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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate Essential mathematics 1 module
This introductory module provides a broad and enjoyable foundation for university-level mathematics but requires some prior knowledge. It teaches you the essential ideas and techniques that underpin university-level study in mathematics and mathematical subjects such as physics, engineering and economics. You’ll study fundamental topics, including calculus, vectors, matrices and complex numbers – and use mathematical software to solve problems. You'll also develop your skills in communicating results and defining problems.
There are eleven study units in this module.
In the first two, you’ll revise and extend the basic mathematical knowledge and skills in introductory algebra and graphs that you should be familiar with. This revision material should help you identify and fill any gaps in your previous knowledge and develop your basic mathematical skills to the level needed in the rest of the module. Much of the material in these two units will be available online, so you can start your revision even before the module begins, if you wish. The first two units also teach you about communicating mathematics and introduce you to the mathematical software you’ll use in the module.
In the remaining study units, you’ll cover these topics:
You’ll work mainly from the module books, also available in various electronic formats. You can view many of the worked examples in the books in an alternative video format, in which tutors work through and discuss the examples. You’ll also use specially designed software applications to help you understand the concepts taught and learn to use a mathematics computer package to solve problems. There are many online interactive practice questions to help you consolidate your learning.
The full content list is on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Successful study of this module should begin to develop your skills in:
Essential mathematics 1 is designed to be taken as your first university-level mathematics module or following from Discovering mathematics (MU123).
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125) is designed to follow Essential mathematics 1. Normally, you should have completed this module first. However, if you have plenty of study time and a high confidence and fluency with algebraic manipulation, you could study both modules in one year.
Alternatively, if you are considering progressing to Mathematical methods (MST224), you should have also completed this module.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
We regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination method used for this module to an in-person exam or a remotely invigilated (proctored) exam. When we are making such a change, we will make it clear on this page. If we need to make a change after you have registered, we will notify you as soon as possible. If you have additional requirements, we will support you to complete your assessments.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
MST124 is a compulsory module in our:
MST124 is an option module in our:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) starts twice a year – in October and January/February.
It will next start in October 2026 and January 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There is no formal prerequisite study, but you must have the required mathematical skills.
You can check you’re ready for MST124 and see the topics it covers here.
You can find out which module is your best starting point in mathematics here.
You should aim to be confident and fluent with the concepts covered in the Are you ready? quiz here, and follow the advice in the quiz.
The key topics to revise include:
Discovering mathematics (MU123) is ideal preparation.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying MST124 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
03 Oct 202630 Jun 202710 Sep 2026£2,044
30 Jan 202730 Sep 202707 Jan 2027£2,044
From 2027, Tuition Fee Loans will be available for this undergraduate module. We’ll update this section with more information in September, when Student Finance England is expected to open for loan applications.
You can register for this module now. Once applications open, we’ll be in touch with more information about the loan and guidance on how to apply, so you have everything you need to complete your enrolment.
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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