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National 4: Mathematics SCQF Level 4

Maths is important in everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us and to manage our lives. Using maths enables us to model real-life situations and make connections and informed predictions. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, and make informed decisions. This course enables you to select and apply straight forward mathematical skills in a variety of mathematical and real-life situations. You’ll interpret, communicate, and manage information in mathematical form and cover all the basic groundwork for starting National 5: Maths.

lecturer with student

Course information

Level:

SCQF Level 4

Study Mode:

  • Evenings only and weekends

Location:

  • Dunfermline City Campus

Start Date:

Aug 2025

Duration:

  • One year (August-June)
  • Part-time evenings – 6 hours per week (3 hours class time plus minimum three hours self-study) Tuesdays 6-9pm at Dunfermline Campus

OR

  • Distance Learning – eight hours per week self-study with tutor support (August-June)

What will I study?

  • This course is divided into 3 units, each assessed upon completion. The Added Value assessment covers material taken from all of the three previous units. Part 1 of the Added Value assessment is non-calculator and Part 2 allows the use of a calculator
  • Mathematics: numeracy
  • Mathematics: expressions and formulae
  • Mathematics: relationships
  • Mathematics: added value
  • You must successfully complete all of the units plus the Added Value assessment to achieve the National 4 Maths award

Application Information

What further study options are available?

  • A pass at National 4 Maths is an excellent achievement which could open up many opportunities for you such as gaining a place on a college course of your choice or as a stepping stone to the National 5 course
  • Mathematics has applications in many subject areas, and skills developed in this course could support progression in other curriculum areas
  • These skills can also support progression into Skills for Work courses, National Progression Awards, National Certificate Group Awards, and employment

What career opportunities are there?

  • National 4 Maths is often an essential prerequisite for entry to a National 5 Mathematics course
  • National 5 or Higher Mathematics can give access to university in the areas of science, engineering, technology, computing, architecture, finance and many more