BSc (Hons) Mathematics Q31

Thank you for your interest in our BSc (Hons) Mathematics.

This fact sheet gives an overview of what youll study at
Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the qualification, and provides links
to more detailed module descriptions.
From economic policy to scientific advancement,
mathematics is indispensable to modern life. This degree
will give you agood understanding of pure and applied
mathematics at an advanced level, and enhance your
career prospects in a huge array of fields.
Youll cover a wide range of topics,
from the abstract to how
mathematics is used in the real
world, and develop a secure
understanding of mathematical
concepts and approaches.
Youll get plenty of practice with essential
methods and tools such as linear algebra, group
theory, mathematical modelling and numerical
analysis. Youllalso gain an appreciation of the
role and construction of rigorous proof in
mathematics; increase your familiarity with
mathematical software; and build experience
of communicating mathematical arguments
and conclusions. This qualification can help
you gain membership of the Institute of
Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).

Career relevance and employability

A mathematics qualification is much sought
after by a wide variety of employers and will
always enhance yourcareer prospects.
This degree will equip you with skills and
knowledge required in fields such as education,
engineering, business, finance and accountancy.
You will gain valuable transferable skills
including: communicating mathematical ideas
clearly and succinctly; understanding complex
mathematical texts; working with abstract
concepts; thinking logically; expressing
problems in mathematical language;
constructing logical arguments; working on
open-ended problems; finding solutions to
problems; interpreting mathematical results
in real-world terms; and using relevant
professional software.

Key facts
Start date
Oct 2016 (registration closes 08 Sep 2016)
Feb 2017 (registration closes 05 Jan 2017)
Course code
Q31
Credits
360
How long it takes
Part time 6-8 years
Full time 3-4 years
Time limit 16 years
Course cost
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
See Am I ready?

www.open.ac.uk

Page 1 of 3

BSc (Hons) Mathematics Q31

What you will study

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

120 credits required

120 credits required

120 credits required

You will begin with Discovering mathematics

(MU123), which introduces and helps integrate
key ideas from statistics, algebra, geometry
and trigonometry into your everyday thinking
building your confidence in learning and
using mathematics.

Stage 2 will develop your mathematical skills

and knowledge beyond the grounding in
Stage 1, both by introducing new topics and
by deepening your understanding of material
met previously.

At Stage 3 youll choose from a range of more

advanced mathematical topics branching
outfrom your Stage 2 studies.

Youll follow this with three compulsory

modules: Essential mathematics 1 (MST124);
Introducing statistics (M140); and Essential
mathematics 2 (MST125). These will give you
a broad introduction to various topics in pure
and applied mathematics and statistics.
Youll develop a variety of skills including
problem solving, how to develop and present
a mathematical argument and how to
represent and interpret statistical data.
These are the key skills required for higher
level study in mathematics.
If you are already confident about studying
mathematics at university level, we offer a
study route with an intensive start. It begins
with the three compulsory modules Essential
mathematics 1 (MST124), Introducing statistics
(M140) and Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)
as described above.

The modules cover pure and applied

mathematics:
Pure mathematics (M208) formal proof,
abstract structures, linear algebra, analysis
and group theory

These currently include: complex analysis,

graphs and networks, optimization, number
theory, metric spaces, groups, rings and fields,
deterministic and stochastic dynamics,
mathematical methods, fluid mechanics,
quantum physics and electromagnetism.

Mathematical methods, models and

modelling (MST210) differential equations,
linear algebra, vector calculus.
Youll also extend your experience in the use of
appropriate mathematical software and in
explaining and communicating mathematical
ideas to others.

To complete the intensive start you can

choose another OU module from a wide
selection. This might be, for example, in
business, personal finance, IT studies,
social sciences, or a modern language.
It is essential to determine your mathematical
level before you register. See Am I ready? to
check if you have the necessary experience
and confidence with mathematics.

www.open.ac.uk

Page 2 of 3

BSc (Hons) Mathematics Q31

Module summary

Click on module titles for detailed module descriptions.

Qualification structure and module availability is subject to change.

Stage 1 module summary

Stage 2 module summary

Stage 3 module summary

120 credits required

120 credits required

120 credits required

Module name

CREDITS

CODE

Compulsory modules 120 credits

Module name

CREDITS

CODE

Compulsory modules 120 credits

Discovering mathematics

30

MU123

Pure mathematics

60

M208

Essential mathematics 1

30

MST124

60

MST210

Introducing statistics

30

M140

Mathematical methods,
models and modelling

Essential mathematics 2

30

MST125

Module name

CREDITS

CODE

Optional modules 120 credits

Select from:
Applications of probability

30

M343

Complex analysis

30

M337

Deterministic and
stochastic dynamics

30

MS327

Electromagnetism

30

SMT359

Further pure mathematics

60

M303

Graphs, networks
and design

30

MT365

Mathematical methods
and fluid mechanics

30

MST326

Optimization

30

M373

The quantum world

30

SM358

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FIND OUT MORE

Go to the online description to find out more

about how much time you need to study,
how to apply, and your fees and funding options.
www.open.ac.uk
+44 (0)300 303 5303
Student Recruitment Team
The Open University, PO Box 197
Milton Keynes, MK7 6BJ, United Kingdom
Copyright 2016 The Open University