BSc (Hons) Mathematics and its Learning | Open University

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Discover how people learn mathematics and find creative ways to overcome their challenges. This unique degree combines in-depth mathematical study with insight into teaching and learning, making it ideal for teachers, tutors, teaching assistants, and home educators. You’ll strengthen your skills in mathematics and statistics, explore different approaches to learning, and broaden your perspective on what it means to understand the subject. Alongside academic knowledge, you’ll build practical insight that prepares you for mathematics teacher training or other education-related roles.

Q46

Honours Degree

Undergraduate

360

Part-time – 6 years

Full-time – 3 years

October 2026

February 2027

Distance learning

This course is accredited by:

Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)

Start at a point that suits your level of mathematical knowledge

Understand how we learn mathematics and consider a range of teaching approaches

Advance your mathematics knowledge, including some statistics

Develop your educational skills alongside problem-solving and reflective skills

Move to a different mathematics or statistics degree if your aspirations change, even after you’ve started

Stage 1 of this degree is the same as our

Certificate of Higher Education in Mathematical Sciences (T14)

and Stage 1 of our

Diploma of Higher Education in Mathematical Sciences (W43)

BSc (Honours) Mathematics (Q31)

and

BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Statistics (Q36)

Q46

Honours Degree

Undergraduate

360

Part-time – 6 years

Full-time – 3 years

October 2026

February 2027

Distance learning

This maths degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You can dive straight into Stage 1, or if it’s been a while since you last studied and you'd like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

You’ll choose one of two starts depending on your level of mathematical knowledge: the default start enables you to build up skills, knowledge and confidence at a slower pace, the intensive start allows you to build on your existing mathematics study. Read the Entry requirements to decide which start is right for you.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all four of the following:
Discovering mathematics (MU123)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
MST125 includes a remote exam you'll take at home or another suitable location. The exam will be invigilated online by ProctorU, a service based outside the UK and with whom you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all three of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
MST125 includes a remote exam you'll take at home or another suitable location. The exam will be invigilated online by ProctorU, a service based outside the UK and with whom you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.
You'll choose one from:
Stage 1 option modules	30	See list

You’ll study one 60-credit pure mathematics module and choose one of two routes: mathematics or mathematics with statistics, building your own mathematical knowledge and skills before exploring how the subject is taught and learned in Stage 3.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210)	60	Oct
Pure mathematics (M208)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all three of the following:
Analysing data (M248)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Pure mathematics (M208)	60	Oct

You’ll study three 30-credit mathematics education modules, exploring how the subject is taught and learned, and choose one 30-credit module from the route you chose at Stage 2, further developing your own mathematical knowledge.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all three of the following:
Mathematical thinking in schools (ME620)	30	Oct
Learning and doing algebra (ME322)	30	Oct
Learning and doing geometry (ME321)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll choose one from:
Applications of probability (M343)	30	Oct
Complex analysis (M337)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll choose one from:
Applications of probability (M343)	30	Oct
Applied statistical modelling (M348)	30	Oct
Complex analysis (M337)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Mathematical statistics (M347)	30	Oct

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.

Don’t worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

We recommend studying at a full-time pace only if the intensive start is suitable for you. This pathway is designed for students who already have a strong background in mathematics and are confident managing a demanding workload.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study all three of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
You'll choose one from:
Stage 1 option modules	30	See list
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study both of the following:
Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210)	60	Oct
Pure mathematics (M208)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study all three of the following:
Mathematical thinking in schools (ME620)	30	Oct
Learning and doing algebra (ME322)	30	Oct
Learning and doing geometry (ME321)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Applications of probability (M343)	30	Oct
Complex analysis (M337)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study all three of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
You'll choose one from:
Stage 1 option modules	30	See list
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study all three of the following:
Analysing data (M248)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Pure mathematics (M208)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study all three of the following:
Mathematical thinking in schools (ME620)	30	Oct
Learning and doing algebra (ME322)	30	Oct
Learning and doing geometry (ME321)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Applications of probability (M343)	30	Oct
Applied statistical modelling (M348)	30	Oct
Complex analysis (M337)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Mathematical statistics (M347)	30	Oct

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s 60 credits of study each year.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Discovering mathematics (MU123)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study both of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Pure mathematics (M208)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study both of the following:
Mathematical thinking in schools (ME620)	30	Oct
Learning and doing algebra (ME322)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll study the following:
Learning and doing geometry (ME321)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Applications of probability (M343)	30	Oct
Complex analysis (M337)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Discovering mathematics (MU123)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study both of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Analysing data (M248)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Pure mathematics (M208)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study both of the following:
Mathematical thinking in schools (ME620)	30	Oct
Learning and doing algebra (ME322)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll study the following:
Learning and doing geometry (ME321)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Applications of probability (M343)	30	Oct
Applied statistical modelling (M348)	30	Oct
Complex analysis (M337)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Mathematical statistics (M347)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
You'll choose one from:
Stage 1 option modules	30	See list
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Pure mathematics (M208)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study both of the following:
Mathematical thinking in schools (ME620)	30	Oct
Learning and doing algebra (ME322)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll study the following:
Learning and doing geometry (ME321)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Applications of probability (M343)	30	Oct
Complex analysis (M337)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
You'll choose one from:
Stage 1 option modules	30	See list
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Analysing data (M248)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Pure mathematics (M208)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study both of the following:
Mathematical thinking in schools (ME620)	30	Oct
Learning and doing algebra (ME322)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll study the following:
Learning and doing geometry (ME321)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Applications of probability (M343)	30	Oct
Applied statistical modelling (M348)	30	Oct
Complex analysis (M337)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)	30	Oct
Mathematical statistics (M347)	30	Oct

By studying this degree, you’ll:

Understand how mathematics is learned – Explore mathematical thinking theories, common learning difficulties, and effective approaches to teaching and learning.

Advance your mathematical and statistical knowledge – Build foundations in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, modelling, analysis, and algebra.

Develop analytical and educational skills – Learn to reason abstractly, construct rigorous arguments, use IT tools like GeoGebra, and apply your knowledge flexibly.

Support others' learning – Gain skills to design resources, recognise learning opportunities, and communicate mathematical ideas clearly.

You’ll be supported by personal tutors, structured distance-learning materials, interactive multimedia, online tutorials and rich feedback.

You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Mathematics and its Learning upon successful completion.

Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.

You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BSc (Honours) Mathematics and its Learning

We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our

Academic Regulations

contact us

You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

If you choose the intensive start, you can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

You'll study 120 credits a year

You'll need 32–36 hours per week

If you choose the default start, you can complete this degree in four years by studying Stages 2 and 3 at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university. You’ll study Stage 1 part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

In Stage 1, you'll study 60 credits a year and need 16–18 hours per week

In Stages 2 and 3, you'll study 120 credits a year and need 32–36 hours per week

If you choose either start, you can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

You'll study 60 credits a year

You'll need 16–18 hours per week

At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.

As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.

Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:

a weekly study planner, along with course materials like reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities

module discussion forums and collaborative activities to connect with other learners

a clear overview of assignments and due dates

tools to book tutorials, access online tutorial rooms, and contact your tutor.

Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.

Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.

For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.

See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.

Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:

Computer-Marked Assignments – often multiple-choice questions completed online.

Tutor-Marked Assignments – tasks like essays, questions, experiments, or other activities. You’ll submit them by a set deadline and receive detailed feedback from your tutor.

End-of-Module Assessments – These are the final marked assignments for most modules. Modules with an end-of-module assessment usually don’t have an exam.

Exams – Some modules have a remote exam that you’ll complete at home or another suitable location. This qualification includes one or more modules that have a remote exam invigilated online by ProctorU, a service based outside the UK and with whom you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities

Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills

Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations

Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance

Using and producing diagrams and screenshots

Finding external/third-party material online

Accessing online catalogues and databases

Specialist material, such as works of art and musical manuscripts

Specialist software, such as Geogebra (a graphing and geometry package)

Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques

Online tutorials

Group-work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:

access to the OU’s extensive online library, filled with study resources

the ability to use other university libraries across the UK and Ireland

the online Help Centre, offering study tips and support

free access to Microsoft Office 365 software

IT support through our Computing Helpdesk

the chance to connect with the OU community.

Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but you must have the required mathematical skills.

You have a choice of starting module depending on your current skill level: Discovering mathematics (MU123) or Essential mathematics 1 (MST124). You can find out which module is your best starting point here.

You’ll also need, during Stage 3, access to a learner (or learners) who will be pleasantly challenged by secondary school-level mathematics.

If it’s been a while since you last studied and you’d like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.

It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

6 years

£4,088*

A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.

£24,528*

This qualification also includes option modules with lower fees than standard, which, if studied, will reduce the total cost.

Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:

a computer and the internet to access our learning resources and to participate in online tutorials.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's

Fee Rules

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.

Repay in monthly instalments while you study.

Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.

More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.

Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.

If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.

You may be eligible for:

help with study-related costs like set books and internet access

a free introductory Access module to build your confidence and skills

funding to study an OU qualification for free from our Carers’ Scholarships Fund if you are, or have recently been, an unpaid carer

a Care Experienced Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you're care experienced and aged 25 and under

a Sanctuary Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you’ve been displaced from your homeland for political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures

funding from our Scholarship for Black Students to study an OU qualification for free if you identify as being from a Black background

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government grant to cover study support costs if you have a disability. It’s not means-tested, and there’s no age limit. Visit our Supporting students with disabilities page to find out more.

If your disability is a result of being injured in, or due to, military service, you could be eligible for our Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund.

This degree provides good preparation and professional development for those interested in a career in mathematics education or for jobs that require mathematical communication skills. It provides the skills of doing, communicating and analysing mathematical activity that are needed to prepare you for teacher training in primary or secondary mathematics. This degree will also equip you with the mathematical skills and knowledge required for a range of jobs in government, business, accountancy, banking, management and administration, and the voluntary sector. It is widely accepted that a degree in mathematical subjects particularly enhances the following transferable and much sought-after skills, applicable to a wide range of jobs across all sectors:

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

using professional and relevant software.

Mathematics graduates are employed in all areas of the public and private sectors, business and commerce, large and small firms, and in positions of responsibility that lead to management.

If you're thinking about a career in mathematics education, such as teaching or tutoring, or you already work in education and want to improve or update your skills, this degree course is an excellent choice. Mathematical skills and knowledge are also sought after in fields such as finance, accountancy, engineering, science, defence, the pharmaceuticals industry and business. Other career areas directly related to mathematics include:

banking

bioinformatics

economics

financial services

insurance

investments

market research

quantitative analysis/risk analysis

retail

stockbroking/trading.

This qualification will contribute to you gaining all grades of membership of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), from Student Membership to Chartered Mathematician.

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

actuary

auditor

chartered accountant

financial risk analyst

lecturer

management consultant

mathematics/statistics educator

meteorologist

operational researcher

pensions administrator

secondary school teacher

systems developer.

Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026

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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.

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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026