Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics is at the heart of advances in science, engineering and technology, as well as being an indispensable problem-solving and decision-making tool in many other areas of life. You may relish the intellectual challenge of exploring particular aspects of pure or applied maths that interest you, or you may be looking to advance your career with a high-level qualification. Whatever your motivation or ambitions, the OU’s programme of postgraduate maths courses has a great deal to offer.
How far you take your studies is up to you. We currently have around five hundred students actively studying for our MSc (called a masters degree), by far the largest number of students on any mathematics MSc in the UK. However, you can also opt to take just a single course, or to study for our postgraduate mathematics certificate or diploma as a milestone to achieving an MSc in the future.
A mathematics course at the OU gives you access to important and fascinating areas of mathematics, such as fractals, coding theory and the history of mathematics. While extending your mathematical knowledge, your studies will also refine your abilities to process information accurately, and critically analyse and communicate complex ideas.
Browse this website and discover the wide variety of postgraduate courses in mathematics, designed to help you work towards the qualification of your choice.
Where to start in Mathematics and Statistics
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) is designed as a general introduction to postgraduate study and we recommend that you study this course first. However if you are a mathematics graduate primarily interested in pure mathematics, alternative starting courses are either Analytic number theory I (M823) or Fractal geometry (M835). Although there is no strict order of study, some courses are more advanced than others, and you are advised to visit Msc pathways to view our Pathways document, which will give you guidance about the order of study.
Taught Masters
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Mathematics
An MSc for mathematicians, scientists and engineers, exploring aspects of pure and applied maths. Options include calculus of variations, fractal geometry, number theory, functional analysis, and coding and approximation theory.
Diplomas
Certificates
Courses in Mathematics and Statistics
See the list of all our individual courses in Mathematics and Statistics.
Postgraduate research degrees
For information about postgraduate research degrees, visit the Research Degree pages.
Undergraduate options
See the list of undergraduate courses and qualifications in Mathematics and Statistics.
Spotlight on Mathematics and Statistics
Are you ready for postgraduate study in Mathematics?
Under normal circumstances, you should have at least a second-class honours degree in mathematics or in a subject with a high mathematical content. Whatever your background, you should assess your suitability for the MSc by trying our diagnostic quiz.
Careers after the MSc
Some of our graduates go on to do a PhD, particularly if they are hoping to specialise in the more mathematical areas of academia, such as science, technology or business. Visit the Maths Careers website for more information.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
