Mathematics
Master your future in mathematics
At City of Portsmouth College, Maths students achieve results far above national averages - with 69% of A Level learners achieving A*-B. Whether you’re solving real-world problems in Core Maths or preparing for top university entry with STEP and MAT support, this is where logic meets ambition, and futures are built.
MATHEMATICS
Subject overview
What's on offer
Maths might not appear at first glance to be the most glamorous of subjects. But we love maths, because maths is for everyone. And it applies in so many ways that can help you in your everyday life – whether that’s understanding your personal finances, all the way through to understanding complex datasets and algebra.
So, at City of Portsmouth College, we’ve got all the bases covered. From maths GCSEs through to A Level further maths, there’s a qualification that meets your needs and helps you find your brilliance. And we’ve a fantastic group of teaching staff to help you achieve your goals, too.
To sum up, we think maths is a brilliant option.
Subject highlights
- high quality teaching and support mean our students’ results are higher than the national average
- you can choose to showcase and hone your skills in competitions, including Maths Olympiads
- explore careers and start building links with a variety of visiting speakers and industry specialists
- enjoy the chance to gain valuable life skills – from tax, to interest rates, to project management
Course: A Level Mathematics
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100120
Course: A Level Statistical Analysis
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100125
Course: AS/A Level Mathematics (Further)
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100118
100% Pass Rate
Proven with perfection in 24/25
Course: Level 3 Certificate in Core Mathematics
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100122
Our facilities
At City of Portsmouth College, we want you to develop a range of skills that employers are looking for. We provide the equipment and opportunities you need to thrive.
Key facilities include:
- fully resourced laboratories
- the latest computing technology
- fully equipped computer classrooms.
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“I’ve made friends here – the people are really nice and the lecturers care. I really like that we start at 10am. It’s a much more relaxed environment than I thought it would be so it’s very easy to adapt. ”
Matteo Galleri
Studied: Criminology, Maths & ESOL
Agency: Interstudies
Careers within the mathematics industry
Cryptographer
Cryptographers keep data and communications safe by developing and cracking codes.
Main responsibilities:
- Protect sensitive data across various areas of an organisation
- Design, develop and test encryption algorithms and data security protocols
- Manage cryptographic keys and ensure systems are secure
- Investigate cybersecurity breaches
- Keep ahead of the latest threats by learning new techniques
Salary range:
£29,000 - £47,000
Economist
Economists study and analyse trends and data about the economy to provide expert advice.
Main responsibilities:
- Research and analyse economic data to identify patterns
- Build models to predict future economic or market changes
- Track economic performance and assess related financial risks
- Advise organisations on the economic impact of decisions and policies
- Communicate insights through reports, data visualisations and presentations
Salary range:
£28,000 - £60,000
Actuary
Actuaries help organisations forecast their financial costs and the risks of investment.
Main responsibilities:
- Use skills in statistics and maths to analyse financial risks and predict trends
- Build models to inform business decisions and long-term plans
- Provide advice on sustainable financial strategies
- Explain complex data clearly through presentations and reports
- Support new organisational developments with future-focused risk analysis
Salary range:
£32,000 - £66,000
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicists study space to deepen our understanding of how the Universe evolved.
Main responsibilities:
- Expand our knowledge of the Universe’s origins and structure through data analysis and theory
- Analyse data on stars, planets and galaxies from telescopes, satellites and space missions
- Develop software or instruments to capture and interpret cosmic data
- Model the behaviour of celestial bodies using computer simulations Predict future cosmic events by identifying patterns from past observations
Salary range:
£15,600 - £60,000
Forensic Accountant
Forensic Accountants use skills in audit and investigation as well as accountancy.
Main responsibilities:
- Work on a variety of cases, from business disputes to insurance claims
- Investigate financial records to detect fraud or financial misconduct
- Calculate losses and trace illegitimate funds
- Prepare reports and act as an expert witness in court cases
- Help organisations prevent future financial risk
Salary range:
£25,000 - £85,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
Are we looking at the wrong cost-of-living stats?
Governments are faced with tough choices in a cost-of-living crisis. Policymakers rely on data to decide on the most effective responses. The Royal Statistical Society – which represents statisticians and data analysts in the UK – is campaigning for the government to look at different data. It argues that Household Cost Indices, which aim to capture changes in disposable income, should carry more weight that the Consumer Price Index, which focuses more on cost inflation.
Lecturer Spotlight
Katherine Taylor
Maths Lecturer
Love a challenge? You’ll feel right at home in Maths.
Katherine Taylor shares what studying Maths at City of Portsmouth College is really like. Expect plenty of algebra (you’ve got to enjoy it!), alongside graphs, trigonometry, statistics and mechanics. It’s demanding — but that’s the point. We tackle tricky problems together, get up to the board, test ideas and learn from mistakes. Because in Maths, getting it wrong is often where the real progress happens.
Watch the video to see how you can build confidence, think differently and find your brilliance in Maths.
Frequently asked questions
You will usually need at least a grade 6 in GCSE maths, alongside a strong overall GCSE profile.
Specific entry requirements are listed on the course page so you can check that you meet the criteria before applying. A strong foundation in algebra, number and problem solving ensures you are ready to engage confidently with the pace, depth and abstraction of A Level study.
If you are unsure whether A Level maths is the right next step, our team can guide you towards the most suitable pathway.
We offer a GCSE maths resit programme with strong success rates, giving you another opportunity to achieve the grade required for progression.
Our experienced tutors provide structured lessons, targeted revision and regular feedback to help you identify gaps and strengthen your understanding. Many students find that with the right support and renewed focus; they can rebuild confidence and achieve the result they need.
A successful resit can unlock new opportunities and open progression routes that may previously have felt out of reach.
Core maths is an additional qualification designed for students studying non maths A Levels who want to strengthen their practical numeracy.
It focuses on real life applications such as data analysis, budgeting, finance, risk and interpreting statistics in the media. Rather than abstract theory, Core maths develops the numerical skills you are likely to use in higher education and employment.
This qualification is particularly valuable if you are progressing into subjects such as business, social sciences, geography or health related fields.
We offer academic mentoring, workshops and one to one support with subject specialists.
Mathematics can be demanding, but with consistent guidance, deliberate practice and clear feedback you can build resilience and discover your brilliance in logical thinking and structured problem solving. Our supportive environment encourages questions, persistence and steady progress.
A Level maths is highly valued by universities and employers across a wide range of sectors.
It supports progression into degrees and careers in engineering, economics, computer science, finance, architecture, data analysis and many other fields where analytical skill is prized. The qualification demonstrates discipline, accuracy and the ability to tackle complex challenges with confidence.
Studying maths at this level positions you strongly for competitive university applications and ambitious career pathways.
Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.
Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.
Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.
Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.
Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.
After submitting your application or enquiry, you will receive confirmation along with details about the next stage of the process.
Depending on the course, this may include an interview, informal discussion, assessment activity or enrolment guidance. These stages allow us to understand your interests, goals and suitability for the programme, while also giving you the opportunity to ask further questions.
Our aim is to ensure you feel fully prepared, supported and confident as you move closer to starting your course.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
