Why Study / Key Benefits

The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Mathematics) at Massey University is designed as a bridging qualification for graduates who already hold a degree in another subject but want to develop mathematics to approximately the level of an undergraduate major without completing a second bachelor’s degree. Massey describes it as a pathway that can also prepare students for further postgraduate study in mathematics.

Key benefits include:

• Development of analytical and numerical problem-solving skills.
• Training in formulating, solving, interpreting and communicating mathematical problems.
• Development of computational and simulation techniques.
• Exposure to applications of mathematics in areas such as cryptography, modelling, science and industry.
• Opportunity to study advanced areas including analysis, algebra, differential equations and combinatorics.
• Potential progression to postgraduate mathematics study after completing the diploma.
• Access to research areas at Massey including industrial mathematics, number theory, geometry, analysis, epidemiology, neuroscience, celestial mechanics and geothermal-process modelling.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Mathematics specialisation provides a selection of intermediate and advanced mathematics courses. The currently published courses include:

• 160203 Multivariable Calculus – infinite series, vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, line and surface integrals, and applications.
• 160204 Differential Equations I – ordinary differential equations, systems of differential equations, matrix methods, phase-plane techniques, applications and numerical methods.
• 160211 Linear Algebra – vector spaces, linear transformations, matrix representations, inner-product spaces, isometries, least squares, eigen theory, quadratic forms, norms and numerical methods.
• 160212 Discrete Mathematics – sets, logic, mathematical induction, functions, equivalence relations, partial orderings, algebraic structures, error-correcting codes, public-key cryptography and graph theory.
• 160301 Real and Complex Analysis – sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation, Taylor's theorem, complex functions, Cauchy's theorem, singularities, Laurent's theorem and residues.
• 160302 Modern Algebra – group theory, permutation groups, finite Abelian groups, cosets, normal subgroups, homomorphisms, rings, fields, ideals and factorisation.
• 160314 Combinatorics – permutations, combinations, binomial coefficients, inclusion-exclusion, generating functions, recurrence relations, Polya's theorem and graph theory.
• 160318 Differential Equations II – ordinary and partial differential equations, power-series solutions, special functions, Fourier series, Sturm-Liouville problems, nonlinear systems, Fourier transforms and numerical schemes.

Each listed course is worth 15 credits.

The important planning issue is prerequisites. Some of these courses require 100-level mathematics courses before enrolment. Massey explicitly states that no 100-level credits can be included in the Graduate Diploma in Arts. If an applicant lacks a required prerequisite, they may need to complete that 100-level course separately under the Certificate of Proficiency (Undergraduate), potentially adding study beyond the 120 credits of the GradDipArts

Disciplines / Specialisations

The requested specialisation is:

• Mathematics

The wider Graduate Diploma in Arts can be completed with different endorsements/specialisations, or in some circumstances without a specialisation. The Mathematics option is specifically intended to provide an equivalent of an undergraduate mathematics major for graduates from another academic background.

Within Mathematics, the published curriculum covers:

• Calculus
• Differential equations
• Linear algebra
• Discrete mathematics
• Real and complex analysis
• Modern algebra
• Combinatorics
• Numerical and computational methods.

Programme Highlights

• Graduate-level qualification at NZQF Level 7.
• 120 credits.
• Normally completed in 1 year full-time.
• Equivalent to an undergraduate major-level specialisation in Mathematics.
• Designed for graduates seeking to change or broaden their academic discipline.
• Available at Auckland and Manawat.
• Distance and online study available.
• Advanced mathematics curriculum covering pure and applied mathematical topics.
• Potential pathway to postgraduate mathematics study.
• Strong emphasis on analytical, numerical and computational problem solving. 

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a range of potential career areas for Graduate Diploma in Arts (Mathematics) graduates, including:

• Finance and banking
• Market research and big data
• Public and private consultancy
• Government departments
• Research and development agencies
• Manufacturing
• Teaching.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current programme page confirms several important Mathematics-specific requirements:

• Applicants must already have a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Official transcripts from universities other than Massey must be supplied.
• Some 200- and 300-level Mathematics courses have compulsory prerequisites.
• No 100-level credits can count toward the Graduate Diploma.
• Required 100-level prerequisite courses may need to be taken separately under a Certificate of Proficiency (Undergraduate).
• Students should plan prerequisite courses before enrolling in higher-level Mathematics courses.
• Not all courses are available in every year.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student studying the Graduate Diploma physically in New Zealand will generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants must have:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Enough money to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Enough money for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Compliance with other visa requirements, including applicable health and character requirements.