Mathematical Studies (Certificate) - Level 3
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
This course is only one year and worth half the UCAS points of an A Level.
Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) is a one-year certificate course aimed at students who don’t want to take A Level Maths but wish to build on their GCSE knowledge and skills. Students learn about mathematical applications affecting daily life – such as personal finance – and contributing to many aspects of study and work, like understanding and using data.
The skills learnt on this course can help students studying A Levels in the sciences, business studies, economics, geography and psychology.
What does it combine with?
What our students say
Evie talks to us about the exciting opportunities studying A Levels with us has presented her, including how it differs from school, using the West Notts Travel Pass, and her plans to progress onto university.
Attend an A Level open event
Over 70% of students achieved an A*-C grade in 2025. Join us to find out more about our A Level courses and to see our dedicated sixth form campus. Book today!
What will I study?
On this course, there is a strong emphasis on developing problem-solving skills for real life such as finances, at work and studying.
- Entry requirements
- Five GCSEs grade 4-9 including GCSE Maths
- An overall average of a grade 4*.
*To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - Assessment
This course is assessed solely by examination, with exams scheduled for May/June at the end of the year.
- Progression
This course has been known to help students stand out who are looking at further study at university level*. Subjects studied include maths, business, accountancy, science, computing, engineering or economics.
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626.
- Careers
This course gives you more UCAS points which can be used towards a wide range of degrees and enhances your maths skills for any career helping to increase your desirability for future job roles.
- Qualifications gained
- Certificate in Mathematical Studies
- AQA
- Studying A Levels at WNC
Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.
You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.