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Introducing statistics

This module teaches you how to use basic statistical tools and quantitative methods useful in business, government, industry, medicine, the economy, and most academic subjects. Topics include summarising data, examining relationships, randomness and sampling distributions, probability, testing hypotheses, and estimation. Using data from various applications, you’ll learn practical statistical techniques and fundamental principles and analyse data using software and a calculator. The skills introduced are ideal if you plan to study mathematics further or encounter data in another subject or your daily life.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code

M140

Credits

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.
30

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
1 7 4

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

Student Reviews

A great module for introducing basic statistics. The practice quizzes and tutorials were great, with a lot of interesting material...
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A great module which does exactly as it says on the tin. Introduced me to software for use with statistics....
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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

This key introductory statistics module is designed for people who have not studied statistics before. It focuses on the application of statistics, adopting the attitude that statistics is about solving problems. The module is data driven. We collect relevant data and we analyse them to answer the problems. The methods that are covered are not specific to one field of application alone, but apply to all areas in which statistics is used.

The materials contain exercises to help you both learn and to monitor your progress. Most exercises involve calculations you’ll do by hand or with a calculator, but some you’ll do using the software Minitab, which we’ll supply and teach you to use. Please note that Minitab runs only on Windows; any other operating system is unsuitable. You’ll also develop skills in interpreting and communicating your results, and we’ll assess this

Providing you have the appropriate background knowledge (see Entry Requirements) you should expect to study for about nine hours a week. Many of the topics covered in the module depend on your understanding of topics in earlier units. So, if you have not adequately understood earlier material, you may find later material difficult and time consuming.

You can find the full content list on the Open mathematics and statistics website.

You will learn

Successful study of this module should begin to develop your statistical skills and enable you to analyse common forms of data so as to address practical problems.

You will learn about:

  • key ideas in statistics
  • statistical vocabulary and notation introduced in the module
  • selection and use of statistical techniques for exploring data
  • interpretation of results in the context of real life questions
  • communication of results
  • use of statistical software
  • use of relevant ICT tools for learning.

The module contains many data from real world situations based around three themes: economics, education and health.

Professional recognition

This module may help you to gain membership of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). For further information, see the IMA website.

This module may also help you to apply for the professional award of Graduate Statistician conferred by The Royal Statistical Society (RSS).

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.

They’ll help by:

  • marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
  • guiding you to additional learning resources
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

Future availability

Introducing statistics (M140) starts twice a year – in January/February and October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025 and February 2026.

We expect it to start for the last time in January 2028.

Regulations

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.

Course work includes:

4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
3 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
End-of-module assessment


Entry requirements

There is no formal pre-requisite study.

You can see the topics M140 covers here.

Talk to an advisor if you’re not sure you’re ready.

Register

Start End England fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 £1946.00

Registration closes 11/09/25 (places subject to availability)

Register
31 Jan 2026 Sep 2026 £1946.00

Registration closes 08/01/26 (places subject to availability)

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in February 2028.

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In the meantime, explore our overview of Fees and funding.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • course-specific module materials
  • relevant computer software and associated guidance
  • audio and video content
  • assessment details, instructions and guidance
  • online tutorial access
  • access to student and tutor group forums.

You’ll also be provided with printed module books, a module guide and a handbook.

There may an option for registered students to access materials via an Early Start Programme. This programme is tutor supported and enables you to make a start up to three months before the main presentation start.

You will need

  • A scientific calculator – we recommend one with basic statistical functions, such as mean and standard deviation, and that you know how to use it before the module starts.
  • A few household items to carry out a small experiment.
  • A computer running Windows; the Minitab software will not run on any other operating system.

Computing requirements

  • Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
  • Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
  • Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
  • Operating systems – Windows 11 only. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025. Any macOS is unsuitable.
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying M140 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 pages.