Master of Science
Overview
Expand your expertise in mathematics, physics or statistics, and capitalise on the growing demand for advanced scientific skills.
The Master of Science is designed for graduates with first-year university-level knowledge in mathematics, physics, or statistics, offering a pathway to PhD study.
Choose from more than 40 courses tailored to your field, allowing you to customise your studies to align with your interests and career goals.
Apply your knowledge through collaborations on external research projects, industry placements, internships and commercial ventures.
You’ll also have opportunities to engage in research with leading centres, including Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence in:
- Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS)
- Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC)
- Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav)
- Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET)
- Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture
- Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.
Our graduates often pursue higher degrees and research roles at major institutions, with skills in high demand across various industries, business and government.
Program highlights
- Study at UQ's Faculty of Science, globally recognised for teaching and research excellence.
- Leverage UQ’s strong industry and government partnerships.
- Apply your knowledge through collaborations, including external research projects, UQ research centres, commercial ventures and industry placements or internships.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Financial Calculus
- Mathematical Biology
- Advanced Quantum Theory
- Condensed Matter Physics: Electronic Properties of Crystals
- Applied Probability Statistics
- Frontiers in Astrophysics
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Depending on which field you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Scientific researcher
- Banking analyst
- University academic
- Health researcher
- Market risk manager
- Investment analyst
- Product developer
- Quality controller
- Finance analyst
- Asset and liability manager
Annual average salary range
Financial Analyst
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Average annual salary range
Research Fellow
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The lecturers and facilities here are outstanding, and the library is one of the best physical sciences libraries in the Southern Hemisphere. The course provided me with great preparation for a PhD.
The lecturers and facilities here are outstanding, and the library is one of the best physical sciences libraries in the Southern Hemisphere. The course provided me with great preparation for a PhD.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
It's possible to complete this degree in 2 years or 1.5 years depending on your qualifications and experience.
You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.
2-year degree (32 units of study)
To be eligible to complete the degree in 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:
For the Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, and Statistics field of study:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, with first-year university-level mathematics (including calculus, multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and ordinary differential equations), or
- a graduate diploma in science, or
- to have successfully completed 3 years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution, with a formal pathway to the Master of Science.
For the Physics field of study:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, with first-year university-level physics (including mechanics, thermal physics, electromagnetism, and modern physics) and first-year university-level mathematics (including calculus, multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and ordinary differential equations), or
- a graduate diploma in science, or
- to have successfully completed 3 years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution, with a formal pathway to the Master of Science.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
An assessment is made of the applicant's background covering completion of, and performance in, relevant courses in their prior institution which provide the relevant pre-requisite knowledge. Students can provide further evidence in the form of a CV of their background. Final approval by the program coordinator.
1.5-year degree (24 units of study)
If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.
To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, statistics or physics.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
An assessment is made of the applicant's background covering completion of, and performance in, relevant courses in their prior institution which provide the relevant pre-requisite knowledge. Students can provide further evidence in the form of a CV of their background. Final approval by the program coordinator.
GPA equivalent
Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA equivalent you need to be considered for this program.
Use the GPA equivalent as a guide. When you apply, we’ll calculate your GPA using the UQ grading scale. Any failing grades will be included. Entry requirements are subject to change.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Science are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Fields of study
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Mathematical modelling is used across a wide range of problems. These include the design of:
- networks for improved efficiency in traffic flow
- climate models used to predict weather events, and
- models that enable scientists to better understand infectious diseases.
Study applied mathematics and learn how advanced mathematical methods are used to develop practical solutions in a variety of real-world contexts.
Many of our mathematics graduates study higher degrees and go on to research positions at universities and other major research institutions.
Mathematics enables a concise language used for rigorous explorations of problems and a heightened predictive power.
You’ll have the opportunity to study modern applications of mathematics in areas such as coding and cryptology, bioinformatics, mathematical physics, mathematical ecology, computational science and visualisation, and nonlinear differential equations.
Gain advanced knowledge in areas such as quantum physics and astrophysics using experimental, theoretical and computational methods.
This field is designed for students who have a substantial background in physics at the undergraduate level.
Statisticians contribute to scientific inquiry by applying their mathematical knowledge to the design of surveys and experiments, collection, processing, and analysis of data and interpretation of the results.
Gain the theory and practical experience in the use of popular statistical and data analysis packages, as well as applied and theoretical statistics and probability theory. You will develop advanced skills in modern statistics so you can graduate ready to embark on a career as a professional statistician.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Mathematical modelling is used across a wide range of problems. These include the design of:
- networks for improved efficiency in traffic flow
- climate models used to predict weather events, and
- models that enable scientists to better understand infectious diseases.
Study applied mathematics and learn how advanced mathematical methods are used to develop practical solutions in a variety of real-world contexts.
Many of our mathematics graduates study higher degrees and go on to research positions at universities and other major research institutions.
Mathematics enables a concise language used for rigorous explorations of problems and a heightened predictive power.
You’ll have the opportunity to study modern applications of mathematics in areas such as coding and cryptology, bioinformatics, mathematical physics, mathematical ecology, computational science and visualisation, and nonlinear differential equations.
Gain advanced knowledge in areas such as quantum physics and astrophysics using experimental, theoretical and computational methods.
This field is designed for students who have a substantial background in physics at the undergraduate level.
Statisticians contribute to scientific inquiry by applying their mathematical knowledge to the design of surveys and experiments, collection, processing, and analysis of data and interpretation of the results.
Gain the theory and practical experience in the use of popular statistical and data analysis packages, as well as applied and theoretical statistics and probability theory. You will develop advanced skills in modern statistics so you can graduate ready to embark on a career as a professional statistician.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$5,770
2025
$5,770
2025
Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $53,760
2025
AUD $53,760
2025
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Master of Science are Commonwealth supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
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How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Master of Science is 5712.
This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.
When you apply, select your preferred duration. If you don't meet the requirements for your first preference, we'll automatically consider you for entry into a longer duration.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Master of Science is 5712.
This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.
When you apply, select your preferred duration. You can also ask us to consider you for a longer duration if you don't meet the entry requirements for your first preference.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
Visa processing times vary. Apply as early as you can.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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