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MSc in Mathematics

Mathematics is at the heart of advances in science, engineering and technology, as well as being an indispensable problem-solving and decision-making tool in many other areas of life. This MSc course enables you to delve deeply into particular aspects of pure and applied mathematics, through a wide choice of modules in fascinating areas such as fractal geometry, coding theory and analytic theory. You’ll complete your MSc with a piece of independent study, exploring one of a range of mathematical topics in detail and concluding this study by writing a dissertation.

Masters degree

Course code: F04
Credits: 180
How long it takes: Minimum - 2 years
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Find out more in Why the OU?
Course cost: Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements: Find out more about entry requirements.

Course details Entry requirements Careers

Course details

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

30 credits from one of the following entry-level modules. You should start with either or both entry-level modules. If you’re thinking of studying both an entry-level and an intermediate-level module in your first year, contact us for advice.

Entry-level modules	Credits	Next start
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) This module, which develops the theory of the calculus of variations and other related topics, is the starting point for our MSc in Mathematics. See full description Register	30	06 Oct 2018
Analytic number theory I (M823) This entry-level pure mathematics module introduces a variety of concepts from number theory, and culminates in a proof of Dirichlet's theorem on prime numbers in arithmetic progressions. See full description Register	30	06 Oct 2018

Plus

120 credits from the following intermediate-level modules (you may include 30 credits from the other entry-level module above). Most intermediate-level modules start once every two years – in October.

Intermediate-level modules	Credits	Next start
Advanced mathematical methods (M833) Learn advanced mathematical methods with the aid of algebraic computing language Maple, and explore various forms of approximation on this MSc in Mathematics module. See full description	30	No current presentation
Analytic number theory II (M829) ¹ This module teaches number theory using techniques from analysis, and in particular the convergence of series and the calculus of residues. See full description Register	30	06 Oct 2018
Applied complex variables (M828) Complex variable theory pervades many subjects, and this module teaches topics that are useful in the theoretical sciences and of interest in their own right. See full description	30	No current presentation
Approximation theory (M832) Develop your understanding of the mathematical theory behind many approximation methods in common use. The module is based on M.J.D. Powell’s Approximation Theory and Methods. See full description Register	30	06 Oct 2018
Coding theory (M836) Explore the theory of error-detecting and error-correcting codes, investigate the bounds of these codes, and discover how they can be used in real situations. See full description Register	30	06 Oct 2018
Fractal geometry (M835) This module examines the theory of fractals – whose geometry cannot easily be described in classical terms – and studies examples to which it can be applied. See full description	30	No current presentation
Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821) Relevant to scientists, engineers and mathematicians, this introduction to basic theory and simpler approximation schemes covers systems with two degrees of freedom. See full description Register	30	06 Oct 2018
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M431, M822, M824, M826, M827, M830 and M841.

¹If you choose Analytic number theory II, you must take Analytic number theory I first.

Plus

30 credits from the following dissertation module. You must pass four modules before you can start the dissertation module.

Dissertation module	Credits	Next start
Dissertation in mathematics (M840) Undertake independent study of the history of modern geometry, advances in approximation theory, variational methods, or algebraic graph theory – culminating in a dissertation on a topic of your choice. See full description Register	30	06 Oct 2018

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

The module and qualification information listed in this description was accurate as of 21st March 2018. 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 change this qualification, we'll do our best to update this page immediately; and, where practically possible, we'll warn you of upcoming changes before we make them. If you need confirmation of any information before registering, please contact us.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

On completion

On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded an MSc in Mathematics and entitling you to use the letters MSc (Maths) (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity of being presented at a degree ceremony.

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 Essential Documents website.

MSc in Mathematics

Entry requirements

You should normally have a minimum of a 2.2 honours degree in mathematics or a 2.1 honours degree in a subject with a high mathematical content. Whatever your background, you should assess your suitability for this MSc in Mathematics course by completing our diagnostic quiz.

If you are new to postgraduate study in mathematics you are advised to start with a single module: either the applied mathematics module The calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) or the pure mathematics module Analytic number theory I (M823).

How long it takes

Most students study this qualification in six years at the rate of one module per year. The minimum time to complete is two years. There is no maximum time limit for completing this qualification but we cannot guarantee that the same selection of modules will continue to be available. Not every module is presented each year.

Career relevance

Mathematics postgraduates can be found throughout industry, business and commerce, in the public and private sectors. Employers value the intellectual rigour and reasoning skills that mathematics students can acquire, their familiarity with numerical and symbolic thinking and the analytic approach to problem-solving which is their hallmark.

There are a variety of reasons for studying mathematics at postgraduate level. You may want a postgraduate qualification in order to distinguish yourself from an increasingly large graduate population. You may find that your undergraduate mathematical knowledge is becoming insufficient for your career requirements, especially if you are hoping to specialise in one of the more mathematical areas, which are becoming more sought after by employers. Or you may want to move on to a PhD in Mathematics. The extent of opportunities is vast and mathematics postgraduates are equipped with skills and knowledge required for jobs in fields such as finance, education, engineering, science and business, as well as mathematics and mathematical science research.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

MSc in Mathematics

Masters degree

Course details

Modules

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

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Course details

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Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

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