Mathematics
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How do you determine the amount of fuel needed to fly a jet? What’s the best use of resources in the armed forces? How do you tile a sphere with squares? Mathematics provides the key. If you enjoy problem-solving and thrive on logic, then studying mathematics will really appeal to you. As one of the most fundamental and universal subjects, it helps you to think clearly, process information accurately, and analyse and communicate complex ideas.
OU study can equip you with the basic toolkit of mathematical ideas and methods, and offers specialist courses and qualifications in pure and applied mathematics that build on this foundation. You’ll find that an ability to understand mathematical concepts and manipulate numbers is useful in almost any situation or job. And a mathematics degree is highly regarded by employers, opening doors to a host of career choices, especially in engineering, finance, teaching, ICT and scientific research.
Where to start in Mathematics
If you’re confident about your study skills, and have studied maths successfully at school up to or beyond GCSE (or equivalent), we recommend you start either with Discovering mathematics (MU123) or Using mathematics (MST121). Either will get you accustomed to OU study and teach you mathematics. For advice on which to take, visit Maths Choices.
If you haven’t studied recently and feel uncertain about your mathematics, we recommend starting with our short Openings course Starting with maths (Y162) which will help build up your study skills, and is particularly appropriate if you think your maths background is weak (if, say, you left school at 16 without a formal qualification in mathematics).
Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.
Degrees
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Computing and Mathematical Sciences
This degree considers the different branches of mathematics along with types of software systems that are now being constructed and used. -
Mathematics
Maths underpins many aspects of our daily lives, from scribbling out a map to calculating your salary cheque. -
Mathematics and its Learning
This degree combines the study of mathematics with the theory of the learning and teaching of mathematics. You will get a grounding in pure and applied mathematics, in statistics, and in the teaching and learning of mathematics. -
Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics with a focus on probability and statistics, then one strand concentrating on either pure or applied maths. -
Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.
Diplomas
Certificates
Courses in Mathematics
See the list of all our individual courses in Mathematics.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Mathematics and Statistics.
Spotlight on Mathematics
Why start at Level 1?
If you’re new to the OU, we recommend you start with a Level 1 maths course, regardless of your previous knowledge. Our Level 1 courses are specifically designed to help you learn mathematics and get used to study with the OU at the same time. For advice on which mathematics level 1 course to take, look at our Maths Choices website. You'll find taster packs there too!
Thinking of starting at a higher level?
Some students feel that they could start at Level 2, but long experience shows that these students tend to find it difficult to combine the material, their routine and their existing commitments. Completion rates for such students are only two thirds of those for students who start at Level 1. If you’re still tempted, the advice and diagnostic quizzes at our Mathematical Study Skills website will help you decide whether you’re ready for Level 2.
Mathematics and careers
Employers value the intellectual rigour and reasoning skills that mathematics students can acquire, their familiarity with numerical and symbolic thinking and the analytic approach to problem-solving which is their hallmark. The Civil Service, the NHS and many other public sector employers are constantly on the lookout for maths graduates. Many OU mathematics graduates become teachers, and a shortage of mathematically qualified teachers means that there are attractive incentives to train as one.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
