Course Overview

Build a solid foundation in maths for study, work and life.

Mathematics is at the heart of science, technology, and everyday decision-making. Our AS level Maths course helps you develop essential skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics, building a solid foundation in core mathematical techniques. You’ll also strengthen your logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, the kind of transferable abilities that employers value, whatever career path you choose.

Whether you’re preparing for further study, aiming for a technical career, or simply want to boost your confidence with numbers, this flexible online course gives you tutor support alongside clear, structured content to help you succeed.

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • Dedicated tutor support

AS level Maths at a glance

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel 8MA0

course resources icon
Resources

No additional set texts required

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Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments

6 assignments (one introductory) these do not contribute towards your final grade

course hours icon
Hours

Complete at your own pace

Approx. 150-180* hours plus time to develop your skills and for completing assignments

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UCAS points

Earn up to 20 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

Study at your own pace.

Our course materials assume that English is your first language

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Two exams:

  • 2 hours, 62.5% of marks (calculator)
  • 1 hour 15 minutes, 37.5% of marks (calculator)

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

  • None
course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel 8MA0

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

Study at your own pace.

Our course materials assume that English is your first language

course hours icon
Hours

Complete at your own pace

Approx. 150-180* hours plus time to develop your skills and for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Two exams:

  • 2 hours, 62.5% of marks (calculator)
  • 1 hour 15 minutes, 37.5% of marks (calculator)

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

  • None
course assignments icon
Assignments

6 assignments (one introductory) these do not contribute towards your final grade

course resources icon
Resources

No additional set texts required

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 20 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel 8MA0

course resources icon
Resources

No additional set texts required

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments

6 assignments (one introductory) these do not contribute towards your final grade

course hours icon
Hours

Complete at your own pace

Approx. 150-180* hours plus time to develop your skills and for completing assignments

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 20 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

Study at your own pace.

Our course materials assume that English is your first language

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Two exams:

  • 2 hours, 62.5% of marks (calculator)
  • 1 hour 15 minutes, 37.5% of marks (calculator)

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

  • None

10% off all AS level courses

Enrol on any AS level course between 28th November 2025 and 2nd February 2026 and use code ASL1025 to receive 10% off the course fee at checkout.

Why study AS level Mathematics

Future opportunities

  • AS level Maths prepares you for further study, perhaps you are considering studying A level Mathematics or another related subject like economics or psychology
  • It helps to build a foundation in mathematics needed for STEM degrees
  • AS level Maths will help you boast your UCAS points for your university application
  • The course content covers, statistics and pure mathematics that will help towards careers in: finance and data analysis as well as other subjects that explore the world around you
  • AS level Maths will help to keep doors open to you if you are uncertain about your future direction
  • Government research suggests that individuals who have the best Mathematics skills and achieve academic qualifications in this subject, generally go on to earn a higher wage.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

Pure mathematics 1

  • Algebra 1
  • Indices and surds
  • Coordinate geometry
  • Quadratics
  • Graphs
  • Trigonometry 1
Section 2

Pure mathematics 2

  • Algebra 2
  • Circles
  • The binomial expansion
  • Differentiation 1
  • Exponentials and logarithms 1
Section 3

Pure mathematics 3

  • Trigonometry 2
  • Differentiation 2
  • Exponentials and logarithms 2
  • Integration
  • Vectors
Section 4

Statistics 1

  • Mathematical models in statistics
  • Measures of location and spread
  • Representing data
  • Probability
  • Hypothesis testing
Section 5

Mechanics 1

  • Mathematical models in mechanics
  • Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line
  • Forces
  • Vectors in mechanics
  • Variable acceleration

    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns about AS level Maths answered.
    Read more AS level FAQs.

    AS level (Advanced Subsidiary level) Maths is an academic qualifications that is viewed as the stepping stone between GCSE Maths and A level Maths. It offer s a foundational understanding of Mathematics and is completed in just one year. It provides valuable insights for students exploring a subject area before committing to a more in-depth 2 year A level course.

    AS levels are great for strengthening university applications, as they contribute to your UCAS points and you gain subject-specific knowledge.

    AS level Maths covers the first 4 sections of A level Mathematics covering Pure Mathematics and Statistics, which will help you to develop your problem solving and logical skills.

    AS levels are considered to be the equivalent of the first year of A levels, and that is no different for Maths. AS level Maths gives students a foundation in the subject and the opportunity to decide if they want to dive deeper into Maths and complete a Maths A level.

    AS level Maths covers the first 4 sections of a Maths A level course, therefore, giving you a taste of what the A level course will be like. If you choose to do A level Maths after completing your AS level you will be re-examined on these sections.

    Yes. AS levels are seen as a stepping stone between GCSE and A levels. The Maths AS level will build on the knowledge that you have already gained from GCSE Maths but doesn’t go as indepth into the subject as you would in A level Maths. 

    If you are interested in furthering your mathematics knowledge, whether that is after completing a GCSE or later in life, it is a good way to develop your maths skills without committing to a 2 year course to do an A level. It maybe that you need to develop your mathematical skill set for a career or just want to boast your UCAS points for a university application.

    You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, AS level Maths does involve sitting two exams, these can only be taken on set dates by the exam board.

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    To find out about booking an exam visit our Exams and Assessment page or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    The AS level qualification is a standalone qualification and the grades do not accumulate to the full A level. If you choose to sit the AS level exams one year and then want to gain the full A level either the following year or later on, you will still need to sit the exam papers that covered the AS level materials. The marks required in order to gain an A level grade will include testing the knowledge expected at AS level as well.

    Please contact our course advisors to find out more about further qualifications.

    To enrol on an NEC online AS level Maths course simply click on the Add to cart to enrol‘ button at the top of the page and complete your application online.

    Alternatively you can talk to a course advisor who can tell you more about our AS level Maths course and exam bookings, see the ‘talk to course advisor‘ button.

    Got more questions?

    You can explore more FAQs about studying with the NEC or contact a course advisor

    Affordable mathematical study

    Keeping AS level Maths affordable

    We’re an education charity, so we’re focused on helping people access qualifications that can genuinely change their lives, therefore we want to keep our fees affordable. That includes being upfront about what AS level Maths will actually cost you.

    • Our AS Maths fees are competitive, and if you’re taking multiple subjects, our multi-buy discounts can help bring the cost down.
    • We run special offers throughout the year and offer personal discounts in certain situations, so it’s worth checking what’s available when you’re ready to enrol.
    • If you’d rather spread the cost, we work with Omni, a UK finance specialist. It’s not right for everyone, but paying monthly can take the pressure off having to find everything upfront.
    • Depending on your situation; your age, employment status, or other circumstances; you might qualify for additional funding support to help cover the fees.

    For the full breakdown of AS Maths course fees and your options, visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
    Our AS Maths fees are competitive, and if you're taking multiple subjects, our multi-buy discounts can help bring the cost down.
    Pay in instalments, woman sitting at a desk using a computer
    Monthly instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £525
    Deposit £52.50
    Amount of credit £472.50
    Monthly payment £39.38
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £525
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative
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    With you every step of the way

    Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor

    You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.

    “AS Level Mathematics is highly valued for developing the logical precision and analytical skills essential across many career paths. While GCSE focuses on applying techniques, AS Maths introduces Mathematical Argument and Proof. This teaches you to communicate reasoning step-by-step to reach rigorous, logical conclusions—an invaluable intellectual skill. Furthermore, AS Maths provides support for subjects like Science, Economics, and Psychology. In Psychology, for instance, it offers the vital statistical grounding required for complex research methods and data interpretation.”

    Collen Young, Maths Tutor
    MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS
    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

    Talk to one of our course advisors

    Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

    Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

    • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
    • Or contact us today by phone or email.

    We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

    Talk to a course advisor

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