Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification, but it’s very important you’re well prepared to study mathematics at this level.

You should have a working knowledge of most of the following topics:

  • arithmetic of whole numbers, decimals and fractions (including negative numbers, powers and roots);
  • algebraic manipulation, such as multiplying out brackets, factorising simple expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations, manipulating algebraic fractions and manipulating powers of variables;
  • percentages, ratio and proportion;
  • coordinates of points in the plane, and the equations of straight lines and parabolas;
  • geometry of plane figures, such as the sizes of angles, alternate and corresponding angles, the areas of shapes, similar and congruent shapes, and the properties of triangles, rectangles and circles;
  • geometry of solid figures, such as volumes and other properties of cuboids and cylinders;
  • simple inequalities;
  • trigonometric ratios – sine, cosine and tangent;
  • logarithms and the rules for manipulating them.

Check you’re ready for Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) with our self-assessed quiz.

Having tried the quiz, if you don’t feel ready for MST124, you can study an additional module to give you the mathematical knowledge and skills you need. Contact us to find out more.

You need no previous knowledge of science; however, you must be able to:

  • write clearly and concisely, structuring short pieces of writing so that they flow coherently;
  • log on to the internet, find websites and communicate by email;
  • create, save and retrieve documents using basic word processing skills.

Check you’re ready for Questions in science (S111) with our self-assessed quiz.

How much time do I need?

  • Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
  • This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don’t worry! The OU offers Access modules designed to introduce the subject area, build your confidence and prepare you for further study, and you may be eligible to study an Access module for free! You'll get:

  • a personal tutor providing regular feedback with one to one telephone tutorials
  • support from a dedicated team throughout your study
  • detailed written feedback.
For this qualification we recommend:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics, and would like to develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. The subjects included are science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

Your next step

Call us on +44 (0)1908 659253 or book a call back. Our friendly team of advisers will discuss your study options with you, and help you decide on the best starting point for you.

In this section:
How much will it cost?
Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread, or even reduce, the cost.

  • Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
  • A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
  • If, like most OU students, you study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year, you'll take six years to complete an honours degree.
  • Our current fee for 60 credits is £3,012*.
  • Our current fee for 120 credits – which is equivalent to a year's full-time study – is £6,024*.
  • At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £18,072*.
    • .

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2020. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as a computer, travel to tutorials, set books and internet access.

If you're on a low income you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.

Residential schools

This qualification includes science modules that include or are associated with an optional residential/laboratory school. For each school you choose to attend, you must pay an additional charge to cover costs such as tuition, accommodation and meals (see individual module descriptions for more information). You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue.


Skills for career development

Graduates of this combined degree course will be able to demonstrate that they are multi-skilled and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment. The degree will help you develop a variety of transferable skills that are highly valued in the labour market, including analytical, numerical and communication skills, teamwork, problem solving and proficiency in using relevant software.

Career relevance

Graduates of this degree are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment. For this reason science graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are very much in demand.

Accreditation

  • Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) – this degree will contribute to you gaining all grades of membership, from Student Membership to Chartered Mathematician status.
  • Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) – this degree meets the educational requirements for Associate Membership of the Institute and provides a route to full Institute Membership following appropriate professional experience.
IMA logoIoP logo

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

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 most careers will require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

  • aeronautical engineer
  • financial services professional
  • laboratory technician
  • lecturer
  • meteorologist
  • research scientist
  • secondary school teacher
  • software developer
  • systems developer.

Thinking of studying this course?

It is not possible to register for this qualification at the moment. Registration opens on 18 March 2020 for courses starting from October 2020. If you would like to be kept updated, register your interest. 


Request your Mathematics and Statistics prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

Request prospectus

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