Description
Advance your career with a high-level qualification. Delve deep into the aspects of pure and applied mathematics that interest you, such as fractal geometry, coding theory, or even quantum physics. Choose from a wide range of modules; there are topics for not only mathematicians but also mathematically inclined engineers and scientists. To conclude, you’ll complete an independent study, exploring a topic in detail and submitting a dissertation.
Key features of the course
- Study a course for mathematically inclined scientists and engineers as well as mathematicians
- Extend your knowledge and refine your ability to process information accurately, and critically analyse and communicate complex ideas
- Develop an enhanced skill set, giving you an advantage in careers beyond mathematics, such as education, computer science, engineering, economics and finance
- Join the UK’s most popular postgraduate mathematics programme
The first two-thirds of this MSc is the same as our Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics (E23). The first third is the same as our Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics (C90).
Planning your studies
You should normally have a minimum of either:
- a 2:2 honours degree in mathematics or
- a 2:1 honours degree in a subject with a high mathematical content.
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 a single module: either the applied mathematics module Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) or the pure mathematics module Analytic number theory I (M823).
How long it takes
Most students study the MSc in Mathematics part-time, completing 60 credits a year over three years. Typically, this means 20 study hours each week.
You can also complete this qualification in two years if you study four 30-credit option modules concurrently.
When planning your studies, note that some modules are available only in odd or even years.
There’s no time limit to complete the MSc in Mathematics.
Career relevance and employability
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 the analytic approach to problem-solving which is their hallmark.
There are a variety of reasons for studying mathematics at postgraduate level. You may want a postgraduate qualification in order to distinguish yourself from an increasingly large graduate population. 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 may want to move on to a PhD in Mathematics. The extent of opportunities is vast and mathematics postgraduates are equipped with skills and knowledge required for jobs in fields such as finance, education, engineering, science and business, as well as mathematics and mathematical science research.
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
Modules
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:
At least 30 credits from:
Up to 120 credits from:
| Option modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Advanced mathematical methods (M833) 2
This mathematical models module uses analytical pencil-and-paper methods and the Maple computing language to teach advanced mathematical techniques.
See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2025 |
- 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.
See full description
|
30 |
|
- Coding theory (M836) 2
This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures with encoding/decoding procedures and cryptography elements.
See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2025 |
- Fractal geometry (M835) 2
This module examines the geometry of fractals, aesthetically pleasing complex patterns often found in nature containing self-similar shapes at different scales.
See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2025 |
- Galois theory (M838) 1
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.
See full description
|
30 |
|
- Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821) 1
This nonlinear ordinary differential equations module emphasises geometrical aspects, approximation schemes and the stability and periodicity of solutions.
See full description
|
30 |
|
- Quantum and statistical mechanics of matter (SM880)
This postgraduate module teaches the tools of advanced quantum and statistical mechanics of matter, illustrated using atoms, molecules and exotic states.
See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2025 |
| Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M431, M822, M824, M826, M827, M828, M830, M832, M841, M860, M861, MZX861, PMT600 and PMT601. |
| 1M821, M829 and M838 are available only in even years– the next start is October 2026. |
| 2M833, M835 and M836 are available only in odd years – the next start is October 2025. |
30 credits from:
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
On completion
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Master of Science in Mathematics. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MSc (Maths) (Open) after your name.
If your masters degree is awardable with a distinction or a merit, the qualification regulations explain how you can achieve these.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Regulations
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.
How to register
If you want to study for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of
our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the
module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
During the registration procedure you will be asked to declare which qualification you are studying towards.
See a full list of modules available for this qualification