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An image to illustrate the Certificate of Higher Education in Mathematics and Physics
This certificate provides a solid foundation in two closely related disciplines: mathematics and physics. You’ll develop core mathematical skills and knowledge and learn how they underpin key areas of theoretical and applied physics. As you study, you’ll practise reasoning clearly, modelling real-world systems and communicating precise arguments. These skills are highly transferable, preparing you for further study or use in a wide range of roles. Whether you’re fascinated by abstract ideas or practical applications, this qualification is an ideal first step in exploring maths and physics in depth.
This Certificate of Higher Education is the same as Stage 1 of our Diploma of Higher Education in Mathematics and Physics (W22) and BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Physics (Q77).
This maths and physics certificate has one stage, comprising 120 credits.
You’ll choose one of two starts depending on your level of mathematical and scientific knowledge: the basic maths start enables you to build up skills, knowledge and confidence at a slower pace, the standard start allows you to build on your existing mathematics and science 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
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)30Oct | Feb
Physics and space (SM123)30Oct
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:
Questions in science (S111)60Oct | Feb
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)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.

By studying this certificate, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, flexible materials, online tools, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Mathematics and Physics 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 standard 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 standard or basic mathematics 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.
You'll choose one of two starts depending on your current level of mathematical knowledge.
Standard start
We recommend the standard start if you have a GCSE grade 7(A) or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start provides an interdisciplinary foundation before you focus on physics.
The standard start begins with Questions in science (S111) and Essential mathematics 1 (MST124):
Basic mathematics start
We recommend the basic mathematics start if you don’t have a GCSE grade 7(A) or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start develops your maths skills from a basic level to prepare you for more advanced study.
The basic mathematics start begins with Discovering mathematics (MU123):
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*
Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£29,370
£29,370
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£24,528
£24,528
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,580
£19,580
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£16,352
£16,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,790
£9,790
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£8,176
£8,176
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,614
£1,614
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£29,370
£29,370
£24,528
£24,528
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,580
£19,580
£16,352
£16,352
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,790
£9,790
£8,176
£8,176
£1,614
£1,614
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
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:
As a graduate of this certificate, you'll be able to demonstrate that you are multi-skilled and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment. This qualification will help you develop transferable skills highly valued in the labour market, including analytical, numerical and communication skills, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and proficiency in using relevant software.
Graduates are well-placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment. For this reason, science graduates – particularly those with good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand.
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training or work experience beyond your certificate.
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 most careers will require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your certificate):
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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