Taking it further
Mathematics, as well as being a fascinating subject in its own right, also underpins practically every aspect of modern life. Whether you are keeping tabs on a budget, tackling a DIY project, devising a formula for a spreadsheet or deciding how to present some information graphically, you’ll need to understand maths.
Maths and Stats from OpenLearn - free learning resources from the Open University: from price indices to the experience of learning maths
Mathematics Study Skills
The OU's Maths Study Skills website is intended for undergraduate students, though it can be used by anyone with an interest in studying Mathematics.
If you would like to follow up your interest by taking a course, the OU offers a range of courses and qualifications designed to fit you.
Which type of course is best for you?
- New to undergraduate study?
- Not sure you want to commit to a long course?
- Have study experience and looking for more?
Openings
If you haven’t experienced higher education before, deciding to become an undergraduate student can be a big step. But don’t worry, the OU’s designed a programme that allows you to dip your toe in the water before committing yourself!
Introductory Mathematics: Starting with Maths (Y162)
Starting with maths offers a friendly introduction. The course will help you feel more confident in using maths in a variety of different situations – at home, in work or in your other studies. You can improve your mathematical skills including using a calculator and develop problem solving strategies so that you know what to do when you get stuck.
Details of all the OU's Openings courses can be found on their Openings courses page.
Short Courses
Maths for Science (S151)
Do you want to take a science course with the Open University or elsewhere, but worry that you lack confidence in using mathematics as a tool in science? Then this course could be for you. Mathematical techniques are explained, and worked examples are included throughout the course, but the main emphasis is on providing examples for you to try for yourself.
Longer Courses and Qualifications
Open University courses are the main 'building blocks' of our qualifications. You can take a single course or take several to build towards an Open University diploma or degree.
Which level of study is most suitable for you?
- Is Mathematics a new or unfamiliar subject for you?
- Already have work or study experience in Mathematics?
Where to Start
Open Mathematics (MU120)
This course will build your confidence and help you to incorporate mathematical thinking into your everyday life. It looks mathematically at matters of general interest including prices, earnings, health, music, art, maps, motion and rainbows. Alongside mathematical skills, it will help you develop communication and learning skills.
Using Mathematics (MST121)
This broad introduction to the nature of mathematics and its uses in the modern world shows how mathematics can be used to investigate and answer questions from science, technology and everyday life. You will study a range of fundamental techniques, in particular recurrence relations; matrices and vectors; calculus; and statistics.
If you are new to Undergraduate Mathematics and not sure which course to take, you might like to look at the OU's 'Maths Choices' website.
Higher level study
Msc Taught Masters in Mathematics (FO4)
For Postgraduate students who want to continue their mathematics studies by delving more deeply into particular aspects of pure and applied mathematics.
Introductory Mathematics: Starting with Maths (Y162)
Starting with maths offers a friendly introduction. The course will help you feel more confident in using maths in a variety of different situations – at home, in work or in your other studies. You can improve your mathematical skills including using a calculator and develop problem solving strategies so that you know what to do when you get stuck.
