Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics | Open University

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This postgraduate certificate is the same as the first half of our

Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics (E23)

and the first third of our

MSc in Mathematics (F04)

To gain this qualification, you need 60 credits. You'll choose one 30-credit core module and 30 credits from a range of option modules.

Modules	Credits	Next start
You'll choose one from:
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Analytic number theory I (M823) This module introduces number theory, including congruences, arithmetical functions, distributions of primes, quadratic reciprocity and Dirichlet’s theorem. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
You’ll choose another module from the list above or from:
Advanced mathematical methods (M833) This mathematical models module uses analytical pencil-and-paper methods and the Maple computing language to teach advanced mathematical techniques. Next start date: No current presentation See full description	30	No current presentation
Analytic number theory II (M829) This follow-up to Analytic number theory I (M823) covers the second half of Apostol’s Introduction to Analytic Number Theory and prime number theorem proof. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Coding theory (M836) This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures with encoding/decoding procedures and cryptography elements. Next start date: No current presentation See full description	30	No current presentation
Fractal geometry (M835) This module examines the geometry of fractals, aesthetically pleasing complex patterns often found in nature, containing self-similar shapes at different scales. Next start date: No current presentation See full description	30	No current presentation
Galois theory (M838) This module explores the relationship between group theory and field theory in problem-solving as described by the young Évariste Galois in the 19th century. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821) This nonlinear ordinary differential equations module emphasises geometrical aspects, approximation schemes and the stability and periodicity of solutions. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Subject to regulations, if you’ve passed the discontinued module M431, M822, M824, M826, M827, M828, M830, M832 or M841, you may count one of these instead.
Some option modules start only every two years. M821, M829 and M838 are available in even years – the next start is October 2026. M833, M835 and M836 are available in odd years – the next start is October 2027.

By studying this Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics, you’ll:

You’ll learn through online materials, tutor support and structured assignments.

You’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Cert Maths (Open) after your name.

Your postgraduate certificate may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.

If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our

Academic Regulations

contact us

You’ll study the Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics part-time, completing 60 credits over a one-year period. Typically, this translates to 16–20 hours of study per week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

There is no time limit within which you must complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics.

At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.

As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.

Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:

Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.

Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.

For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.

See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.

Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:

The Open University provides advice and guidance to help students who have disabilities, long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties or mental health difficulties.

For more information, visit our Disability support page.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:

Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.

You should normally have a minimum of either:

If you don’t have such a qualification, your application will still be considered, but you may be asked to complete an entry test. Non-graduates will not normally be admitted.

Whatever your background, you should assess your suitability by completing our diagnostic quiz.

If you’re new to postgraduate study in mathematics, start with at least one of the following modules: Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) or Analytic number theory I (M823).

The fees and the funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are for guidance only.

Modules starting in the 2026/27 academic year are open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed.

We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March.

You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. Since module fees can vary, the total cost of the qualification will depend on the modules you choose. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£2,910–£2,980*

Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.

There are some additional costs that aren’t included.

Further information is available in the module descriptions.

*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

Learn more about spreading the costs with monthly instalments and our other funding options below.

Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.

More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.

We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.

You may be eligible for:

Mathematics is at the heart of advances in science, engineering and technology, as well as being an indispensable problem-solving and decision-making tool in many other areas of life. It is no surprise, therefore, that mathematics postgraduates can be found throughout industry, business and commerce, in the public and private sectors. Employers value the intellectual rigour and reasoning skills that mathematics students can acquire, their familiarity with numerical and symbolic thinking, and their hallmark analytic approach to problem-solving.

There are a variety of reasons for studying mathematics at postgraduate level. You may want a postgraduate qualification to distinguish yourself from an increasingly large pool of graduates. You may find that your undergraduate mathematical knowledge is becoming insufficient for your career requirements, especially if you are hoping to specialise in one of the more mathematical areas, which are becoming more sought after by employers. Or you could pursue a PhD in Mathematics. The range of opportunities is vast, and mathematics postgraduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for jobs in fields such as finance, education, engineering, science, and business, as well as in mathematics and mathematical science research.

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

This qualification is open for prebooking. Select the module you will study first, read its full description, and follow the instructions to reserve your place. We’ll contact you when you can complete your registration.

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