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Be at the edge of human understanding. Mathematics is both one of the oldest academic disciplines and one of the most contemporary and dynamic. At the School of Mathematics and Statistics, you'll further enhance your abilities to think logically, precisely and creatively, while delving deeper into the world of mathematical patterns and structures.

Join a school with a strength in both pure and applied mathematics and study at one of the best places in the world for postgraduate work in computability theory, matroids, C* algebras, general relativity and other fields.

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I studied pure mathematics. I loved that it was very conceptual and theoretical, just “out there” kind of mathematics that also had this massive element of creativity to it. The classes were great and the lecturers even better.

Asheel Ramanlal, BSc(Hons) in Mathematics

Analyst at Kiwibank

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Research areas

Explore a research topic in either pure or applied mathematics and focus on your area of interest. You'll be learning from and working with internationally respected research mathematicians who have received numerous awards. You'll also get a wide range of research opportunities thanks to the School's success attracting grants. You could specialise in pure abstract mathematics, or collaborate with researchers across the university on mathematical applications to their fields.

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I am collaborating with academics at the University who have backgrounds in mathematics, physics, geophysics and geology. While we may approach the problem in different ways, mathematics has a fundamental influence on earth sciences.

Emma Greenbank

PhD candidate in Mathematics

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At Victoria University of Wellington you can choose from a wide range of research areas from pure to applied maths. Possibilities include combinatorics and matroid theory, mathematical logic and computability, number theory and algebra, analysis and topology—including Banach and C* algebras, mathematical modelling, singularity and invariant theory, and numerical analysis.

Careers

An understanding of mathematics is vital to all the sciences and, in our digital world, is increasingly important in a myriad of industries. Mathematicians are employed in a variety of positions, often as part of a multi-disciplinary team. You could find a job in market research, or working with a team of meteorologists, economists or statisticians. Or you might become a researcher at a university, a research institute or a corporate laboratory.

Community

Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues.

You'll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops and social functions. The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information on studying at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.

You'll be part of a community of some of the finest minds in pure and applied mathematics in the country. You can also benefit from the University's relationships with Crown Research Institutes such as NIWA and GNS Science, and well-established research links to organisations like Statistics New Zealand, ACC and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

Many of our PhD students receive scholarships that cover their fees and other expenses.

Tutoring

You can apply for work as a tutor or marker (sessional assistant) for undergraduate classes. Apply online or contact Dr Steven Archer or David Cox for more details.