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Pure mathematics

Pure mathematics is one of the oldest creative human activities; this module introduces its central topics. Group theory explores sets of mathematical objects that can be combined – such as numbers, which can be added or multiplied, or rotations and reflections of a shape, which can be performed in succession. Linear algebra explores 2- and 3-dimensional space and systems of linear equations and develops themes from the links between these topics. Analysis, the foundation of calculus, covers operations such as differentiation and integration arising from infinite limiting processes.

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

M208

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.
60

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
2 9 5

Study method

Module cost

Entry requirements

Student Reviews

A truly great and satisfying module, full of interesting new concepts. As you work through the module, you start to...
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This was a good module, it made a natural progression from Essential mathematics 2 (MST125) and explained things clearly with...
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What you will study

Pure mathematics can be studied for its own sake, because of its intrinsic elegance and powerful ideas, but it also provides many of the principles that underlie applications of mathematics.

This module is suitable whether you want a basic understanding of pure mathematics without taking the subject further, or to prepare for higher-level modules in pure mathematics, or if you teach mathematics (it includes a good deal of background to the A-level mathematics syllabuses, for example).

You will become familiar with new mathematical ideas mainly by using pencil and paper and by thinking.

Introduction
Sets, functions and vectors
revises these important foundations of pure mathematics and the mathematical language used to describe them. Number systems looks at the systems of numbers most widely used in mathematics: the integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers and modular or ‘clock’ arithmetic, and looks at whether and how certain types of equations can be solved in each system. Mathematical language and proof covers the writing of pure mathematics and some of the methods used to construct proofs, and as a further introduction to abstract mathematical thinking equivalence relations are introduced. Real functions, graphs and conics is a reminder of the principles underlying the sketching of graphs of functions and other curves.

Group theory 1
Symmetry and groups
studies the symmetry of plane figures and solids, and shows how this topic leads to the definition of a group, which is a set of elements that can be combined with each other in a way that has four basic properties called group axioms. Subgroups and isomorphisms looks at subgroups, which are groups that lie inside other groups, and also at cyclic groups, which are groups whose elements can all be obtained by repeatedly combining a single element with itself. It also investigates groups that appear different but have identical structures. Permutations studies functions that rearrange the elements of a set: it shows how these functions form groups and looks at some of their properties. Lagrange’s Theorem and small groups introduces a fundamental theorem about groups, and uses it to investigate the structures of groups that have only a few elements, before focusing on improving skills in understanding theorems and proofs in the context of group theory.

Linear Algebra
Linear equations and matrices
explains why simultaneous equations may have different numbers of solutions, and also explains the use of matrices. Vector spaces generalises the plane and three-dimensional space, providing a common structure for studying seemingly different problems. Linear transformations is about mappings between vector spaces that preserve many geometric and algebraic properties. Eigenvectors leads to the diagonal representation of a linear transformation, and applications to conics and quadric surfaces.

Analysis 1
Numbers
deals with real numbers as decimals, rational and irrational numbers, and goes on to show how to manipulate inequalities between real numbers. Sequences explains the ‘null sequence’ approach, used to make rigorous the idea of convergence of sequences, leading to the definitions of pi and e. Series covers the convergence of series of real numbers and the use of series to define the exponential function. Continuity describes the sequential definition of continuity, some key properties of continuous functions, and their applications.

Group theory 2
Cosets and normal subgroups
revises the Group theory 1 units and looks at how a group can be split into ‘shifts’ of any one of its subgroups. Quotient groups and conjugacy looks at how we can sometimes ‘divide’ a group by one of its subgroups to obtain another group, and how in any group some elements and some subgroups are similar to each other in a particular sense. Homomorphisms looks at functions that map groups to other groups in a way that respects at least some of the structure of the groups. Group actions studies how group elements can sometimes be applied to elements of other sets in natural ways. This leads to a method of counting how many different objects there are of certain types, such as how many different coloured cubes can be produced if their faces can be painted any of three different colours.

Analysis 2
Limits
introduces the epsilon-delta approach to limits and continuity, and relates these to the sequential approach to limits of functions. Differentiation studies differentiable functions and gives L’Hôpital’s rule for evaluating limits. Integration explains the fundamental theorem of calculus, the Maclaurin integral test and Stirling’s formula. Power Series is about finding power series representations of functions, their properties and applications.

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

You will learn

Successful study of this module should improve your skills in working with abstract concepts, constructing solutions to problems logically and communicating mathematical ideas clearly.

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.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

  • Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • Guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
  • Facilitating online discussions between you and your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.

Assessment

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

Future availability

Pure mathematics (M208) starts once a year – in October.

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

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.

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:

7 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
Examination


Entry requirements

You must have passed the following module:

Or be able to provide evidence you have the required mathematical skills.

You can check you’re ready for M208 and see the topics it covers here.

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

Preparatory work

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:

  • algebraic manipulation
  • coordinate geometry
  • trigonometry
  • functions
  • differentiation and integration
  • mathematical language
  • proof.

Essential mathematics 2 (MST125) is ideal preparation.

Register

Start End Fee
- - -

No current presentation - see Future availability

This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2027.

Additional Costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

Open University Student Budget Account

The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

  • Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
  • Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

Joint loan applications

If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).

Employer sponsorship

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.

More than one in ten OU students are sponsored by their employer, and 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. 

  • Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
  • You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.  

Credit/debit card

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. 

Mixed payments

We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).


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 2025. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules

This information was provided on 09/10/2024.

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
  • audio and video content
  • assessment details, instructions and guidance
  • online tutorial access
  • access to student and tutor group forums.

You’ll be provided with six printed module books, each covering one block of study, with many worked examples and exercises. You’ll also receive a printed handbook summarising the whole module, which you can refer to throughout your study and use during the exam.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying M208 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.