BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics | Open University

England

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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Physics

Our IMA-accredited and IOP-recognised mathematics and physics degree develops your knowledge and understanding of theoretical physics and the underpinning mathematics, exploring fundamental concepts, including Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. You’ll learn to use applied mathematics tools, including mathematical methods, modelling and numerical techniques, and relevant software, plus develop skills in communicating clear and concise arguments and conclusions. A mathematics and physics degree can let you access professional training or entry-level roles in various career areas, such as data analysis, research and development, science communication, and teaching.

This course is accredited by the IMA and recognised by the IOP:

Stages 1 and 2 of this degree are the same as our

Diploma of Higher Education in Mathematics and Physics (W22)

. Stage 1 is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Mathematics and Physics (T53).

This maths and physics 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.

You’ll choose one of two starts depending on your level of mathematical and scientific knowledge: the basic maths start enables you to build up skills, knowledge and confidence at a slower pace, the standard start allows you to build on your existing mathematics and science 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
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Physics and space (SM123)	30	Oct
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:
Questions in science (S111)	60	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.

You’ll study a 60-credit core physics module and a 60-credit applied mathematics module.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Core physics (S227)	60	Oct
Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210)	60	Oct

You’ll choose two 30-credit physics modules from astrophysics, cosmology, electromagnetism and quantum physics, plus two complementary 30-credit applied mathematics modules.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll choose two from:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
You'll choose two 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

By studying this degree, you’ll:

You’ll be supported throughout by experienced tutors, rich distance-learning materials, online tutorials, and personalised feedback.

You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Physics 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.

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 standard 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.

If you choose the basic mathematics 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.

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

You'll choose one of two starts depending on your current level of mathematical knowledge.

Standard start
We recommend the standard start if you have a GCSE grade 7(A) or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start provides an interdisciplinary foundation before you focus on physics.

The standard start begins with Questions in science (S111) and Essential mathematics 1 (MST124):

Basic mathematics start
We recommend the basic mathematics start if you don’t have a GCSE grade 7(A) or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start develops your maths skills from a basic level to prepare you for more advanced study.

The basic mathematics start begins with Discovering mathematics (MU123):

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.

The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2026/27 information will be published on the 18th of March, when this qualification next opens for registration.

6 years

£3,892*

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

£23,352*

That’s 18% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.

Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Honours Degree Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£28,605 £28,605
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£23,352 £23,352
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£5,253 (18%) £5,253 (18%)

Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£19,070 £19,070
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£15,568 £15,568
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£3,502 (18%) £3,502 (18%)

Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£9,535 £9,535
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£7,784 £7,784
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£1,751 (18%) £1,751 (18%)

Qualification Qualification	Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree Honours Degree	£28,605 £28,605	£23,352 £23,352	£5,253 (18%) £5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education	£19,070 £19,070	£15,568 £15,568	£3,502 (18%) £3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education	£9,535 £9,535	£7,784 £7,784	£1,751 (18%) £1,751 (18%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 25/26 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. 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

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:

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. 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

Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.

Learn more about this and our other funding options below.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Institute of Physics (IOP) recognises our mathematics and physics degree. Recognised programmes meet the educational requirements for Membership of IOP.

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):

This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 18th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.

Ask a question

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

Request a prospectus

This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 18th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.