Mathematics and Statistics

Key features of the course

• Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) – see Careers.
• Build expertise in analytical approaches, classical and Bayesian statistics, and the underpinning mathematical theory.
• Focus on either pure or applied mathematics to fit your needs and interests.
• Practise conducting and communicating statistical investigations and using professional software.
• Start at a point that suits your level of mathematical knowledge.
• Move to a different mathematics degree, if your aspirations change, even after you’ve started.

Entry requirements

There is no formal pre-requisite study, but you must have the required mathematical skills.

You have a choice of starting module depending on your current skill level: Discovering mathematics (MU123) or Essential mathematics 1 (MST124). You can find out which module is your best starting point here.

You can also check you’re ready for MU123 or MST124, and the topics they cover, at the link above.

Talk to an advisor if you’re not sure you’re ready.

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

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 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.

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):

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