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Accessibility statement
A image to illustrate Dissertation in mathematics module
This module enables you to carry out a sustained, guided, independent study of a topic in mathematics. There’s a choice of topics, for example: algebraic graph theory; aperiodic tilings and symbolic dynamics; history of modern geometry; interfacial flows and microfluidics; variational methods, and complex function theory. Provided study notes, books, research articles, and original sources guide you. You must master the appropriate mathematics and present your work as a final dissertation.
The list of topics available varies each year. We’ll let you know the available topics in the spring, before the module starts in October.
Recently available topics have included:
Please note:
You’ll receive an email asking you to choose your topic(s) about two weeks after registering. As topic places are limited, they’ll be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
Successful study of this module should enhance your skills in understanding complex mathematical texts, working on open-ended problems and communicating mathematical ideas clearly.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module on most topics. 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:
Some topics require specific books. We’ll let you know which once your topic is confirmed.
You can only study this module as part of specific Open University qualifications.
M840 is a compulsory module in our:
Dissertation in mathematics (M840) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
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.
You must have passed four modules from the MSc in Mathematics (F04).
You may request exceptional permission to take M840 alongside another module if you've passed only three modules. If you’re awaiting results, you can register on M840, but you cannot start it if you do not pass the required modules.
Additionally:
The material contains small print and diagrams, which may cause problems if you find reading text difficult. Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader, and mathematical materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
03 Oct 202630 Jun 202710 Sep 2026£1,550
This module may have an optional study weekend. There will be a charge to attend in person or online. If attending in person, you’ll also need to pay for your travel, and accommodation if you need it. More details will be available after the module has started.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
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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