Mathematical Sciences graduate degrees

The ANU offers a number of graduate degrees relevant to the Mathematical Sciences Institute: 

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD),
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil),
• Master of Mathematical Sciences (MMathSc) 
• Graduate Diploma in Science (GradDipSci)
• Graduate Studies Select

PhD

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematical Sciences is a degree by research, usually of three years full-time study, or from four to six years part-time study. It provides students with their first real exposure to research-level studies, and brings them to the forefront of current research in their area of specialisation. The PhD is usually regarded as a necessary qualification for employment as an academic in the mathematical sciences.

Candidates must present the results of their original research as a substantial thesis. Some course work may be required to bolster the student's background knowledge in preparation for research.

Take a closer look at what is involved with doing a PhD in mathematical sciences at the ANU.

Master of Philosophy

The degree of Master of Philosophy in Mathematical Sciences is a degree by research, and may be taken as a full-time course (one to two years) or as a part-time course (two to four years). Candidates present their results as a thesis. Some preliminary coursework may be required, depending on the student's background, possibly taken as a reading course or a seminar course; no examination will be required.

Research topics will be decided in consultation between the student and their supervisor. For guidance on selecting topics, and who to approach as a potential supervisor, please contact the graduate contact person for mathematical sciences.

Master of Mathematical Sciences

The Master of Mathematical Sciences is a graduate coursework degree offered through the Faculty of Science. It is intended to enable students to upgrade their expertise in the mathematical sciences either as a route to further study of mathematical sciences or to upgrade their quantitative skills in a number of areas (such as the biological sciences and computational science) that are rapidly becoming more reliant on advanced techniques from the mathematical sciences.

Applicants should normally have completed an honours degree with at least second class honours, division A, or the equivalent. The degree may be in any discipline, but must contain at least the equivalent of a major in mathematics. Students without the formal prerequisite but with, for example,

• a very good four-year bachelor degree or graduate diploma, or
• a very good three-year bachelor degree and substantial relevant work experience demonstrating a capacity for analysis and research

may be admitted on the advice of the program coordinator.

A detailed description of the courses that can be taken as part of the MMathSc can be found in the study@ link.

 Graduate Diploma in Science (specialising in either mathematics or scientific computation)

These courses are suitable for students with a pass degree specialising in mathematics, or with an honours degree from some years ago, who wish to study more mathematics at an advanced level. The course is normally of one year's duration of full-time study or eighteen months part-time.

Normally the course will consist of coursework, usually later-year Honours courses or reading courses at that level, and a substantial written project. The balance between coursework and the project will depend on the student's preparedness. In any case each student's course will be designed to suit their own particular needs. For the project each student will work with their own supervisor. Students will be expected to give two seminars as part of their course. The Graduate Diploma in Science (Mathematics) study@ link.

Students who enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Science, specialising in scientific computation, will follow courses in numerical mathematics, and the project work will be computational in nature. The project will exploit the unique strengths of the ANU in computational science and may include the use of vector and parallel supercomputers. The Graduate Diploma in Science (Scientific Computing) study@ link.

The Graduate Studies Select Program

The Graduate Studies Select Program is a new option for postgraduate studies at ANU.  Instead of enrolling in a program of study leading to an award in a specific academic discipline, you can enrol on a course-by-course basis and choose from across a range of discipline areas, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements for each course. 

A detailed description of this program that can be found at the Graduate Studies Select study@ link.