QUALIFICATION LEAFLET

MSc in Mathematics
Distance learning degree qualification

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1 QUALIFICATION LEAFLET
Qualification details
The MSc in Mathematics course has been designed for students who
want to continue their mathematics studies by delving more deeply into
particular aspects of pure and applied mathematics.
The modules may well be of interest to
mathematically inclined scientists and
engineers as well as to mathematicians.
Career relevance and
employability
Mathematics is at the heart of advances in science,
engineering and technology, as well as being an
indispensable problem-solving and decision-making tool
in many other areas of life. It is no surprise therefore that
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,
particularly if you are a professional programmer or
work in finance, 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. 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.
For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555
Credit for previous study
elsewhere
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit
for study you have already done elsewhere.
Modules
For this 180-credit masters degree you require:
150 credits from the following optional modules:
Postgraduate compulsory module
Advanced mathematical methods
(M833)
Analytic number theory I (M823)
Anaytic number theory II (M829)
Applied complex variables (M828)
Approximation theory (M832)
Calculus of variations and advanced
calculus (M820)
Coding theory (M836)
Fractal geometry (M835)
Functional analysis (M826)
Nonlinear ordinary differential equations
(M821)
And 30 credits from the following compulsory module:
Postgraduate compulsory module
Dissertation in mathematics (M840)
Modules
For a full list of modules available, please refer
to our website, www.openuniversity.edu.
Assessment key
EMA = End-of-module assessment
iCMA = Interactive computer marked assessment
TMA = Tutor-marked assignment
Advanced mathematical methods (M833)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
This course teaches advanced mathematical methods
with the aid of Maple, an algebraic computing language
Credits
with graphics and numerical capabilities, which youll
30 be taught how to use. Although the emphasis is on
mathematical methods, youll use Maple partly to
30 extend the use of these methods, partly to help you
30 to visualise the mathematics and partly to enable
you to combine conventional analytic techniques with
30 numerical analysis. Youll explore various forms of
30 approximations, perturbation expansions, accelerated
convergence methods including Pad approximants,
30
asymptotic expansions of integrals and some
eigenvalue problems.
30
30 Analytic number theory I (M823)
30 Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
30
Number theory has its roots in ancient history but
particularly since the seventeenth century, it has
undergone intensive development using ideas from
Credits many branches of mathematics. In spite of the subjects
maturity, there are still unsolved problems that are easy
30
to state and understand for example, is every even
number greater than two the sum of two primes? In this
course, (and in Analytic number theory II (M829)) youll
study number theory using techniques from analysis, in
particular, the convergence of series and the calculus
of residues.
Analytic number theory II (M829)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
This module continues to explore number theory and is
based on the readings from T.M. Apostols Introduction
to Analytic Number Theory.
For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555
MSc in Mathematics (F04) 2
Applied complex variables (M828)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
This course is based on Applied Complex Variables
by J. W. Dettman (reprinted by Dover, 1984), and
will appeal to scientists and engineers as well as to
mathematicians. Complex variable theory pervades
a wide variety of important subjects and this course
teaches topics that are both useful in the theoretical
sciences and of interest in their own right.
Approximation theory (M832)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
Approximation theory is concerned with approximating
functions of a given class using functions from another,
usually more elementary, class. A simple example is
the problem of approximating a function such as ex by
means of polynomial functions. The efficient solution
of such problems is of great importance for computing,
and this course will give you a general introduction to
the mathematical theory behind many approximation
methods in common use. The course is based on the
set book Approximation Theory and Methods by M. J.
D. Powell.
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus
(M820)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
The calculus of variations, which plays an important
role in both pure and applied mathematics, dates
from the time of Newton. Development of the subject
started mainly with the work of Euler and Lagrange in
the eighteenth century and still continues. This course,
which for most students begins the MSc in Mathematics
programme, develops the theory of the calculus of
variations. It also introduces other topics including
the calculus of functions of several real variables;
and ideas of convergence, particularly of sequences
of functions and normed vector spaces a working
knowledge of which is required both in this and other
modules in the MSc in Mathematics programme.
Coding theory (M836)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
This course deals with the theory of error-detecting
and error-correcting codes. In particular, it investigates
their constraints and bounds, and introduces a wide
variety of linear and nonlinear codes together with
associated encoding and decoding procedures. Youll
analyse the structure and properties of these codes,
3 QUALIFICATION LEAFLET
investigate links between the theory of error-correcting
codes and other mathematical structures, and examine
the applicability of codes to real situations. Youll also
look at the concepts of optimal and perfect codes,
and examine a wide variety of codes, including some
constructed from other mathematical structures.
Fractal geometry (M835)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
There has recently been an explosion of interest in the
mathematics of fractals sets whose geometry cannot
easily be described in classical terms. Theres no
simple definition but all fractals have a highly intricate
structure. Many fractals contain copies of themselves
at many different scales, and computer pictures have
shown that such sets (which are often very beautiful)
are a very good representation of shapes of natural
phenomena such as clouds, mountains and ferns.
This course deals with the theory of fractals and their
geometry, and looks at examples to which the theory
can be applied.
Functional analysis (M826)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
Modern mathematics places emphasis on classes of
functions, rather than special properties of individual
functions. Functions are considered as elements
of a set and these sets can usually be given the
additional structure of a linear and topological space.
The interplay of these structures gives the subject its
characteristic flavour. Along with the set of functions,
this course considers sets of mappings from the set
into various other sets, particularly, linear mappings
onto the set itself (operators) and into complex
numbers (linear functionals).
For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555
Nonlinear ordinary differential equations
(M821)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 Examination
Relevant to scientists and engineers as well as
mathematicians, this introduction to basic theory and
simpler approximation schemes covers systems with
two degrees of freedom. It introduces the geometric
aspects of the two-dimensional phase space, the
importance of fixed points and how they can be
classified, and the notion of a limit cycle. Youll develop
schemes to approximate the solutions of autonomous
and non-autonomous equations to understand how
these solutions behave. Periodically forced nonlinear
oscillators and nonlinear oscillators with periodically
time-varying parameters leading to parametric
resonances are discussed, along with the stability of
these solutions and tests for obtaining stability.
Dissertation in mathematics (M840)
Credits: 30 at Postgraduate
Assessment: 2 TMAs, 1 EMA
This course enables you to carry out a sustained,
guided, independent study of a topic in mathematics.
Currently there are four topics to choose from: history
of modern geometry; advances in approximation theory;
variational methods applied to eigenvalue problems;
algebraic graph theory. You will be guided by study
notes, books, research articles and original sources
(or English translations where necessary), which
are provided. Youll need to master the appropriate
mathematics and ultimately present your work in the
form of a final dissertation.
MSc in Mathematics (F04) 4
FAQs
Can I study in any country? qualifications from other higher-education institutions, may
all count towards programme entry.
This course is approved for study in most countries. Please
As part of the registration process, however, you will be
use the Course Finder menu at www.openuniversity.edu
asked to confirm your proficiency in English. (If you are
to see if it is available in your country.
unsure, you can take a short online test, which you will find
Is the OU course recognised in my when completing the online registration form.)
country? Can I count previous study towards
An OU degree is equal in academic standard to a degree an OU qualification?
from any other British university. The University is subject
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit
to the same quality assurance procedures, through the
for study you have already done elsewhere.
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), as all other British
universities, and uses external assessors and examiners
to ensure comparability of standard and level in its
How do you work towards a
courses. qualification?
A leaflet is available on how you can apply for formal We measure the size of our qualifications in credits - you
recognition in your country. Please contact us to receive a need 60 credits for the certificate, 120 credits for the
copy. diploma and 180 credits for the masters degree.
What tutor support will I receive? How long does it take?
The OU excels in its unrivalled support for students. Our qualifications are designed to be flexible. So if you
Youll have email and online support from a tutor and you
want to vary the amount of time you spend studying, you
will be able to discuss your study in online tutor group can. The table below is a guide on the time required,
discussions, using our customised learning environment. but call us today to discuss how you can vary the study
Our community websites Platform and OpenLearn offer a intensity and therefore the time taken to complete your
different perspective on your subject, and a huge range of course.
OU resources on YouTube and iTunes U can expand your
Postgraduate Credits Time required to complete1
understanding. In addition, you can tap into a range of
qualifications required
enthusiastic and welcoming OU social network groups on
Certificate 60 1 year part-time study
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Diploma 120 2 years part-time study
Are there any entry requirements? Masters degree 180 3-4 years part-time study
To gain entry to our postgraduate programmes youll 1
For illustrative purposes only in most cases you can vary
normally need an undergraduate degree or equivalent. the number of credits taken per year and therefore the time
However, your previous work experience and study, or taken to complete the course.
For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555
5 QUALIFICATION LEAFLET MSc in Mathematics (F04) 6

What do I need to
How much will it cost?
do next?
You pay for your postgraduate studies module by module,
rather than for an entire programme up front. Therefore,
the total cost of a qualification may vary according to
which modules you choose and how long you take to
It takes just 2 simple steps.
complete your degree.
Begin the process to secure your place.
The EU fee for this qualification in 2012/13 is:
Here's how easy it is.
7115
Please note: prices are approximate and subject to change.
Please check our website or call us for latest details.
For information please go to www.openuniversity.edu
1. Register now
and view the details on the Courses pages.
Go to www.openuniversity.edu, select the Courses section
When can I start? and the degree you require. You will then be asked to select
your first module to register.
To give you more opportunities to start, most qualifications
have two intakes a year October and February for this Alternatively call us on +44 845 241 6555.
qualification. Dont worry, you dont need to pay anything at this stage.

Can I meet and network with other As soon as you have registered youll get an email
confirmation which contains your login details.
students?
Definitely when you start with the OU you automatically
become a member of the Open University Student
Association (OUSA). OUSA also runs a popular student
forum site. For more information, go to www.ousa.org.uk.
Once you have gained your qualification, you can join
2. Choose your first module,
the OU Alumni Association, our vibrant and active alumni
community with 280,000 members worldwide. You will
make payment to enrol
enjoy many membership benefits, including regular
newsletters, good networking opportunities and access to Before you start studying you will need to choose and
the alumni website. register on your first modules and arrange payment;
instructions for this will be emailed to you.
How is my privacy protected? Once complete you will officially be an Open University
We record your personal information when you contact us student welcome!
and use this to manage registration, study, examination
and other services. When you register, well tell you more
about how we process and use your personal information.

When should I apply?

Apply as early as you can particularly if you wish to claim
for credit for previous study. Registration open dates are
shown in the Courses section on each qualification page
at www.openuniversity.edu.

For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555 For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555
All details shown in this leaflet are
correct as at February 2013, but
are subject to change.
Please call +44 845 241 6555 for
the latest details.

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