University of Queensland
Graduate Diploma in Science (Mathematics)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Use advanced mathematics to investigate complex structures, strengthen predictive reasoning and explore applications across cryptology, bioinformatics, mathematical physics, computational science and nonlinear systems.
Course overview
The University of Queensland’s Graduate Diploma in Science – Mathematics enables graduates and experienced professionals to deepen their understanding of mathematical structures, relationships and methods. The field is suited to those seeking rigorous postgraduate study and stronger theoretical and analytical capabilities.
You will explore the fundamental properties of mathematics alongside contemporary applications in areas such as coding and cryptology, bioinformatics, mathematical physics, mathematical ecology, computational science, visualisation and nonlinear differential equations. Through advanced mathematical reasoning, you will learn to formulate precise questions, construct rigorous arguments and investigate patterns that can support greater predictive insight.
Delivered face-to-face at UQ’s St Lucia campus, the course can be completed in one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. Lectures and tutorials support focused study across areas such as algebra, number theory, probability, graph theory and mathematical physics. The qualification can support opportunities requiring advanced quantitative reasoning and may provide a pathway to UQ’s Master of Science, subject to meeting its admission requirements.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
26th July, 2027
What you will study
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Graduate Diploma in Science (Mathematics), you must complete 16 units or eight courses, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.
Foundational units
Complete zero to eight units from the following:
- Calculus & Linear Algebra II
- Linear & Abstract Algebra & Number Theory
- Discrete Mathematics II
- Mathematical Analysis
- Mathematical Analysis and Advanced Topics
- Mathematical Probability
Flexible core units
Complete eight to 16 units from the following:
- General Relativity
- Topics in Mathematical Physics
- Topics in Combinatorics
- Topics in Algebra & Number Theory
- Advanced Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
- Measure Theory
- Complex Analysis
- Special Topics I
- Algebraic Methods of Mathematical Physics
- Graph Theory & Design Theory
- Coding & Cryptography
- Abstract Algebra & Number Theory
- Partial Differentiation Equations
- Optimisation Theory
- Differential Geometry
- Functional Analysis
No more than eight units of the flexible core selection may be completed from Level 4 courses. These are:
- General Relativity
- Topics in Mathematical Physics
- Topics in Combinatorics
- Topics in Algebra & Number Theory
- Advanced Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
- Measure Theory
You may also complete up to four units of other courses with approval from the Associate Dean (Academic).
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be eligible for entry, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline that includes first-year university-level mathematics covering calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra and ordinary differential equations, or
- Have at least five years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience.
Applicants using a previous qualification to meet the entry requirements must have achieved a GPA of at least 4.5 on UQ’s seven-point scale.
Relevant work experience may include employment in a related discipline such as data science, engineering or information technology. Applicants using professional experience as the basis for admission are assessed on their background and prerequisite knowledge, with final approval determined by the Program Coordinator.
Supporting documents
Applicants using relevant work experience may provide a CV as evidence of their professional background and prerequisite knowledge.
English language requirements
Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency through at least one accepted option, including:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL iBT: 87 overall, including 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in writing and 19 in speaking
- PTE Academic: 64 overall, with at least 60 in each communicative skill
- Bridging English: an overall grade of at least 4, with at least a grade of C in each macro skill
- Cambridge English Scale: 176 overall, with at least 169 in each skill
OET is not accepted. Other approved qualifications and pathways may also be used to meet UQ’s English language requirements. Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Potential career outcomes include:
- Scientific Researcher
- Quality Controller
- Financial Product Developer
- Risk Assessor
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $5,910 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.