Financial Mathematics

Outline

Financial mathematicians apply mathematical models and numerical tools to practical everyday applications, such as financial markets. They gather statistical data on the financial decisions that people make, which helps business and government make better informed decisions, especially in uncertain economic climates.

This course will provide you with a range of analytical and mathematical skills, with particular relevance to statistical modelling and operations research in finance.

You will gain a strong grounding in corporate finance, financial institutions, financial markets and various branches of the financial services industry, and you can select from units in accounting, economics and business.

In your final year you’ll undertake a project where you’ll put your skills into practice. Examples of previous projects include investigating the relationships between foreign exchange rates and Australian currency volatility; the effectiveness of using stochastic differential equations to model stock price; and statistical analysis of a portfolio strategy based on fluctuating prices.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree. It can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course.

See our handbook for more course information.

How this course will make you industry ready

Curtin's strong links with industry and business have informed the design of this course, to ensure you gain the practical skills needed to address real-world problems.
A work experience program runs from second year onwards, exposing you to real applications of their mathematical studies, and introducing you to potential employers.

What jobs can the Financial Mathematics course lead to?

Careers

Commercial banker
Finance/funds manager
Financial analyst
Financial planner
Stockbroker
Superannuation manager.

Industries

Banking and finance
Econometrics
Education
Government
Insurance
Investment banking
Risk management.

Further study

What you'll learn

understand and apply mathematical and statistical principles and concepts in a range of mathematical disciplines such as operations research, statistics, numerical analysis or applied mathematical modelling, and to solve problems relevant to science, industry, commerce and government
apply mathematics and statistical methods to critically analyse problems in finance and to think creatively to generate innovative solutions
locate, extract and critically appraise relevant evidence and scientific literature in relation to mathematical science
communicate effectively within the context of mathematical science through the written word and by oral presentation
use new technologies to effectively gather data and communicate information
understand the theoretical framework of mathematical science and work as a responsible, reflective, self-directed and motivated lifelong learner
be aware of the diversity of international perspectives and apply international standards of practice within their profession as a mathematical scientist in the financial services industry
understand cultural diversity and how it impacts a mathematician in the financial services industry
display professional behaviour both independently and as a team member through the use of recognised ethical practices in the financial service industries

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course may be eligible for membership of the Statistical Society of Australia (SSAI), the Australian Society for Operations Research and the Australian Mathematical Society (Aust MS).

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

Guaranteed ATAR 80
This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 80
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics Methods ATAR, or equivalent.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Mathematics Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Not accepted.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

Guaranteed ATAR 80
This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 80
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics Methods ATAR, or equivalent.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Mathematics Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

TAFE entry
AQF Diploma; or AQF Advanced Diploma AND satisfied the prerequisite. The Maths Methods prerequisite can be met with: Maths Methods ATAR; or MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus, and MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus OR TAFE Advanced Diploma with suitable modules including Calculus.

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

Guaranteed ATAR 80
This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 80
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics Methods ATAR, or equivalent.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Mathematics Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

attained an ATAR of 80 and met the prerequisites; or
if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR or higher; or
if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR or higher; or
completed 200 credits with a course weighted average (CWA) of 55% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR or higher; or
completed 400 credits with a CWA of 50% of higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR or higher

The Maths Methods prerequisite can be met with:

Math Methods ATAR; or
MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus (12.5 credits); and
MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus.

Higher education course switcher criteria

To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have:

attained an ATAR of 80 plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR; or
if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR or higher; or
if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR or higher; or
completed 200 credits with a course weighted average (CWA) of 55% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR or higher; or
completed 400 credits with a CWA of 50% of higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR or higher.

ATAR pathway

Guaranteed ATAR 80
This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 80
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics Methods ATAR, or equivalent.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Mathematics Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Frequently asked questions

Acceptance Due Date for International Students

There are 3 different categories of acceptance due dates:

For countries listed here (Country List), acceptance due date is 7 weeks before course start date, as stated on your Offer Letter. If you have a GTE Finance or GTE Interview condition on your offer, you must submit the GTE documentation 2 weeks before the acceptance closing date.
For all other countries which are not listed in the list, the acceptance due date is 3 weeks before the course start date.
If you are currently in Australia on a valid visa, the acceptance closing date is 1 week before the course start date.

Curtin has a duty of care to ensure all international students have sufficient time to have their student visa issued and to arrive in Perth in time for the Orientation Week and the start of classes. The timeframes stipulated above allows Curtin to process your completed documents and for the Department of Home Affairs to issue your student visa in time. For more information on visa processing times, please refer to the Visa Processing Times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

For international application deadlines, please refer to: Key dates and university application deadlines | Curtin University

Search our FAQs

The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

View courses information disclaimer.
Curtin course code: MJRU-FNMAT
Last updated on: 24 April 2024

Financial Mathematics

Undergraduate major

Select your preferred degree

Outline

Outline

How this course will make you industry ready

What jobs can the Financial Mathematics course lead to?

Further study

What you'll learn

Get the latest Curtin updates

Professional recognition

Admission criteria

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

ATAR pathway

Alternative pathways

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

How others gained admission

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Curtin course switcher criteria

Higher education course switcher criteria

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Unsure what option suits you?

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Frequently asked questions

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