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Course type: Certificate
Credits: 60

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.
How long it takes: 1 year part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Course cost: See Fees and funding
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics

: Course code: C90

This certificate comprises two 30-credit modules from a wide choice, including analytic number theory and calculus of variations. Tailor your study to areas that suit you, and develop problem-solving and decision-making skills relevant in business, commerce and industry. It’s also the first stage of our postgraduate mathematics programme – you can progress to the postgraduate diploma and MSc in Mathematics.

Core modules	Credits	Next start
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026
Analytic number theory I (M823) This module introduces number theory, including congruences, arithmetical functions, distributions of primes, quadratic reciprocity and Dirichlet’s theorem. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026

Core modules

Credits

Next start

Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)

This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Analytic number theory I (M823)

This module introduces number theory, including congruences, arithmetical functions, distributions of primes, quadratic reciprocity and Dirichlet’s theorem.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Option modules	Credits	Next start
Advanced mathematical methods (M833) ² This mathematical models module uses analytical pencil-and-paper methods and the Maple computing language to teach advanced mathematical techniques. See full description	30	No current presentation
Analytic number theory II (M829) ¹ This follow-up to Analytic number theory I (M823) covers the second half of Apostol’s Introduction to Analytic Number Theory and prime number theorem proof. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026 FINAL
Coding theory (M836) ² This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures with encoding/decoding procedures and cryptography elements. See full description	30	No current presentation
Fractal geometry (M835) ² This module examines the geometry of fractals, aesthetically pleasing complex patterns often found in nature containing self-similar shapes at different scales. See full description	30	No current presentation
Galois theory (M838) ¹ This module explores the relationship between group theory and field theory in problem-solving as described by the young Évariste Galois in the 19th century. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026
Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821) ¹ This nonlinear ordinary differential equations module emphasises geometrical aspects, approximation schemes and the stability and periodicity of solutions. See full description Register	30	03 Oct 2026
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M431, M822, M824, M826, M827, M828, M830, M832 and M841
¹M821, M829 and M838 are available only in even years – the next start is October 2026.
²M833, M835 and M836 are available only in odd years – the next start is October 2027.

Option modules

Credits

Next start

Advanced mathematical methods (M833) ²

This mathematical models module uses analytical pencil-and-paper methods and the Maple computing language to teach advanced mathematical techniques.

See full description

No current presentation

Analytic number theory II (M829) ¹

This follow-up to Analytic number theory I (M823) covers the second half of Apostol’s Introduction to Analytic Number Theory and prime number theorem proof.

See full description

03 Oct 2026 FINAL

Coding theory (M836) ²

This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures with encoding/decoding procedures and cryptography elements.

See full description

No current presentation

Fractal geometry (M835) ²

This module examines the geometry of fractals, aesthetically pleasing complex patterns often found in nature containing self-similar shapes at different scales.

See full description

No current presentation

Galois theory (M838) ¹

This module explores the relationship between group theory and field theory in problem-solving as described by the young Évariste Galois in the 19th century.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821) ¹

This nonlinear ordinary differential equations module emphasises geometrical aspects, approximation schemes and the stability and periodicity of solutions.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M431, M822, M824, M826, M827, M828, M830, M832 and M841

¹M821, M829 and M838 are available only in even years – the next start is October 2026.

²M833, M835 and M836 are available only in odd years – the next start is October 2027.

Credit transfer

For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Cert Maths (Open) after your name.

Regulations

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.

Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

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Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics

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Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

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On completion

Regulations

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