Where you can study
International students
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Specialise in Mathematics for your Diploma in Arts at Massey
Mathematics has applications throughout the sciences and social sciences. It's also a subject with intrinsic intellectual and aesthetic interest.
Mathematics draws much of its following and strength from the ability to solve problems. This could be across a wide variety of applications, including the other sciences, engineering, commerce and industry. Not one area of human endeavour has been untouched by the process of quantification and analysis.
You will develop a wide variety of mathematics skills and techniques, especially in calculus and algebra. You will learn to formulate, solve, restate, resolve and interpret mathematics problems. You are also encouraged to gain knowledge of computational simulation techniques.
Planning information
Full-time study comprises eight 15-credit courses for a total of 120 credits in one year. We recommend you aim for 60 credits per semester.
All 100-level mathematics courses presume that you have some experience in the subject.
For 160102 you are expected to have passed 160103 or 160132 or have obtained at least 16 credits in NCEA Level 3 mathematics with calculus or its equivalent.
If you enrol in 160101 you should have at least 16 externally-assessed credits in mathematics at level 3 of NCEA, or a pass in 160103 or 160132, or its equivalent.
If you later proceed to the Bachelor of Arts degree, all of the courses in your Diploma of Arts can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts.
If you have questions, contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
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 qualification 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 qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
At least 75 credits in Mathematics including (160.101 and 160.102) and 45 credits of 200 and/or 300 level courses from the 160 course prefix series.
Course code: 160101 Calculus 15 credits
A course focusing on the fundamental techniques and applications of calculus including differentiation and integration of functions of one real variable, differential equations, numerical methods, and an introduction to power series with applications to mathematical models. 160.101, alongside 160.102, forms a foundation for further study in mathematics. It is essential for students intending to study Mathematics, Physics, Food Technology or Engineering, or for anyone who wants a strong mathematical component to their degree.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160102 Algebra 15 credits
A course focusing on the fundamental techniques and applications of linear algebra including vector and matrix algebra, vector representation of lines and planes, projections, Gaussian elimination, eigenvectors and complex numbers. 160.102, alongside 160.101, forms a foundation for further study in mathematics. It is essential for students intending to study Mathematics, Physics, Food Technology or Engineering, or for anyone who wants a strong mathematical component to their degree.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160105 Methods of Mathematics 15 credits
An introductory course designed to increase the confidence of students in handling mathematical concepts and skills. Content includes algebraic skills, functions and graphs, and an introduction to calculus.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160203 Multivariable Calculus 15 credits
The techniques of 100-level calculus are applied and extended in the study of infinite series, vector-valued functions and functions of two or more variables. Topics include convergence of power series, partial derivatives, double and triple integrals with applications to surface area and volumes, line and surface integrals.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160204 Differential Equations I 15 credits
An intermediate level course in the analytical and numerical study of ordinary differential equations, with an emphasis on their applications to the real world. Exact solution methods for ordinary differential equations. Systems of differential equations, matrix methods, phase plane techniques. Applications of differential equations. Numerical methods for differential equations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160211 Linear Algebra 15 credits
Vector spaces, linear transformation, matrix representation, inner product spaces, isometries, least squares, generalised inverse, eigen theory, quadratic forms, norms, numerical methods.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160212 Discrete Mathematics 15 credits
Sets, logic, mathematical induction, functions and equivalence relations. Partial orderings, algebraic structures and morphisms. Error correcting codes and public key cryptography. Graph theory.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160301 Real and Complex Analysis 15 credits
Real analysis: inequalities, the continuum property, induction, sequences, functions and limits, continuity, contraction mappings and fixed points, differentiation, mean value theorems and Taylor's theorem. Complex analysis: geometry in the complex plane, limits and continuity, holomorphic functions, line integrals, Cauchy's theorem and some elementary consequences, singularities and Laurent's theorem, the calculus of residues and some applications.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160302 Modern Algebra 15 credits
Group theory - basic properties, permutation groups, finite Abelian groups, cosets, normal subgroups, homomorphism theorems, representation. Ring theory - integral domains and fields, ideals, homomorphism theorems, factorisation, extension fields.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160314 Combinatorics 15 credits
Permutations and combinations, binomial coefficients, the inclusion-exclusion principle, generating functions, recurrence relations, Polya’s theorem, topics in graph theory.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160318 Differential Equations II 15 credits
An advanced course in the analytical and numerical study of ordinary and partial differential equations, building on techniques developed in Differential Equations I. Ordinary differential equations: power series and Frobenius series solutions, special functions, Fourier series, Sturm-Liouville problems, qualitative analysis of nonlinear systems. Partial differential equations: classification of second-order equations, separation of variables, Fourier transforms, explicit and implicit numerical schemes.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
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?
If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Fees and scholarships
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
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 can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Mathematics leads to a number of career options, such as:
- actuarial services
- computer science
- cryptanalysis
- engineering
- operations research analysis
- research
- statistics
- teaching.
Accreditations and rankings
Related study options
Mathematics – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Be a sought-after graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Mathematics). You can study mathematics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Mathematics – Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) will give you the skills to solve problems in areas such as computer programming, climate modelling, and transportation.
Mathematics – Bachelor of Arts
Advance your analysis and problem-solving abilities within the flexible and critical framework of Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics).
Mathematics – Master of Science
Learn the language of the universe. Gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics you encountered in your undergraduate degree, as well as learn about new and exciting areas of mathematics.
Mathematics – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Build your knowledge of mathematics and learn how to communicate your findings, with Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Mathematics).
Mathematics Education – Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Take your professional practice to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Mathematics Education).
Mathematics Education – Master of Education
Go further with your passion for education. A Master of Education (Mathematics Education) will take your mathematics teaching career to the next level.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz