Mathematics (Honours)

Overview

You’ll cover a wide range of topics and develop a secure understanding of mathematical problems and approaches. You’ll get plenty of practice with essential methods and tools; gain an appreciation of the role and construction of rigorous proof in mathematics; increase your familiarity with mathematical software; and build experience of communicating mathematical arguments and conclusions.

Key features of the Mathematics (Honours) course at The Open University UK

• Offers a wide selection of modules to fit your interests and ambitions

• Covers a selection of topics in pure and applied mathematics with options in statistics, physics and education

• Includes opportunities to develop your experience with mathematical methods and software

• Offers a choice of start points to suit your level of mathematical knowledge

Skills for career development

Mathematics lies at the heart of many activities, from everyday tasks, problem solving and decision making to economics 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 particularly enhances the following transferable and much sought-after skills:

• communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly

• understanding complex mathematical texts

• working with abstract concepts

• thinking logically

• expressing problems in mathematical language

• constructing logical arguments

• working on open-ended problems

• finding solutions to problems

• interpreting mathematical results in real-world terms

• 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 include:

• accountancy

• banking

• bioinformatics

• economics

• engineering

• financial services

• insurance

• investments

• market research

• quantitative analysis/risk analysis

• retail

• stockbroking/trading.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.