Applications of Mathematics National 5

Course overview

Mathematics is important in everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world and manage our lives. Maths enables us to model real-life situations, make connections, and make informed predictions. It equips us with the skills to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.

National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, accredited by the SQA, act as pathways to further study, including university entry. Edinburgh College offers a selection of subjects at the National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels on a part-time basis. You may choose to study up to two subjects.

• Course Fees: £416 per subject. Fees will be confirmed when an application has been processed.
• Some applicants may be eligible for fee remission
• Please ensure you are applying for the correct course. This is National 5 Applications of Mathematics, not National 5 Mathematics and is not suitable for anyone wishing to study Engineering or most Science courses.

What you will learn

• Analyse real-life situations and problems involving maths
• Identify valid mathematical operational skills to tackle real-life problems
• Select and apply numeracy skills
• Select and apply skills in finance, statistics, measurement, geometry, graphical data and probability
• Use mathematical reasoning skills to draw conclusions or justify decisions
• Communicate mathematical information in an appropriate way

How the course is assessed

• The course is assessed through an SQA examination in May, which will require you to draw on and apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired across all the units in the course, sometimes in integrated ways.
• The exam consists of two papers - one where calculators are not allowed and one where they are permitted.

Number of days per week

Part-time evening class:

• Thursday evening, 6 PM to 9 PM at Sighthill Campus
•  Plus, a recommended minimum of at least 3 hours of self-study

Students need to attend every week at the allocated time. National 5 Applications of Maths is a demanding course, and you must ensure you can commit the time required to pass.

Entry requirements

• You must have gained a pass at National 4 Applications of Maths (or equivalent).
• It is recommended that you also gain a pass in National 4 English
• You must provide a personal statement to support your application, which includes reasons you are choosing to study National 5 Applications of Maths.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

•  Applicants with appropriate maths qualifications gained more than 2 years ago will be asked to attend a skills test to assess their knowledge and suitability for the course.
• This will be in person and paper-based.
• If you are required to attend a skills test, your acceptance onto the course will be based on your completion of the test.
• There will be a minimum passing requirement for the test to ensure applicants are equipped with the skills needed to begin the course.
• Unfortunately, resits for this skills test will not be possible until the following academic year.

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Further study towards careers in teaching or social work.
• National 5 Applications of Mathematics is accepted for entry to most postgraduate primary teaching courses.

Please carefully check the entry requirements of the university you are considering applying to, and ensure that this qualification is accepted as an alternative to National 5 Mathematics. If unsure, contact the university for confirmation.

Career options

• National 5 Applications of Mathematics is accepted for entry to a wide range of courses, including the teaching and social sciences.