Course Overview

Unlock your analytical potential with our flexible online International A level Mathematics course—perfect for international students aiming for university or STEM careers.

International A level Mathematics is a challenging and rewarding subject that develops logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and numerical fluency—skills that are highly valued in both academia and the workplace.

This course covers core mathematical concepts including algebra, calculus, geometry, and statistics. You’ll explore how mathematics underpins everything from physics and economics to engineering and computing, equipping you with analytical skills that open doors to a wide range of career and university options.

Designed for global learners, this online course through NEC offers a flexible, structured approach to learning, supported by expert tutors and real-world applications. Whether you’re aiming for a STEM degree or want to sharpen your critical thinking, this course provides a strong foundation for future success.

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

International A level Maths at a glance

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel YMA01

course resources icon
Resources

No additional set texts required

course requirements icon
Requirements

An (I)GCSE or equivalent in Maths is recommended

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments

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

 

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

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UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (six):

Unit 1, 2 and 3 (Paper 1, 2 and 3 below) are IAS Units. Units 4, 5 and 6 (Paper 4, 5 and 6 below) are IAL Units. Students must sit all six units to gain the A level qualification.

  • Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 (P1)
  • Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 (P2)
  • Paper 3: Pure Mathematics 3 (P3)
  • Paper 4: Pure Mathematics 4 (P4)
  • Paper 5: Mechanics 1 (M1)
  • Paper 6: Statistics 1 (S1)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel YMA01

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements

An (I)GCSE or equivalent in Maths is recommended

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (six):

Unit 1, 2 and 3 (Paper 1, 2 and 3 below) are IAS Units. Units 4, 5 and 6 (Paper 4, 5 and 6 below) are IAL Units. Students must sit all six units to gain the A level qualification.

  • Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 (P1)
  • Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 (P2)
  • Paper 3: Pure Mathematics 3 (P3)
  • Paper 4: Pure Mathematics 4 (P4)
  • Paper 5: Mechanics 1 (M1)
  • Paper 6: Statistics 1 (S1)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

course assignments icon
Assignments

13 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 56 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel YMA01

course resources icon
Resources

No additional set texts required

course requirements icon
Requirements

An (I)GCSE or equivalent in Maths is recommended

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments

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

 

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (six):

Unit 1, 2 and 3 (Paper 1, 2 and 3 below) are IAS Units. Units 4, 5 and 6 (Paper 4, 5 and 6 below) are IAL Units. Students must sit all six units to gain the A level qualification.

  • Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 (P1)
  • Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 (P2)
  • Paper 3: Pure Mathematics 3 (P3)
  • Paper 4: Pure Mathematics 4 (P4)
  • Paper 5: Mechanics 1 (M1)
  • Paper 6: Statistics 1 (S1)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

Why study International A level Maths

Future opportunities

  • studying mathematics or other relevant subjects at degree level
  • a range of careers in fields such as architecture, accountancy, data analysis, financial management, financial trading, insurance, meteorology, nursing, operational research, quantity surveying, statistics, software development and education
  • government research suggests that individuals who have the best maths 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 1a

  • Algebraic manipulation, indices and surds
  • Quadratic functions and their graphs
  • Equations, inequalities and graphical solutions
  • Transformations of graphs
  • Coordinate geometry
Section 2

Pure mathematics 1b

  • Trigonometry 1
  • Differentiation 1
  • Integration 1
Section 3

Pure mathematics 2a

  • Proof
  • Algebra and functions 2
  • Coordinate geometry 2
  • The binomial expansion
  • Sequences and series
Section 4

Pure Mathematics 2b

  • Exponentials and logarithms 1
  • Trigonometry 2
  • Differentiation 2
  • Integration 2
SECTION 5

Pure Mathematics 3a

  • Simplifying algebraic fractions
  • Functions
  • Trigonometry 3
SECTION 6

Pure Mathematics 3b

  • Exponentials and logarithms 2
  • Differentiation 3
  • Integration 3
  • Numerical methods
SECTION 7

Pure Mathematics 4a

  • Proof by contradiction
  • Partial fractions
  • Coordinate geometry 3
SECTION 8

Pure Mathematics 4b

  • The binomial expansion 2
  • Differentiation 4
  • Integration 4
  • Differential equations
  • Vectors
SECTION 9

Mechanics 1a

  • Mathematical models in mechanics
  • Vectors in mechanics
  • Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line
SECTION 10

Mechanics 1b

  • Dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane
  • Equilibrium
  • Statics of a particle
  • Moments
SECTION 11

Statistics 1a (Topics TBC)

  • Mathematical models in probability and statistics
  • Representations and summary of data 1
  • Representations and summary of data 2
  • Probability
SECTION 12

Statistics 1b (Topics TBC)

  • Correlation and regression
  • Discrete random variables
  • The normal distribution

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
    • NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    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 £730
    Deposit £73
    Amount of credit £657
    Monthly payment £54.75
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £730
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

    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

    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

    You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

    Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    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.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

    Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

    Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

    Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

    People who study International A level Maths also take…

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.