MSc in Mathematics

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.

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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 8th June 2018.

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.