There are many ways you can study Mathematics with Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering at UNSW.
- Major in Mathematics or Statistics within the Science, Advanced Science or Advanced Mathematics Degree Programs and take elective courses in Computer Science. Administered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics and Faculty of Science, these degrees involve the study of mathematical areas that play a key role in the theoretical understanding of computer science. Currently, there is no official minor in Computer Science available in any of these degrees.
The Science Degree Program with a major in Mathematics or Statistics is a three-year program. If you have good results, you may have the opportunity to continue for another year (total four years) to obtain an Honours degree (in Mathematics).
The Advanced Science and Advanced Maths degrees are four-year degrees with an honours year included. - Choose the four-year combined degree in Computer Science and Science, taking a major in Mathematics or Statistics. Administered by the School of Computer Science and Engineering, this is a full Computer Science degree plus a science degree. If you have good results, you may be able to continue for another year to complete Honours in Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics.
- Choose the five-year combined degree in Advanced Mathematics and Computer Science, taking a major in Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics or Advanced Statistics. Similar to the combined degree in Computer Science and Science, but administered by the Faculty of Science, it includes a year of honours in your Advanced Maths major. Note: you would be required to keep up a suitable level of performance to continue in the Advanced Maths degree.
- Choose the five-year combined degree in Advanced Science and Computer Science, taking a major in Mathematics or Statistics. This is similar to the combined degree in Advanced Mathematics and Computer Science, but with smaller science majors.
- Choose the five-year combined degree in Engineering (Hons) and Science, taking Computer Engineering or Software Engineering for the Engineering major and Mathematics or Statistics for the Science major. Administered by the Faculty of Engineering (delegated to the School of Computer Science and Engineering), this is a full Engineering honours degrees plus a science degree. If you have good results, you may be able to continue for another year to complete Honours in Mathematics or Statistics.
- Choose the six-year combined degree in Engineering (Hons) and Advanced Maths or Advanced Science, taking Computer Engineering or Software Engineering for the Engineering major and a Mathematics or Statistics major for the science degree. Administered by the Faculty of Science, this is a full Engineering honours degrees plus a science degree with honours. The science component has the same progression rules as all Advanced Maths or Advanced Science degrees.
- Choose the three-year Computer Science Degree with an optional minor in Mathematics. Administered by the Faculty of Engineering, this is a Bachelor of Science degree where two thirds of the program allow you to specialise in a Computer Science stream/discipline, leaving room for an optional minor (six courses) in Mathematics to complement your studies.
What do I study in the programs?
In the first year, the science programs have almost identical studies. You will study the core mathematical and computer science topics that any student at UNSW needs if their degree involves mathematics or computing. You may choose your elective courses from several other Schools so that you can follow or cultivate other interests. In later years you have the opportunity to focus your mathematical and computing skills in an area of your choice. The engineering programs include many of the same courses but also others with a more engineering slant.
To find out the formal requirements (in terms of courses that you must study), see the corresponding pages in the Programs and Courses, and see 3789 - Science/Computer Science and 3778 - Computer Science in the UNSW Handbook.
For formal details of individual Mathematics courses, see Details of Mathematics Courses. For information about Computer Science courses, visit the School of Computer Science and Engineering.
Mathematics can be studied at the Ordinary level or at the Higher level depending on your interests and abilities, but study at the Higher level is recommended (and is compulsory if enrolled in the Advanced Maths or Science programs) and may be necessary for certain courses in later years.
In the final year of the Advanced Maths or Science program, or if you do the extra fourth (Honours) year of the Science Program or the combined degree in Computer Science, you will do some course work but will also spend time writing a thesis. The aim of the thesis is for you to become involved in an active area of research of your choice. You could even discover something new, which is not as uncommon as you might think!
Which degree should I choose?
If your interest is mainly in Computer Science and you wish to include substantial Mathematics, then take the three-year Computer Science degree with a second major in Mathematics.
If your interest is in Mathematics and you wish to add some Computer Science skills, then take the three-year Science degree with a major in Mathematics and add electives in Computer Science.
If you want to study Mathematics together with Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Software Engineering in full, then take the appropriate Combined Degree. This option would also be advisable if you are not sure which you prefer, as it may be possible to transfer out of a combined degree into either of the single degrees.
It is possible to transfer between degree programs without reapplying for admission, see the Internal Program Transfer page on the University web site.
How do I get further information about these programs?
School of Mathematics and Statistics
Phone: (02) 9385 7111
Fax: (02) 9385 7123
Email: ug.MathsStats@unsw.edu.au
Also see the UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering.