Student Testimonials

Read what some of our current students have to say about university, their degrees, and studying with the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

Scott

Bachelor of Mathematics, Bachelor of Science (Honours), PhD

How has your Mathematics degree helped you in your professional life?
The maths degree prepared me very well for a wide range of research topics. I could easily have worked in many disciplines; not just psychology. The point is that the maths degree prepared me by developing a way of thinking about problems - not just by teaching me a whole range of answers to problems. Learning a way of thinking about problems is much more valuable than learning specific answers.

What advice would you give to future students considering studying Mathematics at Newcastle?
Do it! And don't listen to people who tell you that you must have a substantive application area as well. You just need to learn the maths. You can always pick and choose amongst application areas later, if you like. ...more about Scott

Leone

Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours)

Where are you currently working and what are you currently doing?
My first job after graduation was as a Graduate Research Officer with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). I am still at the ABS, I completed my grad program in July and will soon be heading a small team working on the redesign of electronic business forms.

What was the best thing about your Statistics program?
The staff in the MAPS school were very supportive which made my honours year a lot less of a struggle than it could have been, considering I had no undergraduate maths background. Besides that, the best thing was the broad range of subjects on offer, which allowed me to gain a good range of statistical skills. ...more about Leone

Alison

Bachelor of Science (Photonics)

How has your Science degree helped you in your professional life?
I am currently working for Woodside Energy in Perth as a graduate geophysicist. My degree was extremely valuable with regards to teaching me to think about problems/issues in a methodical and logical manner, but more importantly to go on and find possible solutions. Also a large mathematical grounding and understanding of physical concepts (physics) was pivotal in me being offered the position I now hold.

What advice would you give to future students considering studying Photonics at Newcastle?
P's might make degrees but good grades will give you many opportunities so that you can choose a great job for yourself at the end of the degree with a lot of flexibility/variety in your options. However make sure you have a great work/life balance by participating in as much as you can on every day of your life! Never be afraid to ask for help from staff or your peers :-) ...more about Alison