Course details
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll normally start Stage 1 with a 30-credit introductory module followed by three further 30-credit modules in pure and applied mathematics and statistics.
- Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credit statistics modules, and a 60-credit module in either applied mathematics or pure mathematics.
- Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study three 30-credit statistics modules and complete your degree with a 30-credit mathematics module.
Optional Access module – visit Entry requirements to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.
Mathematics is a linear subject – it’s important to have a good understanding of the basics before moving on to more advanced topics. You’ll normally begin with an introduction to key mathematical ideas, ideal if you haven’t studied mathematics to an advanced level; or haven’t studied for some time and need to refresh your skills and knowledge.
If you’re confident studying mathematics at university level and, in particular, have a good understanding of algebra and trigonometry, you can skip the first module and choose from a selection of other modules to complete Stage 1.
To facilitate transferring between qualifications, Stage 1 is common to the BSc (Honours) Mathematics, BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Statistics, BSc (Honours) Mathematics and its Learning, Diploma of Higher Education in Mathematical Sciences and Certificate of Higher Education in Mathematical Sciences.
You’ll deepen your understanding of statistics and combine it with either applied mathematics or pure mathematics.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 20 March 2019.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Statistics uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- using and producing diagrams and/or screenshots
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- in some modules undertaking small amounts of practical work and other activities, such as working in a group with other students, writing short reports or preparing presentations
- using specialist mathematical or statistical software.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this undergraduate course, you'll be awarded the BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Statistics degree. The class of degree (first, upper second, lower second or third-class honours) depends on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Recognition in your country
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.
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.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification, but it’s very important you’re well prepared to study mathematics at this level. You must be comfortable with the following topics:
- arithmetic of numbers, including negative numbers and fractions;
- scientific notation for numbers (sometimes known as standard form);
- powers of numbers including square roots;
- using your scientific calculator effectively for the above topics, and for working with brackets and π;
- using simple word formulas;
- drawing and interpreting simple charts and graphs.
Check you’re ready with our self-assessed quiz. We’ve study resources to help you prepare.
If you score very highly on that self-assessed quiz, consider starting at a higher level and at a faster pace – check you’ve the necessary experience and confidence for the intensive start, with this self-assessed quiz.
There’s lots more advice and guidance at our MathsChoices website.
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing normally 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Skills for career development
Mathematics and statistics lie at the heart of many activities, from everyday problem solving and decision making to the formulation of economic policy and the advancement of science and technology. Mathematical knowledge is much sought after by a wide variety of employers, as shown by the Government’s initiative to increase participation in the strategically important STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
By studying this degree course you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge required for jobs in fields such as education and finance or where they can be applied, for example, in science, social science, engineering and technology. It's widely accepted that a degree in mathematics and/or statistics particularly enhances the following transferable and much sought-after skills:
- communicating mathematical and statistical ideas clearly and succinctly
- understanding complex mathematical and statistical texts
- working with abstract concepts
- thinking logically
- expressing problems in mathematical and statistical language
- constructing logical arguments
- working on open-ended problems
- finding solutions to problems
- interpreting mathematical results and statistical analysis in real-world terms
- conducting statistical investigations and analyses
- using relevant professional software.
Career relevance
There are some careers for which a degree in mathematics and/or statistics is specified. These include teaching, statistical work (including actuarial work), operational research and development, and some areas of computing.
Other career areas directly related to mathematics and statistics include
- accountancy
- banking
- bioinformatics
- data sciences
- economics
- financial services
- insurance
- investments
- market research
- quantitative analysis/risk analysis
- retail
- stockbroking/trading.
Accreditation
Graduates achieving a 2.2 or better for this qualification are eligible for the professional award of Graduate Statistician conferred by The Royal Statistical Society (RSS). Five years of professional statistical training and experience following graduation, would normally qualify you for the top professional grade of Chartered Statistician.
This qualification will also contribute to you gaining all grades of membership of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), from Student Membership to Chartered Mathematician.
Other careers
Mathematics and statistics graduates are employed in all areas of the public and private sectors, business and commerce, large and small firms, and in positions of responsibility that lead to management. Mathematics and statistics graduates gain skills and knowledge in demand in fields such as finance, accountancy, education, engineering, science, defence, the pharmaceuticals industry and business. There are also opportunities for self-employment – as a financial adviser or statistical consultant for example.
A mathematics and statistics degree can also give you the skills and knowledge to progress on to higher-level study – for example, an MSc in Mathematics (F04), and then even a PhD.
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline – some may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Exploring your options
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.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
- actuary
- aeronautical engineer
- auditor
- chartered accountant
- data scientist
- financial risk analyst
- investment analyst
- lecturer
- management consultant
- meteorologist
- operational researcher
- pensions administrator
- secondary school teacher
- statistician
- systems developer.