Icon for course type tooltipIcon for credits tooltipIcon for level tooltipModuleM836
30OU level: Postgraduate
SCQF: 11
FHEQ: 7
Not available
See Fees and funding
The module is based on the set book A First Course in Coding Theory by R. Hill (Oxford University Press).
Successful study of this module should help you identify appropriate methods for exchanging information while protecting against transmission errors and ensuring confidentiality. More generally, it should also enhance your skills in communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly, thinking logically and expressing problems in mathematical language.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content guiding you to additional learning resources.
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:
4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)ExaminationWe regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination method used for this module to an in-person exam or a remotely invigilated (proctored) exam. When we are making such a change, we will make it clear on this page. If we need to make a change after you have registered, we will notify you as soon as possible. If you have additional requirements, we will support you to complete your assessments.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner course-specific module materials audio and video content a specimen exam paper with solutions assessment details and submission section online tutorial access access to student forums.
You’ll also receive printed course notes, which include a narrative to accompany the module text, additional exercises, and solutions.
Set books:
Hill, R. A First Course in Coding Theory £60.00 - ISBN 9780198538035 You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
M836 is an option module in our:
Coding theory (M836) starts every other year – in October.
It will next start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2031.
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.
You must have passed (or be studying in parallel) one of the following modules:
Analytic number theory I (M823) Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820).
You should have some knowledge of linear algebra. Pure mathematics (M208), Mathematical methods (MST224) or Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210), and some experience of pure or applied mathematics at third-year honours level should provide adequate preparation.
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device. Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials. Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS. Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection. Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable. Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS. Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
The material contains small print and diagrams, which may cause problems if you find reading text difficult.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
This module may have an optional study weekend. There will be a charge to attend in person or online. If attending in person, you’ll also need to pay for your travel, and accommodation if you need it. More details will be available after the module has started.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA. Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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.
Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them. You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.
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.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
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.
