BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Statistics
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Description
Mathematics and statistics play an important role in almost every area of life, and are at the heart of advances in science and technology. They’re also indispensable problem-solving and decision-making tools in many areas of life. The BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics will equip you for a wide range of careers, from engineering to accountancy. You’ll gain a good knowledge of probability and statistics alongside choices in modern pure mathematics or mathematical methods and modelling, together with experience of using relevant software packages. This degree course will also help you:
- develop your understanding of time series analysis, multivariate data analysis, regression analysis, and hypothesis testing
- appreciate both classical and Bayesian approaches to statistics
- familiarise yourself with statistical software packages
- gain experience in conducting and communicating statistical investigations.
In addition, depending on your choice of modules, you’ll gain a broad understanding of either modern pure or applied mathematics. Some of the modules in this degree give exemption from specific Royal Statistical Society examinations.
Fees and facts
Key facts
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Flexible, part-time study through distance learning.
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Degree
Degree
undergraduate.qualification.Q36,qualification,,degree,1 Undergraduate or bachelors degrees are nationally recognised qualifications consisting of academic study designed to that help you gain a thorough understanding of a subject. For a degree in a named subject, such as business studies or humanities, you'll study mainly in your chosen subject, although you may be able to include some modules from other subjects. With The Open University you could also study an Open degree where you can combine a range of modules from similar or different subjects to suit either your particular career or personal interests. You can use a degree to: - change careers or progress your current career,
- gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a subject you are interested in,
- gain professional recognition,
- go onto postgraduate study, such as a diploma or masters degree.
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Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this degree, but we offer four routes through the course, depending on your experience and confidence with mathematics and your interests.
Career relevance and employability
You'll be equipped with skills and knowledge required for jobs in a wide range of fields, including education, engineering, the pharmaceutical industry, business, finance and accountancy. There are some careers for which a degree in mathematics and/or statistics is specified – for example teaching, statistical work (including actuarial work), some types of research and development, and some areas of computing. Your studies may provide exemption from some requirements that lead to professional awards from the Royal Statistical Society (see Recognition leaflet 3.11 for further details).
It is widely accepted that a degree in statistics and the mathematical sciences particularly enhances the following transferable and much sought-after skills:
- Communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly
- Explaining mathematical ideas to others
- 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
- Analysing / interpreting data
- Conducting statistical investigations
- Using professional and relevant software.
There’s more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Choose a pathway and register
Pathways allow you to specialise or choose particular topics that interest you. You will need to choose a pathway before registering.
You can choose from a number of pathways to your degree depending on if your interest is in pure mathematics or applied mathematics and the amount of time you wish to commit to studying, and your mathematical level at the start. To help determine your mathematical level, visit our MathsChoices website.
If you are confident with algebra and trigonometry and scored well on the MathsChoices quiz then you should be ready to start the standard pathway. However if you are less confident with algebra and trigonometry; or if you’ve not previously studied mathematics to an advanced level; or if you’ve not studied it for some time and need to refresh your skills, then we strongly recommend the gentle start pathway.
The pathways are available in October 2013 and February 2014. If you wish to commence study on a Standard pathway in February 2014, details and registration will be available from October 2013.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards this qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for this qualification.
If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete this qualification. This may also mean that the next start date and the maximum time limit for this qualification are different to those shown above.
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Mathematics and Statistics degree.
Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class of degree is determined by the best grades you achieve in a minimum of 240 credits from modules above Level 1. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at Level 3, and at least 60 must come from the list of Level 3 compulsory modules.
You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the following regulations:
These regulations are also available on our Essential Documents website.
If you have a disability
Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:
- the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
- how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
- any work-based competency requirements.
Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a Microsoft Windows (new since 2007),
Apple Mac (OS X 10.6 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate. However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you
will need additional software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be made available when you
register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer developments and the way we teach.
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities
we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move.
As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed
feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online
tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
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