Mathematics – Bachelor of Science

Massey University

New Zealand, Palmerston North

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Massey University

New Zealand , Palmerston North

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Auckland campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMay-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

NZD 38,680 / year

Next Intake May-2026

Mathematics – Bachelor of Science

About

Specialise in Mathematics for your Bachelor of Science at Massey

From securing sensitive communications using cryptography to calculating the geostationary orbit of a satellite - mathematics is a product of human ingenuity that allows our modern world to exist. It is fundamental to our lives.

Real-world skills

Our strength in applied mathematics means you’ll get to combine your learning with other science disciplines to gain extensive experience in a range of applications. You’ll use your knowledge to solve problems in the areas like computer programming, climate modelling and transportation.

Learn from the leaders

You will have access to some of the world’s top mathematical minds. You will graduate well-grounded in the basic mathematic principles, but you’ll also be stimulated by your exposure to the latest research and discoveries.

Our mathematics qualification is taught by leading researchers encompassing the modelling of geothermal processes, cell growth, dynamical systems, scientific computing, combinatorics, topology, epidemiology, celestial mechanics, neuroscience, industrial mathematics, number theory, geometry and analysis. This versatility demonstrates the variety of job areas available to mathematically-skilled scientists.

The skills you’ll need

The task of the mathematician is to find ways to collect appropriate data for analysis and problem-solving. Mathematics draws much of its following and strength from its ability to solve problems in a wide variety of areas, such as the sciences, engineering, commerce and industry. These are all areas of expertise at Massey. As part of your study, you will learn the ability to communicate and explain concepts effectively with non-mathematical colleagues. This is also a crucial skill, with many careers taking you into a team environment.

The BSc (Mathematics) will help you build up a wide variety of skills and techniques you will need to be part of projects like these, especially in calculus and algebra. You need to be able to formulate, solve, restate, and resolve problems and interpret results. Most students achieve a mix of application courses and courses that explore mathematics.

It is also increasingly important to complement your analytical skills with some knowledge of computational and simulation techniques on computers. We suggest supporting minor subjects including physics, computer science, finance or statistics.

Topics

Some of the topics taught in mathematics courses include:

differential equations
analysis
algebra
combinatorics
mathematical modelling
discrete mathematics.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations. However there is some expected background knowledge.

Expected high school preparation

Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to take this major.

At least 16 credits in NCEA Level 3 Mathematics from the following list of standards 91573, 91574, 91575, 91576, 91577, 91578, 91579, 91587, including at least two of the following standards: 91577 (algebra), 91578 (differentiation), 91579 (integration)

If it’s some time since you have studied mathematics at school you can find out if you have the required background by taking this maths quiz.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Massey University English language requirements

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Can't meet the entry requirements?

The following pathways will get you prepared to study this major. If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Mathematics (or equivalent) but have studied at least 16 credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics from the following list of standards: 91256, 91257, 91258, 91259, 91260, 91261, 91262, 91269 take the following course first:

160105 Methods of Mathematics

If you have not studied NCEA Level 2 Mathematics (or equivalent) take one of the following courses first:

124103 Biophysical Principles or
160104 Introductory Mathematics for Science

These courses (or equivalents) are available in the summer semester and will count towards credits in your degree.

If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.

Summer School

English Program Requirements

English Evidence Academic IELTS^: 6.0 overall and minimum 5.5 in each band

English Evidence TOEFL iBT: Overall score 80, minimum 19 in Writing

English Evidence Pearson Test of English (PTE): 50 overall and minimum 42 in each communicative skills

Career

Mathematicians work in a wide range of professional careers including food, finance, manufacturing, and technology.

Mathematicians work in industry for manufacturers, insurance companies, finance companies (Wall Street hires mathematicians), banks, market research companies, and as public and private consultants.

Most government departments recruit graduates of mathematics at the bachelor level for general staff, or at honours level for their research sections. Large industries and Crown Research Institutes recruit mathematics graduates with a special interest in applications. The increasing demand for research in the mathematical sciences provides an opportunity for those who enjoy mathematics at an advanced level.

Many mathematicians with advanced degrees seek university teaching positions, but there are also many other exciting and fulfilling positions available with an undergraduate degree in mathematics.

New Zealand organisations that have hired mathematicians in recent years include:

AgResearch
New Zealand Treasury
New Zealand Defence Forces
Mobil Oil Ltd
New Zealand Post
Westpac
3M
PricewaterhouseCoopers
MetService
Compudigm International.

Earn more

A 2017 Ministry of Education publication The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates showed that those who complete a qualification in a science, agriculture, technology, computer science, engineering or mathematics field of study have high relative earnings after they complete their study compared to the national median. Earnings can be substantially more than other graduates.