Mathematics and Statistics skills and careers

Mathematics and Statistics skills are indispensable problem-solving and decision-making tools at the heart of advances in many areas of life. Opportunities for graduates and postgraduates are available throughout industry and commerce.

Skills you can develop

As well as the specific knowledge gained from studying for an OU degree, you'll develop many transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers and which will increase your employability.

For Mathematics and Statistics students the employability skills you will develop include the ability to:

use mathematics and statistics to help develop solutions to practical problems
follow complex mathematical and statistical arguments and to develop brief arguments of your own
work with mathematical and statistical computer software packages
find, extract and analyse data from many sources
communicate mathematical and statistical information effectively
manage your time and employ good organisational skills
work with patience and persistence.

To see specific learning outcomes related to the degrees in this area have a look at OU Mathematics and Statistics Courses.

To check which skills valued by employers can be developed from studying a particular subject, look at the 'What can I do with my degree' pages on the Prospects website.

The OU Careers and Employability Services define student employability as: 'A set of capabilities and achievements that support students in developing their careers, raising their aspirations and enhancing their contribution to society'.

Whatever your motivations for study, your goals and career aspirations, you are entitled to supported personal development planning either as an intrinsic part of your programme of study or through signposted optional activities. You can view our full Student Employability Policy Statement on our website.

If you’re a registered OU student you can find further careers information tailored to your qualification at your Study Home site under the Succeed tab.