Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Mathematics for your Master of Science at Massey
Massey University’s Master of Science with a major in Mathematics is a prestigious qualification for those who are interested in progressing to further, in-depth research. This postgraduate qualification will also give you a career advantage.
Join some of New Zealand’s leading mathematicians to develop your mathematics expertise to a higher level.
Gain a deeper understanding
The Master of Science (Mathematics) will extend your studies of mathematics from your undergraduate degree. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics you encountered there, as well as learn about new and exciting areas of mathematics. You'll work closely with your lecturers and fellow students in small classes.
Once you have successfully completed the prerequisites, you will work full-time on a one to two-semester research project. The project will be your chance to delve even deeper into a topic of your choosing, and perhaps even make your own original contribution to this body of knowledge. It'll be a challenge - but it'll be worth it.
Mathematics. It's what makes everything work.
From securing sensitive communications using cryptography to calculating the orbit of a satellite, mathematics is the most fundamental of the tools we use to comprehend and shape the world around us. Some have even called it the "language of the universe". Be that as it may, at heart it's still a product of human creativity and ingenuity. And, there's still plenty left to be discovered and invented.
A Master of Science in Mathematics is a good fit if you:
- enjoy thinking logically and analytically, and exercising your creativity
- enjoy problem solving, and the satisfaction of that "aha!" moment when you see the solution
- are interested in going on to more in-depth research, such as a PhD.
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Science (Mathematics) is available by thesis only.
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 Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate 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.
Course code: 160897 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160898 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work
View full course detailsCourse code: 160899 Thesis 120 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Science (Mathematics) you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Mathematics, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses, or
- the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in Mathematics, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses.
You must submit an approved research supervision plan with your application. This means you need to secure the agreement of a suitable supervisor for your agreed research topic.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
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.
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
Scholarship and award opportunities
Find more scholarships and awardsFees 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
Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:
- young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
- earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
- five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.
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.
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 – Diploma in Arts
Develop a wide variety of mathematics skills and techniques with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Mathematics). Learn to formulate, solve, restate, resolve and interpret mathematics problems.
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