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Dissertation in mathematics

This module enables you to carry out a sustained, guided, independent study of a topic in mathematics. There’s a choice of topics, for example: algebraic graph theory; aperiodic tilings and symbolic dynamics; advances in approximation theory; history of modern geometry; interfacial flows and microfluidics; variational methods, and Riemann surfaces. Provided study notes, books, research articles, and original sources guide you. You must master the appropriate mathematics and present your work as a final dissertation.

Qualifications

M840 is a compulsory module in our:

Module

Module code
M840
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
30
Study level
Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU postgraduate modules correspond to these frameworks.
OU Postgraduate
SCQF 11
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The list of topics available varies each year. We’ll let MSc in Mathematics students know the available topics that October in the spring, before the module starts.

Recently available topics have included:

  • Advances in approximation theory
  • Algebraic graph theory
  • Aperiodic tilings and symbolic dynamics
  • History of modern geometry
  • Interfacial flows and microfluidics
  • Riemann surfaces
  • Variational methods.

Please note:

  • Since the available topics vary from year to year, check that we are offering the topic you wish to study before registering.
  • For staffing reasons, you might not be able to study your preferred topic. Therefore, we’ll ask you for your first and second choice. We can usually offer you one of your choices, although this cannot be guaranteed.

You will learn

Successful study of this module should enhance your skills in understanding complex mathematical texts, working on open-ended problems and communicating mathematical ideas clearly.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

  • Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • Guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.

The module has a dedicated and moderated forum where you can join in online discussions with your fellow students. There are also online module-wide tutorials. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part. If you want to participate, you’ll likely need a headset with a microphone.

Assessment

The assessment details can be found in the facts box.

Course work includes

3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment

Future availability

Dissertation in mathematics (M840) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.

Regulations

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.

Entry requirements

You must have passed four modules from the MSc in Mathematics (F04).

If you’ve passed only three modules, you may request exceptional permission to take M840 alongside another module.

Additionally:

Preparatory work

All teaching is in English and your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for the level of study you wish to take. We strongly recommend that students have achieved an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies you can visit the IELTS website.

Register

Start End England fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 £1455.00

Registration closes 11/09/25 (places subject to availability)

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2029.

Future availability

Dissertation in mathematics (M840) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.

Additional costs

Study costs

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

Study weekend

This module may have an optional study weekend; there will be a charge to attend in person or online. If attending in person, you must also pay for travel and accommodation if you need it. More details will be available after the module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how much it’s going to cost and how you can pay.

That’s why we keep our fees as low as possible and offer a range of flexible payment and funding options, including a postgraduate loan, if you study this module as part of an eligible qualification. To find out more, see Fees and funding.

Study materials

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • course-specific module materials
  • audio and video content
  • assessment details and submission section
  • online tutorial access.

You will need

Some topics require specific books. We’ll let you know which once your topic is confirmed.

Computing requirements

  • Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. 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.
  • Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
  • Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

If you have a disability

The material contains small print and diagrams, which may cause problems if you find reading text difficult. Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.

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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