BSc (Honours) in Mathematics

Take your understanding of concepts, theories and applications in pure and applied mathematics to the graduate level. You can also include optional statistics, theoretical physics or mathematics education. You’ll cover a wide range of topics and develop an understanding of mathematical problems and approaches. Practise with essential methods and tools, and increase your familiarity with mathematical software. Gain an appreciation of the role and construction of a rigorous proof. And build your experience of communicating mathematical arguments and conclusions.

Key features of the course

• Choose pure and applied mathematics modules that fit your needs and interests.
• Include statistics, physics and mathematics education options.
• Develop your experience with mathematical methods and software.
• Start at a point that suits your level of mathematical knowledge.
• Move to a different mathematics/statistics degree, if your aspirations change, even after you’ve started.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BSc (Honours) Mathematics uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• printed material
• online material, including websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities
• using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
• using and producing diagrams and screenshots
• small amounts of practical work and other activities, such as group work with other students on some modules, writing short reports or preparing presentations
• using specialist software
• face-to-face tutorials/day schools and/or online tutorials
• continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of short and long answer questions, and in most cases an examination
• using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
• engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your qualification.

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll normally start Stage 1 with a 30-credit introductory module followed by three further 30-credit modules in pure and applied mathematics and statistics.
• Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study a 60-credit pure mathematics module and 60 credits from a choice of applied mathematics and statistics modules.
• Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study a further 120 credits from a range of advanced modules in mathematics, statistics, physics and mathematics education.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module.