England

Please tell us where you live so that we can provide you with the most relevant information as you use this website.
If you are at a BFPO address please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident.
Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate Discovering mathematics module
This module provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It helps you integrate mathematical ideas into everyday thinking and builds confidence in using and learning mathematics. It covers statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques and introduces mathematical modelling. You'll learn skills required to study further mathematics or to successfully study many other subjects, such as business, computing, economics, education, humanities, science, social science and technology.
To study this module successfully, you should expect to be actively doing mathematics, rather than just reading it. You will also be encouraged to develop skills in interpreting and explaining mathematics, and this aspect will be assessed in some of the assignment questions.
Providing you have the appropriate background knowledge, you should expect to study for about eight hours a week. Many of the topics covered in the module depend on your understanding of topics in earlier units. So, if you have not fully understood earlier material, you may find later material more difficult and time-consuming. This is particularly true of graphs, formulas and algebra. Naturally, the study time required for the module tends to increase before an assignment deadline.
The full content list is on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Successful study of this module should begin to develop your skills in working with mathematical concepts and using them to solve problems.
You will learn about:
The module contains many real-world contexts such as journey planning, glaciers, supply and demand, depreciation, poverty levels, chance events, and medical conditions (such as cancer), to help illustrate mathematical topics.
This module is often accepted as an alternative to a GCSE grade 4 in mathematics by teacher training institutions, but always at the discretion of each institution. If you plan to use MU123 for this purpose, check with your teacher training institution(s) before registering.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You'll submit your first iCMA (covering Unit 1) about two weeks after starting the module and your first TMA about a month after starting.
TMA questions typically involve calculating, creating and/or interpreting a graph or diagram, using algebra, and explaining your work and conclusions. Explaining your work is a factor that makes this a university-level module, a new approach for some, that you may find challenging initially. Some TMAs may include a short question covering a wider aspect of studying maths.
The EMA consolidates your learning; it covers the whole of the module and is compulsory.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
MU123 is a compulsory module in our:
MU123 is an option module in our:
Discovering mathematics (MU123) starts twice a year – in October and February.
It will next start in October 2026 and February 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in February 2030.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There is no formal prerequisite study.
You can check you’re ready for MU123 and see the topics it covers here.
You can find out which module is your best starting point in mathematics here.
You should aim to be confident and fluent with the concepts covered in the Are you ready? quiz here, and follow the advice in the quiz.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying MU123 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
03 Oct 202630 Jun 202710 Sep 2026£2,044
06 Feb 202730 Sep 202707 Jan 2027£2,044
From 2027, Tuition Fee Loans will be available for this undergraduate module. We’ll update this section with more information in September, when Student Finance England is expected to open for loan applications.
You can register for this module now. Once applications open, we’ll be in touch with more information about the loan and guidance on how to apply, so you have everything you need to complete your enrolment.
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Level info