I have a pretty different perspective to kinder-chocolate. I started the MQF course a couple of yrs ago at UTS and have a yr to go. Sure 20% may drop out. Maybe even 40% from my initial group. However, I'm pretty sure at least 20% of people drop out of Art History degrees. I'm also even more certain that it has nothing to do with the level of difficulty of the mathematics involved in Art History.
I came from an Engineering background, with only about a Distinction average, though having a good time was my top priority back then. The maths in MQF, although different, is about the same level of difficulty as my engineering degree. Same idea....learn it, study, put in some time thinking about it and it's really not that hard. I have a High Distinction average in MQF and 90%+ average and work full-time. I'm not a maths genius by any means, I'm just interested in the material. I found my Engineering degree a bit tougher to be honest.
I think the main reason for the high dropout rate is that people over-commit with masters degrees in general (whether it be science, business or arts). Most have a break between undergrad and masters and it's hard to get back into the lifestyle of study. Especially when most of us work full-time. It does take alot of revision of basic maths to get into the swing of things too... I had to go right back to reviewing simple calculus before starting MQF...it's amazing how much I forgot with a 4yr gap of no study.
If you're truly into it and want to give it a crack...all I can say is give it your best. It's really not that hard as long as you put effort in, just like any degree. The course really isn't that difficult compared to maths, physics and engineering degrees. If they accept you in it's because you have what it takes. Or they want some of your money
