First Masters in Open University's new undergraduate course

Keywords: Distance learning, Mathematics, Qualifications

A new degree provided by the Open University (OU) has produced its first graduates.

The OU's Master of Mathematics (MMath) is one of the first OU-named undergraduate degrees. The series of distance learning courses is equivalent to a four-year full-time degree course and was introduced to cope with rapid growth of the field of mathematics and statistics.

MMath aims to provide a qualification comparable to those in many other European countries, which offer maths degrees beyond the standard UK BA and BSc level. The OU was one of the first academic institutions in the UK to offer the MMath courses.

A prime benefit of the courses is their flexibility. Students are able to collect "credit points" by successfully completing a choice of different courses at different levels, with the points counting towards the MMath degree. The contributory courses are mainly in mathematics, but other related subjects include statistics, quantum mechanics and mathematical physics.

For course information, contact Customer Relations Centre, Open University,Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6YY. Tel: 01908 652590; Fax: 01908 654320;E-mail: crel-gen@open.ac.uk