University of Queensland
Graduate Diploma in Science (Mathematics)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Develop skills in rigorous reasoning and abstract thinking through the use of mathematics as a concise and powerful language for exploring complex problems and making reliable predictions.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Science is designed for graduates with a background in mathematics who wish to deepen and extend their knowledge of the discipline. The program, completed over one year of full-time study or a part-time equivalent, offers a broad range of courses that develop specialised mathematical expertise and advanced analytical skills.
The program emphasises the intrinsic nature and fundamental principles of mathematics, recognising its universality, precision and intellectual elegance. Students build a strong foundation in mathematical reasoning while exploring contemporary applications in areas such as coding and cryptology, bioinformatics, mathematical physics, mathematical ecology, computational science and visualisation and nonlinear differential equations.
Graduates are well prepared for further study, research and professional pathways that require high-level mathematical thinking, quantitative analysis and problem-solving skills across diverse sectors.
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
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Diploma in Science (Mathematics), you must complete 16 units or eight courses comprising:
Zero to eight units from Mathematics Foundational Courses
- Calculus & Linear Algebra II (two units)
- Linear & Abstract Algebra & Number Theory (two units)
- Discrete Mathematics II (two units)
- Mathematical Analysis (two units) or;
- Mathematical Analysis and Advanced Topics (two units)
- Mathematical Probability (two units)
Eight to 16 units from Mathematics Flexible Core Courses
- General Relativity (two units)
- Topics in Mathematical Physics (two units)
- Topics in Combinatorics (two units)
- Topics in Algebra and Number Theory (two units)
- Advanced Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations (two units)
- Geometry (two units)
- Complex Analysis (two units)
- Special Topics I (two units)
- Algebraic Methods of Mathematical Physics (two units)
- Graph Theory and Design Theory (two units)
- Coding and Cryptography (two units)
- Abstract Algebra and Number Theory (two units)
- Partial Differential Equations (two units)
- Optimisation Theory (two units)
- Differential Geometry (two units)
- Functional Analysis (two units)
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- 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;
- Five years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Relevant work experience includes work in a related discipline, such as data science, engineering or information technology. An assessment is made of the applicant's background, covering completion of and performance in relevant courses at their prior institution, which provides the relevant prerequisite knowledge. Students can provide further evidence in the form of a CV of their background. Final approval by the program coordinator.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
This postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- University Researcher
- Industry Researcher
- Banking Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Insurance Actuary
- Market Risk Manager
- Environmental Modeller
- Oceanographer
- Meteorologist
- Data scientist
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $5,910 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 16 units (normally eight courses) per year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
- You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.