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:
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.
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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.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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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.
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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).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
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 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
