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How to become a mathematician

Crunch numbers and develop mathematical theories and ideas.

Pathways to this career

  1. Complete a bachelor degree in mathematics or a related field such as computer science, engineering, statistics or physics. Students also complete a double degree in mathematics and a related discipline.

  2. Postgraduate study is often required by employers, so continue study with a masters or PhD in mathematics.

  3. If you wish to go down the research or academic route then a PhD is required.

  4. Meet people who understand the unique triumphs and challenges of mathematics by joining meetup groups, industry bodies and associations.

What does a mathematician do?

Duties and tasks

Mathematicians study mathematical principles and develop their own mathematical theories and ideas. They may work in the theoretical realm or they may apply their findings to financial, business, governmental, engineering, and social science issues in the larger world.

  • Apply principles of mathematics to complex financial and business problems.

  • At times, teach or mentor younger mathematicians.

  • Develop mathematical models to analyse and interpret data.

  • Disprove the work of other mathematicians.

  • Formulate their own theorems and fields of study.

  • Study areas of higher mathematics.

  • Use mathematics to assess risks and predict future demands.

Industry bodies

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University of Southern Queensland

Maths for problem solving and decision making

Boost your career options with a broad understanding of maths and statistics. You’ll learn the fundamentals of algebra and calculus. Explore algorithms for computing. Work with data and statistical models. Build skills for research and experiment design.

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University of Notre Dame Australia

Graduate Certificate in Mathematics

PostgraduateUND-MTH-GCE

A postgraduate course in maths that improves your career prospects

This university qualification in mathematics will suit teachers looking to add maths to their repertoire. But math problem solving skills are valued across many fields including finance and health. Upskill in maths and get ready to pursue opportunities.

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Edith Cowan University

Master of Data Science

PostgraduateECU-DSC-MAS

Develop your career in a fast-growing sector

Fill the gap in organisations on the hunt for expert data wizards. Draw on your passion for maths, stats and science in a field that’s tipped for strong future growth. Think critically about collecting, storing, analysing and communicating data. 

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Explore mathematics courses

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Murdoch University

Fundamentals of Mathematics

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Murdoch University

Introductory Calculus with Applications

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University of Notre Dame Australia

Advanced Calculus

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University of Notre Dame Australia

Discrete Mathematics

UndergraduateUND-MATH3030

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