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Coding theory

This module explores the theory of error-detecting and error-correcting codes. In particular, it investigates their constraints and bounds and introduces various linear and nonlinear codes and associated encoding and decoding procedures. You’ll analyse the structure and properties of these codes, investigate links between the theory of error-correcting codes and other mathematical structures, and examine the applicability of codes to real situations. You’ll also examine a wide variety of codes, including some constructed from other mathematical structures, and look at the concepts of optimal and perfect codes.

Qualifications

M836 is an option module in our:

Module

Module code
M836
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 postgraduate modules correspond to these frameworks.
OU Postgraduate
SCQF 11
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The module is based on the set book A First Course in Coding Theory by R. Hill (Oxford University Press).

You will learn

Successful study of this module should help you to identify appropriate methods for the exchange of information while protecting against transmission errors and ensuring confidentiality. More generally, it should also enhance your skills in communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly, thinking logically and expressing problems in mathematical language.

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.

The module has a dedicated and moderated forum where you can join in online discussions with your fellow students. There are also online module-wide tutorials. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part. If you want to participate, you’ll likely need a headset with a microphone.

Assessment

The assessment details can be found in the facts box.

Course work includes

4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
Examination

Future availability

Coding theory (M836) starts every other 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 2031.

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.

Entry requirements

You must have passed (or be studying in parallel) one of the following modules:

Preparatory work

You should have some knowledge of linear algebra. Pure mathematics (M208), Mathematical methods (MST224) or Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210), and some experience of pure or applied mathematics at third-year honours level should provide adequate preparation.

All teaching is in English and your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for the level of study you wish to take. We strongly recommend that students have achieved an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies you can visit the IELTS website.

Register

Start End England fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 £1455.00

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

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2031.

Future availability

Coding theory (M836) starts every other 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 2031.

Additional costs

Study costs

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

Study weekend

This module may have an optional study weekend; there will be a charge to attend in person or online. If attending in person, you must also pay for travel and accommodation if you need it. More details will be available after the module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how much it’s going to cost and how you can pay.

That’s why we keep our fees as low as possible and offer a range of flexible payment and funding options, including a postgraduate loan, if you study this module as part of an eligible qualification. To find out more, see Fees and funding.

Study materials

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
  • a specimen exam paper with solutions
  • assessment details and submission section
  • online tutorial access
  • access to student forums.

You’ll also be provided with printed course notes, which includes a narrative to accompany the module text, additional exercises and solutions.

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 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

Materials to buy

Set books

  • Hill, R. A First Course in Coding Theory Oxford University Press £60.00 - ISBN 9780198538035

If you have a disability

The material contains small print and diagrams, which may cause problems if you find reading text difficult.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.

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