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Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

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
3 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

MSc in Mathematics

Course code: F04

Advance your career with a high-level qualification. Delve deep into the aspects of pure and applied mathematics that interest you, such as fractal geometry, coding theory, or even quantum physics. Choose from a wide range of modules; there are topics for not only mathematicians but also mathematically inclined engineers and scientists. To conclude, you’ll complete an independent study, exploring a topic in detail and submitting a dissertation.

  • Study a course for mathematically inclined scientists and engineers as well as mathematicians
  • Extend your knowledge and refine your ability to process information accurately, and critically analyse and communicate complex ideas
  • Develop an enhanced skill set, giving you an advantage in careers beyond mathematics, such as education, computer science, engineering, economics and finance
  • Join the UK’s most popular postgraduate mathematics programme

The first two-thirds of this MSc is the same as our Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics (E23). The first third is the same as our Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics (C90).

Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

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
3 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

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

At least 30 credits from:

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

Up to 120 credits from:

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)

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
Quantum and statistical mechanics of matter (SM880)

This postgraduate module teaches the tools of advanced quantum and statistical mechanics of matter, illustrated using atoms, molecules and exotic states.

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, M841, M860, M861, MZX861, PMT600 and PMT601.
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.

30 credits from:

Dissertation module Credits Next start
Dissertation in mathematics (M840)

This dissertation is the capstone of our MSc in Mathematics, in which you’ll complete a guided, independent study of one of a range of mathematical topics.

See full description

Register
 30 03 Oct 2026

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.

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
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Master of Science in Mathematics. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MSc (Maths) (Open) after your name.

If your masters degree is awardable with a distinction or a merit, the qualification regulations explain how you can achieve these.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend 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 Student Policies and Regulations website. 

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.

You should normally have a minimum of either:

  • a 2:2 honours degree in mathematics or
  • a 2:1 honours degree in a subject with a high mathematical content.

If you don’t have such a qualification, your application will still be considered, but you may be asked to complete an entry test. Non-graduates will not normally be admitted.

Whatever your background, you should assess your suitability by completing our diagnostic quiz.

If you’re new to postgraduate study in mathematics, start with at least one of the following modules: Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) or Analytic number theory I (M823).

How long it takes

Most students study the MSc in Mathematics part-time, completing 60 credits a year over three years. Typically, this means 20 study hours each week.

You can also complete this qualification in two years if you study three 30-credit option modules concurrently each year.

When planning your studies, note that some modules are available only in odd or even years.

There’s no time limit to complete the MSc in Mathematics.

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.

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