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Advanced mathematical methods

This module teaches advanced mathematical methods with Maple, an algebraic computing language with graphics and numerical capabilities. Although the emphasis is on mathematical methods, you’ll use Maple to extend the use of these methods, help you visualise the mathematics, and enable you to combine conventional analytic techniques with numerical methods. You’ll explore various forms of approximations, perturbation expansions and accelerated convergence methods, including Padé approximants, asymptotic expansions of integrals and some eigenvalue problems.

Qualifications

M833 is an option module in our:

Module

Module code
M833
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
30
Study level
Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU postgraduate modules correspond to these frameworks.
OU Postgraduate
SCQF 11
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The first part of this MSc in Mathematics module teaches the use of Maple: you are not expected to have any knowledge of it before you begin. The rest of the module deals with the various forms of approximation.

You will learn

Successful study of this module should enhance your skills in programming in Maple, understanding complex mathematical texts and communicating mathematical ideas clearly.

Note you must study this module if you wish to take the ‘Advances in approximation theory’ topic for your Dissertation in mathematics (M840).

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

  • Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • Guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.

The module has a dedicated and moderated forum where you can join in online discussions with your fellow students. There are also online module-wide tutorials. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part. If you want to participate, you’ll likely need a headset with a microphone.

Assessment

The assessment details can be found in the facts box.

Course work includes

4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
Examination

Future availability

Advanced mathematical methods (M833) starts every other year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Entry requirements

You must have passed one of the following modules:

Or one of the discontinued modules M826, M828 and M832.

We recommend Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) or Analytic number theory 1 (M823).

All teaching is in English and your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for the level of study you wish to take. We strongly recommend that students have achieved an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies you can visit the IELTS website.

Register

Start End Fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 Not yet available

Registration closes 11/09/25 (places subject to availability)

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2029.

Future availability

Advanced mathematical methods (M833) starts every other year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Study weekend

This module may have an optional study weekend; there will be a charge to attend in person or online. If attending in person, you must also pay for travel and accommodation if you need it. More details will be available after the module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how much it’s going to cost and how you can pay.

That’s why we keep our fees as low as possible and offer a range of flexible payment and funding options, including a postgraduate loan, if you study this module as part of an eligible qualification. To find out more, see Fees and funding.

Study materials

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • course-specific module materials
  • audio and video content
  • guidance on relevant computer software
  • assessment details and submission section
  • online tutorial access
  • access to student and tutor group forums.

You’ll also be provided with printed course notes covering the content of the module, including solutions to activities and explanations to aid your understanding of the concepts and associated skills and techniques that are contained in the set book. You will need to obtain your own copy of the set book, and only the set book as printed by the publisher will be permitted in the examination, and not a version you have printed yourself.

Computing requirements

  • Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they may not be suitable as your primary device.
  • Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
  • Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
  • Operating systems – Windows 10 or 11 or macOS Ventura (or higher).
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

Materials to buy

Set books

  • Richards, D. Advanced Mathematical Methods with Maple (2 Part Set) Cambridge University Press £74.99 - ISBN 9780521135061 This book is Print on Demand, please allow at least 2 weeks for receipt following order.

If you have a disability

The material contains small print and diagrams, which may cause problems if you find reading text difficult.

You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.

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