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An image to illustrate the Certificate of Higher Education in Mathematical Sciences
If you want to strengthen your mathematical skills or prepare for further study, this certificate is an excellent starting point. You’ll explore both pure and applied mathematics, alongside statistics, learning to use mathematical software and apply abstract concepts to real-world problems. By developing logical reasoning, data analysis and modelling skills, you’ll gain knowledge that's valued in a wide range of careers. Whether you’re interested in applying mathematics to other fields or continuing towards a diploma or degree, this qualification gives you a solid and flexible foundation.
This Certificate of Higher Education is the same as Stage 1 of our Diploma of Higher Education in Mathematical Sciences (W43), BSc (Honours) Mathematics (Q31), BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Statistics (Q36) and BSc (Honours) Mathematics and its Learning (Q46).
This maths certificate has one stage, comprising 120 credits.
You’ll choose one of two starts depending on your level of mathematical knowledge: the default start enables you to build up skills, knowledge and confidence at a slower pace, the intensive start allows you to build on your existing mathematics study. Read the Entry requirements to decide which start is right for you.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study all four of the following:
Discovering mathematics (MU123)30Oct | Feb
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)30Oct | Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)30Oct | Feb
MST125 includes a remote exam you'll take at home or another suitable location. The exam will be invigilated online by ProctorU, a service based outside the UK and with whom you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study all three of the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)30Oct | Feb
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)30Oct | Feb
MST125 includes a remote exam you'll take at home or another suitable location. The exam will be invigilated online by ProctorU, a service based outside the UK and with whom you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.
You'll choose one from:
Stage 1 option modules
30See list
Stage 1 is the same in many of our mathematics and statistics qualifications. So, you could change qualification at this point if you want to.
By studying this certificate, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, flexible learning materials, interactive tools, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Mathematical Sciences upon successful completion.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
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 to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this certificate in as little as 1 year and have a maximum of seven years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
If you choose the intensive start, you can complete this certificate in one year by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
If you choose either the intensive or default start, you can complete this certificate in two years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but you must have the required mathematical skills.
You have a choice of starting module depending on your current skill level: Discovering mathematics (MU123) or Essential mathematics 1 (MST124). You can find out which module is your best starting point here.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

2 years
£4,088*
A certificate is worth 120 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 2 years.
£8,176*
This qualification also includes option modules with lower fees than standard, which, if studied, will reduce the total cost.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
This certificate course provides skills and knowledge required for jobs in a wide range of fields. It will particularly enhance the following transferable and highly valued skills:
Mathematical knowledge is much sought after by a wide variety of employers in fields such as education, engineering, business, finance, and accountancy.
Career areas directly related to mathematics include:
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
Ask a question
Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
Request a prospectus
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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