Why Study/Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Science, majoring in Applied Mathematics, is a 3-year undergraduate degree at Swinburne University of Technology focused on applying mathematical and numerical methods to real-world problems. The Applied Mathematics major develops the ability to analyse big data, model processes in physical and life sciences, make quantitative predictions and use computational methods.

Key benefits include:

• Industry-relevant science education with hands-on learning.
• Guaranteed industry experience through Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning approach; the course includes three professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• Development of data-driven prediction, coding, quantitative research, analytical problem-solving, technical report-writing and teamwork skills.
• Access to laboratory facilities from first year and small, hands-on classes.
• Opportunity to combine the Science degree with another qualification through available double-degree options, including Applied Innovation, Arts, Engineering (Honours), Health Science and Laws.
• Optional professional placement opportunities can provide additional industry experience.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The 300-credit-point degree consists of 8 core units, 8 Applied Mathematics major units and 8 units of other study. The following is the current indicative 2026 study sequence; Swinburne notes that unit availability and sequencing can change.

Year 1:

• Data Science Principles — COS10022
• Concepts of Biology — BIO10001, or
• Chemistry 1 — CHE10001, or
• Energy and Motion — PHY10001
• Calculus and Applications — MTH10012, or Preliminary Mathematics — MTH00007
• Sustainability Challenges in Science — NPS10003
• Linear Algebra and Applications — MTH10013, or Essential Mathematics — MTH10010
• Elective units.

The mathematics pathway in first year depends on the student's mathematics preparation and the applicable course requirements.

Year 2:

• Matrices, Vector Calculus and Complex Analysis — MTH20014
• Modelling Nature's Non-Linearity — MTH20015
• Societal Challenges in Science — NPS20011
• Series and Transforms — MTH20012
• Quantitative Prediction — MTH20016
• Elective units.

Year 3:

• Differential Equations — MTH30002
• Optimisation — MTH30006
• Grand Challenges in Science — NPS30004
• Stochastic Modelling — MTH30001
• Numerical and Computational Mathematics — MTH30003
• Elective units.

The Applied Mathematics major itself comprises these eight 12.5-credit-point units:

• Matrices, Vector Calculus and Complex Analysis
• Modelling Nature's Non-Linearity
• Series and Transforms
• Quantitative Prediction
• Differential Equations
• Optimisation
• Stochastic Modelling
• Numerical and Computational Mathematics.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The principal discipline is Applied Mathematics within the broader Bachelor of Science.

Applied Mathematics focuses on:

• Mathematical modelling
• Numerical methods
• Differential equations
• Optimisation
• Stochastic modelling
• Quantitative prediction
• Computational mathematics
• Data analysis
• Mathematical modelling of physical and life-science processes.

Other Bachelor of Science majors available at Swinburne include:

• Applied Mathematics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Physics
• Space Technology.

Programme Highlights

• Bachelor of Science with Applied Mathematics major.
• 3 years full-time.
• 300 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS 088402K.
• 8 Applied Mathematics major units.
• 8 Science core units.
• 8 units of additional study.
• Applied mathematical and numerical modelling.
• Data science and computational skills.
• Three professionally focused, industry-linked projects through Work Integrated Learning.
• Optional 6- or 12-month professional placement.
• Opportunities to combine Science with another degree through double-degree options.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne specifically identifies the following career opportunities for Applied Mathematics graduates:

• Mathematical researcher
• Quantitative analyst
• Financial analyst
• Actuary, with further studies
• Biological and climate modeller. 

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current course page publishes 2027 starts of 1 March and 2 August at Hawthorn, with application deadlines of 24 February and 28 July respectively.

Important current requirements and considerations include:

• Mathematics prerequisite is required.
• Students who do not meet the mathematics prerequisite must complete MathsLink Methods.
• International students in Australia on Student visas must study full-time and on campus.
• Credit transfer and RPL are assessed individually.
• Maximum academic credit is 200 credit points.
• The course includes laboratory/scientific learning, so students should consider the course's stated sensory, mobility, learning, professional and interpersonal requirements and the availability of reasonable adjustments.
• Professional placement is optional and competitive.
• Participation in a 6- or 12-month professional placement increases the total course fees.

International Student Visa Requirements

The Bachelor of Science is a CRICOS-registered course (CRICOS 088402K), allowing eligible international students to use it as an Australian Student visa study programme, subject to the Department of Home Affairs requirements and Swinburne admission requirements.

For an international student coming to Australia to study this programme, the relevant visa is generally Student visa subclass 500.

Key current requirements include:

• Enrolment in a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
• Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Meeting the Genuine Student and other applicable visa criteria.
• Applying online.