Overview
A growing demand for your skills
Advance your analysis and problem-solving abilities within the flexible and critical framework of the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Level
- Undergraduate, NZQF Level 7
Campus
- Auckland, Manawatū
Distance learning
- Available
Duration
- 3 year(s) full-time. Available part-time.
International
- Available for international students studying in NZ or via distance learning
A Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics) opens up a world of opportunities. From ranges from securing sensitive communications using cryptography, to calculating the geostationary orbit of a satellite. Maths is a product of human ingenuity that allows our modern world to exist. With a BA (Mathematics) you’ll learn appropriate analytic and numerical methods for problem-solving that can be applied in a range of contexts and industries.
Get the skills you’ll need
Your mathematics major will help you develop a wide variety of skills and techniques, especially in calculus and algebra. You’ll learn to formulate, solve, restate and resolve problems, and interpret results. You’ll also build your knowledge of computational and simulation techniques on computers. You’ll learn to communicate and explain concepts effectively with non-mathematical colleagues. This is a crucial skill, as many careers will take you into a team environment.
Learn from the leaders
Studying the BA (Mathematics) at Massey will give you access to some of the world’s top mathematical minds. Massey lecturers and postgraduate students are researching areas such as:
- modelling of geothermal processes
- molecular dynamics
- epidemiology
- cell growth
- celestial mechanics
- neuroscience
- phylogenetics and evolutionary trees
- optimal decompositions of information systems.
These projects show the generality, versatility and variety of problems offered to mathematically skilled scientists. Your BA (Mathematics) will help you build up the skills and techniques you’ll need to be part of projects like these.
Careers and further study
Careers
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics) you’ll have the analytical and problem-solving skills that employers are looking for. This could lead to a number of career options in areas including:
- finance and banking
- market research and big data
- public and private consultancies
- government departments
- research and development agencies
- manufacturing
- teaching.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
There are no specific entry requirements for Massey’s BA (Mathematics), outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
- English Language Proficiency
- Foundation Certificate in Academic English
- Foundation Certificate in Advanced Academic English
- Full Foundation - Certificate in Foundation Studies
Summer School
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
360 credits
- Core courses – 75 credits
- Major courses – 135 credits
- Electives from the Schedule – 30 credits
- Other electives – 120 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- Not more than 165 credits at 100 level
- At least 75 credits at 300 level
You could replace electives with a second BA major, or some electives with a minor from the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Business, or the Bachelor of Science.
Note: the Business Psychology major requires 195 credits of major courses.
Courses for this specialisation
Compulsory course selections
Unless exempted for prerequisite purposes, at least 30 credits from
Option A
| 160101 | Calculus | 15 |
| 160102 | Algebra | 15 |
Option B
| 160132 | Concepts in Mathematics | 15 |
| 160133 | Processes in Mathematics | 15 |
Option C
| 160111 | Mathematics 1A | 15 |
| 160112 | Mathematics 1B | 15 |
Subject courses
| 160103 | Introductory University Mathematics | 15 |
| 160105 | Methods of Mathematics | 15 |
| 160203 | Multivariable Calculus | 15 |
| 160204 | Differential Equations I | 15 |
| 160211 | Linear Algebra | 15 |
| 160212 | Discrete Mathematics | 15 |
| 160301 | Real and Complex Analysis | 15 |
| 160302 | Modern Algebra | 15 |
| 160314 | Combinatorics | 15 |
| 160318 | Differential Equations II | 15 |
| 160319 | Mathematical Modelling | 15 |
| 160320 | Mathematics in Education | 15 |
| 160380 | Project | 15 |
Planning your programme
Planning overview
If you study full time, in the first year you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school if you wish. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
About this major
A Mathematics major consists of 135 credits (nine courses).
All 100-level Mathematics courses presume that you have some experience in mathematics.
To enrol in 160.102 Algebra you are expected to either:
- have obtained at least 16 credits in NCEA Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus or its equivalent, or
- have passed one of 160.105 Methods of Mathematics, 160.103 Introductory University Mathematics or 160.132 Concepts in Mathematics.
If you enrol in 160.101 Calculus you should have at least 16 externally assessed NCEA Level 3 credits in Mathematics.
Minors
Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major.
A Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics) with a minor
You may choose a minor from the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Science. If the minor is from another degree the regulations of that programme will apply.
A mathematics minor (for students who are studying a different degree)
If you are not studying towards a BA (Mathematics) and wish to complete a minor in mathematics see the BA regulations for requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student homepage login
A good fit if you:
- like to think through things logically and analytically
- mathematics
- seek new solutions to problems.
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
Undergraduate programmes
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
Enrolling in courses
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
About electives
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Scholarships and awards
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.