Solve real-world problems in health, cyber security, finance, engineering and more
Real is investigating, analysing and solving industry problems.
Study mathematics at QUT to access unique work-integrated learning opportunities with real industry projects.
QUT Bachelor of Mathematics
tony roberts professor + head of school, mathematical sciences, QUT
Most people use maths every day without even realising it. Whether it’s estimating how long a trip will take, tracking a savings goal or interpreting statistics in the news, numbers help us make sense of the world. Now, imagine using maths and statistics to protect endangered species, manage the future electricity network, improve athlete performance, or even help doctors diagnose diseases faster. That’s exactly what mathematicians do.
At its core, mathematics is about solving problems. The skills you gain from a maths degree are practical, powerful and in demand across a wide range of sectors including technology, finance, insurance, consulting, government, education, defence and health. At QUT, our students apply maths in real-world projects with industry partners. They’ve helped businesses understand shopping trends, found better ways to protect native wildlife, designed more efficient water systems during droughts, and modelled how contamination moves through groundwater.
A career you can count on
Mathematics is everywhere – shaping science, technology, health, and finance. And it’s not just about numbers; it’s about solving real problems and making a difference
One of the biggest myths about maths is that you have to be a genius to succeed. That’s simply not true. Being good at maths is about learning how to think logically, tackle problems and understand how to develop models of how the world works.
Another myth? That maths careers are limited to being a teacher or an academic. Maths leads to some of the most cutting-edge jobs in fields like energy market analysis, business consulting, data science, statistics, software development, medical research and artificial intelligence. If you enjoy solving puzzles, spotting patterns, or using data to make decisions, maths can take you anywhere. In this job kit, you’ll get a closer look at what it’s like to work in mathematics and statistics. You’ll read about people using maths in their jobs, see how maths applies to everyday industries, and learn what steps to take if this sounds like a career for you. If you love a challenge, enjoy thinking logically, and want a career that’s always evolving, maths might just be the perfect fit.
Professor Tony Roberts Head of School, Mathematical Sciences, QUT
FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Mathematicians don’t just work with numbers – they solve real-world problems, shape industries, and power some of the most exciting careers in finance, technology, health and business
Forget the stereotype of mathematicians crunching numbers in isolation. In reality, maths is at the heart of major advancements – helping businesses make smarter decisions, improving healthcare, predicting climate patterns, and even shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI). With maths and statistics, you can work in almost any industry, tackling challenges that make a real difference.
Mathematics isn’t just growing – it’s booming. According to yourcareer.gov.au, four of most in-demand careers in Australia rely on a whole lot of maths – civil engineers, software engineers, mining engineers and database and system administrators. But employers everywhere – from banks and tech companies to government agencies and research labs – also need experts who can interpret numbers, solve problems and build smart solutions using mathematics.
What do mathematicians do?
Mathematicians work on real-world challenges in a range of fields:
Applied and Computational Mathematics
Solve scientific, engineering and business problems using maths and computing.
Operations Research
Optimise transport routes, hospital staffing and energy distribution.
Statistics
Analyse data to guide decisions in business, government and health.
Data Science
Work with AI, machine learning and predictive models to drive innovation.
Financial Mathematics
Assess risk, forecast market trends and build economic models.
Maths myths vs reality
Myth: Mathematicians work alone, solving equations.
Reality: Maths is collaborative and mathematicians work with engineers, scientists and business experts to solve real problems.
Myth: Maths is just about numbers. Reality: Maths powers AI, cybersecurity, climate science, finance, and space exploration.
Myth: You have to be a genius. Reality: Maths is about persistence, logical thinking and problem-solving – skills anyone can develop.
Myth: Maths careers are limited. Reality: Mathematicians are in high demand and work in a wide range of industries – everything from healthcare to space research.
Money talks
Here’s what you might earn starting out in a maths career, according to SEEK
Mathematician
$80k–$100k
Data scientist
$115k–$130k
Statistician
$100k–$105k
Business intelligence consultant
$100k–$120k
Operations analyst
$80k-$95k
What to study
QUT has a lot of great options if you’re keen on kickstarting your maths + data study and career path. You could enrol in a Bachelor of Mathematics, majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics, Operations Research or Statistics. Or sign up for the Bachelor of Mathematics / Master of Data Science, which will allow you to graduate with both a bachelor and master by just adding one more year of studies. You’ll graduate with a competitive edge, all while combining your love for mathematics with advanced data science skills.
QUT also offer a modern, computationally focused mathematics degree with real-world components, including a semester-long collaborative project with an industry partner. And guess what? Staff have also been awarded more early career research fellowships in mathematics than any other Australian institution, and the uni hosts the only Queensland node of an Australian Centre of Excellence in Mathematics.
Where can maths take you?
Mathematicians work in every industry – even if their job titles aren’t “mathematician”. Careers include:
Skills checklist
Problem-solving
Tackle complex issues and find solutions.
Logical thinking
Identify trends and patterns in data, and evaluate different options to find the best solution.
Computational skills
Use software like Python, R, and MATLAB to model scenarios.
Communication
Explain findings to industry leaders and decision-makers.
Finance & banking
Predict stock trends, manage risk and strengthen cyber security.
Tech & AI
Develop AI models, machine learning algorithms and big data analysis.
Energy & sustainability
Optimise renewable energy grids and predict climate trends.
Health & medicine
Analyse medical data, model disease outbreaks and improve treatments.
Business & consulting
Use analytics to improve efficiency and strategy for major companies.
Maths meets medicine
Brynn Mackie is combining her love of maths and biomedicine to help shape the future of medical research
Brynn didn’t always see the connection between her two biggest interests – maths and biomedicine. “They were originally things I was interested in separately, only to find out later on how well they worked together!” she says. She’s always loved how maths can break everything down into patterns and models. Biomedicine came later, sparked by a neuroscience competition in Year 10.
When it came time to choose a uni, Brynn was excited about QUT after attending the 2020 Young Accelerators camp. “The thing that really drew me to QUT was how nice everyone was, especially the student ambassadors,” she says. Now studying a double degree in Mathematics and Biomedical Science, she’s found that same welcoming environment. “I’ve met so many wonderful and friendly students and staff.”
Brynn is an active part of the QUT community too.
As a student ambassador, she visits high schools to help students explore study pathways. “My favourite thing about the job is helping students realise that, no matter the barriers, uni can be for them!” she says. She’s also President of the Women in Maths Club, where she organises events, builds industry connections and supports other students.
Using maths to solve medical problems
Brynn’s passion for mathematical modelling in medicine comes from its potential to revolutionise research. “There’s still so much we don’t know in medicine,” she says. “Mathematics lets us replicate experiments without using expensive or limited resources.”
Her biggest goal? Advancing brain cancer treatment. “It’s a cause that’s very close to my heart and affects many Australian families,” Brynn explains.
For students wondering where maths can take them, Brynn says, “Pretty much anywhere!” She points out that many maths careers don’t have “mathematician” in the job title – graduates often become analysts or consultants across industries like sport, health and business. Her last tip? Check out the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI). “It’s got a guide to all the different jobs in maths – you’ll see how much diversity there is!”
Lucas has built a career using maths to make public transport more efficient, from planning bus and train networks to optimising rail schedules
Rob
Rob always loved solving problems. At school, he was drawn to maths thanks to supportive teachers who encouraged his interest. “I did well in school and was eager to pursue something I loved,” he says. He went on to study Applied and Computational Mathematics, with minors in Chemistry and Spatial Science.
After graduating, Rob started working in public transport, focusing on trains and buses. Later, he moved into a field called optimisation, working with mines and power plants to develop efficient schedules and improve operations.
Now, Rob works in rail scheduling and train crew scheduling, combining his love for public transport with his mathematical skills. “This role allows me to utilise the skills I acquired in optimisation while pursuing my love for public transport, helping to improve Brisbane and Queensland with the exciting changes ahead,” he explains.
Build a community during your lectures and your degree”
Maths beyond the classroom
One of the best things about studying maths, Rob says, is its versatility. “As long as you can articulate problems mathematically and find solutions, you can work in any field,” he says. He has seen friends go into cyber security, finance, engineering, and AI, all using the same problem-solving skills.
And real-world maths isn’t just about equations. “Another crucial aspect is defining the problem accurately,” he says. “This involves engaging with professionals who work in the field and make strategic decisions.” Rob adds that he finds it incredibly satisfying when his work transforms slow, manual processes into fast, automated solutions that save time His advice? Make connections! “Build a community during your lectures and your degree; it will pay off in the future,” he says. “Get involved in any industry-related opportunities you can find, as even a little experience can make a significant difference.”
Get the job!
Is this career for you?
You might love a career in maths if you:
• Enjoy solving puzzles and thinking logically.
• Like working with numbers, patterns, and data.
• Want a career that’s flexible and in demand across many industries.
• Like using technology and software to solve problems.
Subject checklist
These high school subjects will set you up nicely for a career in mathematics!
✔ Mathematics
✔ Physics ✔ Chemistry
✔ Computing
Other to-dos
Scholarships and support
Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship
Available for students in data science and related fields.
QUT Adeline Arts and Science Scholarship
Supports women in mathematics.
QUT Indigenous and Women in STEM scholarships
Financial support for diverse students.
• Go to uni Consider QUT’s Bachelor of Mathematics and its majors, or the Bachelor of Mathematics / Master of Data Science
• Get hands-on experience Internships, research projects, and coding challenges will give you an edge.
• Keep learning Programming (Python, R, MATLAB) and data skills are a big plus.
• Make connections Join industry groups and attend STEM events to meet future employers.
Want to see where maths can take you? These super fun and easy-to-understand resources will help!
Websites and online learning
Maths Inside
Discover how real CSIRO researchers use maths to solve big challenges, with interactive lessons based on real-world projects: mathseducation.org.au/ online-resources/maths-inside Khan Academy
Short, engaging lessons on everything from algebra to problem-solving. khanacademy.org
Podcasts and videos
MathsTalk Podcast (AMSI Schools)
A podcast where maths experts chat about cool maths ideas, how maths is used in real life, and tips for understanding tricky topics. calculate.org.au/mathstalk-podcast/ Numberphile (YouTube)
Fun maths puzzles and fascinating facts! youtube.com/numberphile
Books
• Curious: Life Hacks Through Maths by Lily Serna
• That’s Maths: The Mathematical Magic in Everyday Life by Peter Lynch
• The Maths Book: Big Ideas, Simply Explained by DK Explore
