Explore career options in applied mathematics/physics
Here you can find information on the career outcomes in the field of applied mathematics and physics.
You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.
Opportunities
Applied mathematics is more than simply crunching numbers. It's an area where you get to solve real problems and make a positive impact. In the data-driven world of today, mathematics graduates are involved in data mining, statistics, advances in computing, mathematical modelling and machine learning.
The study of physics focuses on understanding the natural world using measurements, experiments and mathematical analysis to discover and account for quantitative physical laws, which touch all aspects of our lives, from the nanoworld to the planets and solar systems. Many technological inventions that we use everyday came from discoveries in physics, such as computers, home appliances, and television.
Career fields
(*denotes further study at postgraduate level likely to be required)
- Research and development
- State and Federal Government departments
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Manufacturing sector
- Geophysics
- Econometrics
- Defence Forces
- Renewable energy sector
- Biometrics
- Medical imaging*
- Nanotechnology*
- Computer software*
- Teaching and tutoring*
- Meteorological services
- Astronomy
- Machine learning
Employment roles
- Mathematician
- Medical physics registrar
- Data analyst/scientist
- Statistician
- Laboratory technician
- Actuary
- Medical scientist
- Statistical analyst
- Meteorological instrument technician
- Research scientist
- Research assistant
- Economist*
- Astrophysicist*
- Software developer*
- Secondary teacher*
*Denotes further study at postgraduate level likely to be required.
Occupation snapshot
Employed
11,000
Future demand
Strong
Weekly earnings
$2,213
Part-time share
15%
This data is based on the occupation profile for actuaries, mathematicians and statisticians retrieved from the Government's Jobs and Skills Australia website and YourCareer website August 2024.
Your employability
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.
Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:
Vacancies
Information on relevant vacancies can be found in a wide range of sources:
- CareerHub
- Prosple (formerly Grad Australia)
- GradConnection
- Department of Home Affairs careers
- Australian Public Service Jobs
- Brisbane City Council vacancies
- Australian Local Government Directory
- Queensland Government jobs
- Queensland Government Graduate Portal
- Seek
- Physics and Astronomy jobs in Australia
- Research Career Jobs (Australia & New Zealand)
- TechStaff
- Australian Defence Force recruitment
- Careers at CSIRO
- Kelly Scientific Resources
Notable alumnus: Bronwyn Harch
Professor Bronwyn Harch, Griffith Sciences’ 2023 Outstanding Alumnus, has had a distinguished career in science, from her early days on a family farm to senior roles in government and academia. Her work has significantly impacted decision-making processes in businesses and governments, and she continues to be sought after for her expertise. Professor Harch’s journey in science was sparked by her curiosity about the interactions in farming and was further nurtured by her education and experiences at Griffith University.
Job application resources
Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.
Approach potential employers
Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.
This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:
- clarifying your specific career direction
- enhancing your professional network
- increasing your chances of being offered a job.
Industry outlook
The Your Career website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.
The My Future website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website has up-to-date information on graduate salaries, especially the Graduate Outlook Survey (GOS) National Report, which contains undergraduate salary figures.
More detailed information is available at the Labour Market Insights portal.
Professional associations
Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities. These associations hold regular professional development and networking events:
- Australian Institute of Physics
- Australian Mathematical Society
- Australian Society for Medical Research
- Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics
Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.
Mentoring
The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.
The program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and is committed to fostering quality education and a more equitable and just society, where everyone has a chance to thrive while fostering partnerships for the goals.
Further careers information
Careers counselling
Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.
You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.
Career planning
Our website has an array of career planning resources you can explore at any stage of your student journey.
Career readiness
Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:
Similar career options
Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.