Master of Science by Research(Mathematics)

The Master of Science by Research (Mathematics) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) is strongly research-focused, with students developing practical research capability through a substantial independent investigation and thesis. The program begins with Research Proposal Preparation and Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches, before students progress to their major research project and Master Thesis. ECU’s mathematics research environment supports areas including geostatistical modelling, spatial and spatiotemporal data, Bayesian statistics and modelling, biostatistics, mathematical modelling and operations research, with state-of-the-art computing facilities available to support postgraduate research.

Students can also make use of ECU’s 24-hour e-Labs, course-specific software, extensive library research resources and digital research support. The university provides dedicated support for higher degree by research students, including subject-specialist librarians, research workshops and resources for research data management and publishing.

Practical research opportunities and facilities include:

• Independent research project: Students undertake a significant independent research investigation culminating in a Master Thesis, allowing them to develop advanced research and problem-solving skills in mathematics.
• Research proposal development: Research Proposal Preparation and Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches provide structured preparation for planning, designing and conducting the research project.
• Mathematical research areas: ECU identifies research opportunities in geostatistical modelling of spatial and spatiotemporal data, Bayesian statistics and modelling, biostatistics, mathematical modelling and operations research.
• High-performance computing: ECU’s School of Science provides high-powered computational resources, including GPUs and centralised computing machines, supporting computationally intensive research and advanced modelling.
• Research computing and software: ECU’s 24-hour e-Labs provide PC and Mac facilities with the latest software, while course-specific applications are available through school computer laboratories.
• Digital research tools: Students have access to ECU Library resources and digital research support covering research data management, publishing, open access, research metrics and Research Online.
• Library research resources: ECU Libraries provide access to books, eBooks, journals, eJournals, databases and subject-specific research guides, supporting literature reviews and thesis research.
• Research support for HDR students: Higher degree by research students can access subject-specialist librarian appointments and workshops covering research planning, information sourcing, researcher profiles, research metrics, open access and data sharing.
• Group and collaborative study facilities: ECU Libraries provide meeting rooms for group study, as well as quiet study areas for individual research.
• 24/7 computing access: ECU students have 24-hour access to on-campus computing facilities, providing a convenient environment for research, assignments and computational work.
• Research collaboration: ECU places a strong emphasis on collaboration with industry, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations within its mathematical sciences research environment.

The Master of Science by Research (Mathematics) at Edith Cowan University is designed for students who want to build advanced research capability through a substantial independent investigation and thesis. For mathematics, ECU’s research strengths include geostatistical modelling, Bayesian statistics and modelling, biostatistics, mathematical modelling and operations research, giving graduates a strong foundation for research-focused and quantitative careers.

Typical career opportunities include:

• Mathematician
• Statistician
• Research Scientist
• Research Fellow

These roles align particularly well with ECU’s identified mathematics research and career areas, including academic and research organisations, government agencies, statistical consultancies, and industry.

The degree can support your transition into professional and research careers through:

• Graduate Research Services: ECU provides HDR students with a qualified supervisor, peer mentors, professional development, networking opportunities and research training and support services, helping students build both research and career capabilities.
• Employment outcomes: ECU reports that 93% of its graduates are in full-time employment within three years of completing their degrees. In addition, 71.8% are in professional or managerial positions, while graduates earn an average salary of AUD $86,900 per year three years after graduation. These are ECU-wide graduate figures rather than mathematics-specific figures.
• Research-industry connections: ECU places a strong emphasis on collaboration with industry, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations. Its Mathematical Sciences research specifically highlights these collaborations as part of the postgraduate research experience.
• Research facilities: Mathematics research students have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, supporting advanced mathematical and statistical research.
• Professional development: Students undertaking research degrees can participate in HDR training, writing retreats, networking activities and professional development, helping them communicate their research and develop transferable skills.
• Graduation outcome: The course develops the ability to investigate complex scientific questions, communicate and disseminate research, collaborate effectively and independently plan and execute substantial research—skills applicable across research institutions, universities, government and private industry.
• Long-term research value: As an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Research), the qualification provides a strong research foundation for students seeking to progress into doctoral-level study.
• Accreditation/professional value: This is a research master's rather than a professionally accredited mathematics qualification. Its long-term value therefore comes primarily from advanced research training, specialist mathematical expertise and preparation for further research study rather than a professional accreditation pathway.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master of Science by Research (Mathematics), students can progress to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at ECU, subject to meeting the relevant admission requirements, supervision availability and research alignment. ECU specifically offers a Mathematics PhD covering areas such as geostatistical modelling, Bayesian statistics, biostatistics, mathematical modelling and operations research.