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Overview

Programme Overview

The Mathematical Modelling programme is a cross-faculty collaboration between the Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Science and the Department of Engineering Science in the Faculty of Engineering and Design. Its focus is on advanced mathematical and computational techniques required for modelling real-world phenomena such as transport over networks, epidemics, or climate change. This programme will deepen your theoretical understanding of mathematical models and their implementation, providing you with the expertise to transform a multidimensional real-world problem into a set of equations you can analyse with advanced theoretical and computational tools. You will learn to construct and use mathematical models to help solve questions ranging from the effects of global climate change to planning infrastructure, predicting financial fluctuations, managing disease epidemics, or designing better systems of healthcare and health equity.

This programme is available with either a 120- or 180-point pathway. It comprises core Engineering Science and Mathematics courses and a broad range of electives.

Students will also complete a research project worth 45 points.

Find out what our campus locations and facilities have to offer in these videos.

Programme Structure

The Mathematical Modelling programme is a cross-faculty collaboration between the Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Science and the Department of Engineering Science in the Faculty of Engineering and Design. It is available with both 120- and 180-point pathways. The programme includes four core courses and elective courses in Engineering Science, Mathematics and Physics.

Students will also complete a 45-point research project.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

You will be competent in interdisciplinary mathematical modelling and familiar with advanced computational techniques and methodologies. You may take up specialist roles in industrial R&D departments, government advice offices and quantitative forecasting.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Consultant
  • Data Scientist
  • Meteorologist
  • Data Engineer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • R&D Engineer
  • Forecasting Analyst

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Experience the University

Video

Meet the programme directors

Learn about the new MMathModel from Dr Richard Clarke from the Faculty of Engineering and Design and Professor Hinke Osinga from the Department of Mathematics.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (120 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average 

 A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma

Taught (180 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average

A relevant Bachelors degree in a relevant subject

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Relevant subjects include analytics, applied mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, engineering, operations research, physics, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics, or technology.

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Taught 120 point

You must have completed either:

  • a Bachelors degree and Postgraduate Diploma from this University, each in a relevant subject and with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III
  • a Bachelors (Honours) from this University degree with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III
  • a Bachelors (Honours) degree from this University and passed 60 points with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in a relevant postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate from this University provided that the certificate or diploma has not been awarded

You must also have completed 15 points from COMPSCI 130, ENGGEN 131, MATHS 162, and 15 points from ENGSCI 311, 313, 314, MATHS 361, or the equivalent as approved by the Programme Director.

Relevant subjects may include analytics, applied mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, engineering, operations research, physics, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics, or technology.

Taught 180 point

You must have completed either:

  • a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 in 60 points above Stage II
  • a relevant Bachelors degree from this University and passed 60 points with a GPA of 4.0 in the Postgraduate Certificate, or Postgraduate Diploma, in Mathematical Modelling from this University (provided the certificate or diploma has not been awarded)

You must also have completed 15 points from COMPSCI 130, ENGGEN 131, MATHS 162, and 15 points from ENGSCI 311, 313, 314, MATHS 361, or the equivalent as approved by the Programme Director.

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards the PGCertMathModel - Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematical Modelling or the PGDipMathModel - Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Modelling , with a GPA of 4.0.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree

and

(ii) completed the requirements for a relevant Postgraduate Diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree

and

(ii) completed the requirements for a relevant Postgraduate Diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III

or

c completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors Honours degree from this University in a relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

d completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors Honours degree from this University in a relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III

or

e (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors Honours degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Modelling, or in a relevant postgraduate certificate or diploma in a relevant subject, from this University, provided the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree in a relevant subject from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree in a relevant subject from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Modelling, or in a relevant postgraduate certificate or diploma in a relevant subject, from this University, provided the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

3 Applicants must have completed 15 points from COMPSCI 130, ENGGEN 131, MATHS 162, and 15 points from ENGSCI 311, 313, 314, MATHS 361, or the equivalent.

4 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1, 2 and 3 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

5 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 and 3 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 and 3 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) Relevant Bachelors degrees may include the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.

(ii) Relevant Bachelors Honours degrees may include the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Bachelors of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours).

(iii) Relevant postgraduate certificates or diplomas may include the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering, Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Science.

(iv) Relevant subjects may include analytics, applied mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, engineering, information systems, information technology, machine learning, mathematics, operations research, physics, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics or technology.

Duration and Total Points Value

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 5a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 5b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

8 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Mathematical Modelling Schedule.

9 A student who has previously passed any course or courses the same as, or similar to, the courses required for this degree must substitute an alternative course or courses as approved by the Programme Director.

10 Courses selected for this qualification are subject to the confirmation of the Programme Director.

11 With the prior approval of the Programme Director, up to 45 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this or another university.

12 A student who has to complete 120 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in their first 45 points of taught courses taken for this programme. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Mathematical Modelling cannot continue.

13 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in their first 120 points of taught courses taken for this programme. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Mathematical Modelling cannot continue.

14 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

15 a The research project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the relevant Academic Head.

b The topic of the research project must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The research project is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

16 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering, or Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematical Modelling, or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Science or Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Modelling.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

17 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Science that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

18 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematical Modelling or Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Modelling that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or post graduate diploma has not been awarded.

Distinction

19 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

20 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

21 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

Courses selected for this qualification are subject to the confirmation of the Programme Director.

With the prior approval of the Programme Director, up to 45 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this or another university.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

180 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Please note this is a sample structure only.

Degree Plan for the Master of Mathematical Modelling - 120 points

Year 1
Semester One
Advanced Partial Differential Equations
120 points Requirements - MTMO-T2MMathModel - Master of Mathematical Modelling specialisation in Mathematical Modelling - Taught 120 - Additional Elective Courses
15 Points
Advanced Mathematical Modelling
120 points Requirements - MTMO-T2MMathModel - Master of Mathematical Modelling specialisation in Mathematical Modelling - Taught 120 - Engineering Science Elective Courses
15 Points
Research Project - Level 9
120 points Requirements - MTMO-T2MMathModel - Master of Mathematical Modelling specialisation in Mathematical Modelling - Taught 120 - Research Project - 2 Semesters
15 Points
Inverse Problems and Stochastic Differential Equations
120 points Requirements - MTMO-T2MMathModel - Master of Mathematical Modelling specialisation in Mathematical Modelling - Taught 120 - Mathematics Elective Courses
15 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Data-centric Engineering for Physical Systems
120 points Requirements - MTMO-T2MMathModel - Master of Mathematical Modelling specialisation in Mathematical Modelling - Taught 120 - Engineering Science Elective Courses
15 Points
Research Project - Level 9
120 points Requirements - MTMO-T2MMathModel - Master of Mathematical Modelling specialisation in Mathematical Modelling - Taught 120 - Research Project - 2 Semesters
30 Points
Mathematical Modelling
120 points Requirements - MTMO-T2MMathModel - Master of Mathematical Modelling specialisation in Mathematical Modelling - Taught 120 - Mathematics Elective Courses
15 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map