an important computational tool for numerical mathematics, modelling and simulation.
Computational software: Students have access to additional computational tools through Griffith's digital environment, including Octave, RStudio and Scilab, which can support numerical and data-focused mathematical work.
Research projects: Students interested in research can explore Griffith's available supervisor-led projects, including applied mathematics projects involving numerical solution techniques, machine learning and AI in computational science, and Monte Carlo methods.
Computer laboratories: Griffith provides computer laboratories across its campuses, including specialist school-based labs for students with discipline-specific computing requirements.
Science facilities: Nathan Campus houses science teaching and learning facilities designed to support scientific study and research.
Applied Mathematics and Physics expertise: The Nathan Campus is home to Griffith's Applied Mathematics and Physics discipline, with academic staff working across mathematics and physics research areas.
Digital learning technology: Griffith's teaching spaces include lecture-capture technology, allowing students to access recorded lectures through Learning@Griffith and revisit course material digitally.
Library and study facilities: The Willett Centre Library (N53) at Nathan provides library and study resources, including 24/7 access arrangements and student computing facilities.
Research environment: Nathan is home to specialist research centres and institutes, providing students with access to a broader research-intensive university environment beyond the classroom.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Science (Applied Mathematics) at Griffith University can prepare graduates for careers where mathematical modelling, statistics, data analysis and computational problem-solving are applied to real-world challenges. Griffith identifies strong future demand for applied mathematics-related occupations and highlights opportunities across research and development, government, manufacturing, renewable energy, computing, machine learning and data-driven industries.

Typical career roles include:

Mathematician
Data Analyst / Data Scientist
Statistician
Research Scientist / Research Assistant

Griffith University further supports career development through:

Career services: Students and recent graduates can access individual career counselling, career-planning resources, UniHub job vacancies, résumé and cover-letter support, interview preparation and career-readiness resources.
Employment and salary outlook: Griffith's applied mathematics career information reports 11,000 employed in the relevant occupation group, strong future demand, and AUD $2,213 average weekly earnings. These figures are based on Australian Government Jobs and Skills Australia and YourCareer data retrieved in August 2024.
Industry mentoring: Griffith's Industry Mentoring Program connects eligible students and recent graduates with experienced industry professionals, helping them develop professional networks and understand potential career pathways.
Industry partnerships: Griffith Sciences works with global industry, local businesses, government agencies, NGOs and community organisations. Partnerships support internships, industry-led team projects, research programs and work-integrated learning.
Applied Mathematics internships: Griffith specifically lists Applied Mathematics among the majors eligible for its Sciences internship and work-experience opportunities. Placements can be role-based, task-based or research-based, with students working under the supervision of a qualified professional.
Industry engagement: Students can benefit from industry participation through site visits, guest lectures, networking events, careers fairs and industry-led projects, creating opportunities to build connections before graduation.
Research and innovation: Griffith Sciences' partnerships include access to research collaboration and research facilities, while industry collaborations address areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and environmental challenges—areas where applied mathematical modelling and analysis can be valuable.
Professional recognition: Griffith recommends that students check the specific professional accreditation requirements applicable to their intended occupation. For applied mathematics, professional association connections include the Australian Mathematical Society and the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics, providing opportunities for professional development and networking.
Graduation outcomes: Griffith's combination of career counselling, internships, industry mentoring, work-integrated learning and employer engagement gives graduates opportunities to build both technical expertise and the transferable skills employers value, including teamwork, analytical thinking and communication.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates who want to move into advanced mathematical research, university teaching or research-intensive careers can progress to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Griffith, subject to meeting the relevant research-degree entry requirements. Griffith also offers Industry PhD pathways where doctoral research can be undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner, allowing students to combine advanced research with practical industry experience and professional networks.