Mathematical Studies

Level 3 / 1 year Course / AQA

Mathematical Studies has been designed to maintain and further develop practical, real-life mathematics skills that are essential for everyday tasks. The topics studied in this course are not just theoretical—they are directly applied in work, study, and life, helping you solve real-world problems.

Whether it’s understanding financial management, analysing data, or applying mathematical concepts in various industries, the skills you gain will be relevant in countless professional and personal scenarios. This practical approach ensures that you’re not just learning abstract concepts, but are also equipped to use mathematics in ways that will support your future career, academic pursuits, and day-to-day life.

More On This Course

The course has large proportions of statistics and financial mathematics.

Students will develop confidence and competence in the understanding and application of calculations in personal finance problems such as income tax, NI contribution and loans and savings. The study of Fermi Estimation allows students to make fast, rough estimates of quantities which are either difficult or impossible to measure directly. There is an emphasis on using technology to calculate statistical quantities and the course concentrates on interpreting the results of statistical analysis in context.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Students will be taught by specialist teachers and experience a wide variety of lesson activities such as investigation, group tasks and individual study. Students are expected to complete frequent wider study tasks.

Assessment

The AQA Level 3 Mathematical Studies qualification is a one-year course that provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge that are highly applicable to various real-world contexts, such as business, economics, and social sciences. This qualification is equivalent to half an A Level and is ideal for students who want to gain a practical understanding of mathematics without committing to the full A Level course.

The assessment for Level 3 Mathematical Studies is based entirely on two external exams that are taken at the end of the one-year course:

Exam 1: This will focus on core mathematical skills such as algebra, basic calculus, and trigonometry. These skills are crucial for solving practical problems in various fields.
Exam 2: This exam assesses students’ ability to apply mathematics to real-world scenarios, such as financial mathematics (interest, loans), statistics, and decision-making processes. The goal is to test how students can use mathematical concepts in contexts they might encounter in everyday life or future careers.

In summary, the AQA Level 3 Mathematical Studies qualification equips students with practical mathematical skills and knowledge, assessed through two external exams, preparing them for various career paths or further study.

Skills and Careers Insight

Level 3 Mathematical Studies is an excellent choice for developing your problem-solving, analytical, and logical thinking skills. This course covers essential topics like statistical analysis, financial mathematics, and algebra, all of which are directly applicable to a wide range of real-world situations. You'll learn how to approach complex problems, interpret data, and make informed decisions, all while building your mathematical confidence.

These skills are highly valuable across many industries, including finance, business, engineering, economics, and data analysis. Career opportunities include roles such as financial analyst, data analyst, accountant, or operations manager, as well as in areas like project management and education. Level 3 Mathematical Studies provides a strong foundation for pursuing further studies in mathematics or other fields, making it an ideal qualification for students looking to open doors to a broad range of exciting career paths.

Labour Market Information

Subject Combination

Mathematical Studies supports A Level subjects with mathematical content, such as STEM subjects, Geography, Business, Psychology, and Economics, by providing essential skills in problem-solving, data analysis, and quantitative reasoning, which are crucial for handling calculations, interpreting data, and applying mathematical techniques in these fields.

Psychology

Geography

Chemistry

Biology

Business

Economics

Physical Education

Sport Single

Forensic & Criminal Investigation

Computer Science

Student Testimonials

What do our students think about studying here?

I think the best thing about Durham Sixth Form Centre is the fact that it’s a mature environment and it gives you the independence you need.

Sam Henig

Previous school - Wellfield School

I think Durham Sixth Form Centre is a perfect choice because the lessons are well planned and there is a brilliant balance between independent learning and support from all teachers.

Hannah Warwick

Previous school - Hermitage Academy

When I was in Year 11, the biggest worry for me was the transitional period between Year 11 and Year 12. But the support and the teachers made this so much smoother for me moving from my secondary school to Durham Sixth Form Centre.

Jenni Fairish

Previous school - Whitworth Park Academy

The atmosphere and quality of teaching at Durham Sixth Form Centre is very impressive and you can see a great deal of passion from the educators, which is something I believe is very important.

Logan Aitchinson

Previous school - Park View School

Even if you start Durham Sixth Form Centre with no idea where you’re going, you will get the opportunities to talk about your future and go through it and you’ll know what you’re doing later on.

Alice Robson

Previous school - Belmont School

Durham Sixth Form Centre stood out to me for its amazing choice of subjects. I struggled to find anywhere else that would accommodate all my subjects and my specific combination.

Abbie Clifford

Previous school - Hermitage Academy