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, 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 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Counting previous study

You could save time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study towards this qualification if you have:

• already studied at university level (even if you didn't finish your studies)
• other professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

Find out more about credit transfer

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, engineering, business, finance and accountancy. It is 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
• economics
• engineering
• insurance
• investments
• market research
• pensions
• quantitative analysis/risk analysis. 
• retail
• stockbroking/trading
• tax.

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.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

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):

Want to see more jobs? Use the career explorer for job ideas from the National Careers Service, PlanIT Plus in Scotland and Prospects across all nations. You can also visit GradIreland for the Republic of Ireland.