This major is part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), a course designed for high performing students to pursue their interest in Science through a core of research, leadership and entrepreneurship. It provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying Financial Mathematics with students able to explore the field through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects. The major culminates in a capstone experience in which students will have the opportunity to pursue Mathematics projects that may be based anywhere from pure research right through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

Mathematics is the study of concepts such as quantity, structure, space and change and to use these concepts to model and describe the behaviour of real world complex systems. It has been described as the science of patterns, whether found in numbers, space, science, engineering, computers, imaginary abstractions, or elsewhere. Through abstraction and logical reasoning, mathematics evolved from counting, calculation, measurement, and the systematic study of the shapes and motions of physical objects.

Today, mathematics is used in most fields, including technology, natural science, engineering, medicine, finance and the social sciences, such as sociology and psychology. This Financial Mathematics Major provides graduates with a broad range of analytical and mathematical skills, with particular relevance to statistical modelling and operations research in the financial context.

Students will receive a strong grounding in corporate finance, financial institution, financial markets and various branches of the financial services industry, enhancing the employment prospects of graduates in the technological, industrial and commercial sectors. Students may select from units in accounting, economics and business.

Work-based learning in this course is ensured through the requirement to engage in immersive industry and/or research experience.

The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) provides opportunities through second and third year to undertake internal and external internships and immersive work experience, sourced by the student, which can be used for course credit.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours).

Why study

Mathematics & Statistics at Curtin University has a strong reputation in Australia in the areas of Applied, Computational and Financial Mathematics. Curtin is one of only three universities in Australia with above world-standard expertise in both applied mathematics and computational mathematics, as confirmed in the ERA 2015 results. Our leading position in industrial, applied and financial mathematics is also supported by collaborative links with WA companies and government organisations such as DSTO, Woodside, Linkforce Engineering, and Sateva.

How this course will make you industry ready

This course teaches advanced mathematics and statistics and their real-world applications in the financial context.

Curtin has strong links with industry and the business world. As a result of this close interaction, the units offered are designed to develop the practical skills needed to address real-world problems. A work experience program runs from second year onwards, exposing students to real applications of their mathematical studies, and introducing them to potential employers through embedded research and industry engagement you will have the opportunity to investigate multiple areas of specialisation and tailor you final year experience that prepares you for the industry of your choice.

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course may be eligible for membership in the Statistical Society of Australia (SSAI) and/or Australian Mathematical Society (Aust MS).

• Commercial banker
• Finance/funds manager
• Financial planner
• Superannuation manager