This site is about your choices if you wish to start studying mathematics with the Open University. It describes courses and possible study routes, and gives you information which you might take into consideration when making your decision. It also gives you help in judging which of the possible routes is best for you.
The mathematics entry suite consists of the following courses:
Starting with maths (Y162) - 10 points
Discovering mathematics (MU123) - 30 points
Using mathematics (MST121) - 30 points
Exploring mathematics (MS221) - 30 points
Which of these you choose to study will depend largely on your previous mathematics experience and what you might want to study later.
If you haven't studied recently and feel uncertain about your mathematics, we recommend starting with our short Openings course Starting with maths (Y162) which will help build up your study skills, and is particularly appropriate if you think your maths background is weak (if, say, you left school at 16 without a formal qualification in mathematics).
- Starting with maths (Y162) leads onto MU123
If you're confident about your study skills, and have studied maths successfully at school up to or beyond GCSE (or equivalent), we recommend you start either with Discovering mathematics (MU123) or Using mathematics (MST121). Both will get you accustomed to OU study and teach you plenty of mathematics.
Discovering mathematics (MU123) leads onto MST121
Using mathematics (MST121) leads onto MS221. Alternatively, Using mathematics (MST121) and Exploring mathematics (MS221) can be taken together assuming you are adequately prepared and have plenty of study time
Regardless of previous mathematical knowledge, it is sensible for new students to maths at the OU to start at Level 1. Most students find it takes time to organise their study and deadlines alongside the demands of the rest of their lives. Our courses are designed to help you get accustomed to studying maths with the OU.
Most of our students do start at Level 1, choosing their course on the basis of the advice at this website. A small number of students start at a higher level, although Level 2 and 3 courses not only assume prior technical knowledge and experience, but that students are also used to studying the OU way. Even if the courses you require are at a higher level, then it is usually sensible to consider starting at a lower level as advised in Maths Choices. See Starting at a higher level for more information.
