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Mathematics

Edexcel UK A Level · 9MA0

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics (9MA0)

9MA0 is the UK Advanced GCE (A Level) Mathematics specification, not International A Level Mathematics YMA01. It has three compulsory written exams and a full A Level syllabus tracked independently from 8MA0.

Written exams
3
Total marks
300
Total exam time
6h

Course structure

A UK linear A Level qualification with three compulsory, externally marked written exams. Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics are all required; there are no optional units or coursework. All assessment is taken in one May/June series.

Pure and Applied Mathematics

Either Pure paper can assess any of the ten Pure Mathematics topics: Paper 1 and Paper 2 are not a Year 1/Year 2 split. Together they account for two thirds of the qualification. Paper 3 covers Applied Mathematics and assumes Pure knowledge.

9MA0 assessment structure

All papers are compulsory and calculator-permitted. Answer every question.

9MA0/01

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1

Duration
2h
Marks
100
Weighting
⅓ (33.33%)

9MA0/02

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2

Duration
2h
Marks
100
Weighting
⅓ (33.33%)

9MA0/03

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics

Duration
2h
Marks
100
Weighting
⅓ (33.33%)

Applied booklets

  • Paper 31: Statistics — 50 marks
  • Paper 32: Mechanics — 50 marks

These are two parts of one 2h sitting, not extra exams or optional units. The specification groups them as 9MA0/03.

Source: Pearson specification and assessment guide, page 3. Weightings are for the whole qualification. One third is shown rounded as 33.33%.

Main syllabus content

Use the Syllabus tab for the numbered learning points and completion checkboxes.

Pure Mathematics

  1. 1Proof
  2. 2Algebra and functions
  3. 3Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
  4. 4Sequences and series
  5. 5Trigonometry
  6. 6Exponentials and logarithms
  7. 7Differentiation
  8. 8Integration
  9. 9Numerical methods
  10. 10Vectors

Statistics

  1. 1Statistical sampling
  2. 2Data presentation and interpretation
  3. 3Probability
  4. 4Statistical distributions
  5. 5Statistical hypothesis testing

Mechanics

  1. 6Quantities and units in mechanics
  2. 7Kinematics
  3. 8Forces and Newton’s laws
  4. 9Moments

Calculator requirements

Use a compliant calculator with iteration, summary statistics and probabilities from standard statistical distributions. Check its power supply and clear stored notes or formulae before the exam.

Symbolic algebra, symbolic differentiation or integration, translators and communication with other devices or the internet are not permitted. Check the current exam-centre rules; calculator use does not replace required working.

What earns the marks?

AO1 · Standard mathematical techniques
48–52%
AO2 · Reasoning, interpretation and communication
23–27%
AO3 · Problem solving and modelling
23–27%

Qualification-wide ranges, not extra paper weightings. Questions can combine topics and assess reasoning, problem solving and modelling.

Large data set and formulae

Prepare with Pearson’s large data set before the Statistics assessment. Questions may assume familiarity with its context, terminology and data; this preparation can help you access marks.

The Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables booklet is provided in every exam. It is not a complete formula list: Appendix 1 of your specification identifies formulae you must know.

Results and preparation

The 9MA0 grade is based on the combined 300 marks, with grades A*–E; below the minimum standard is U. Individual papers are not separately graded.

Pearson sets no formal prior-learning requirement, but GCSE Mathematics or equivalent Level 2 knowledge is useful preparation. Your school or college may set its own entry requirements.

Your 9MA0 progress on IGCSEfy

Track chapters and subtopics in Syllabus, and add this exact UK qualification through Profile → Add Subject. Its progress stays separate from 8MA0 and International A Level YMA01. Completing a chapter completes its subtopics; completing all subtopics completes the chapter.

Past-paper tracking applies only to papers available in the archive. Assessment definitions above are not downloadable files or completed papers.

Official sources and verification

Checked 2026-09-04 against Pearson’s 9MA0 specification (PDF), Issue 4 · February 2020. Printed pages: 5–6 (papers), 10 (data set), 11–39 (content and assessment), 40–41 (objectives), 44 (grading), 49 (formulae), 59 (calculators).

Applied booklet names and marks: Pearson’s GCE Qualification and Assessment Guide, page 3. For current documents, see Pearson’s Mathematics qualification page.

IGCSEfy is an independent study aid, not Pearson’s official syllabus publication. This summary does not replace the full specification or exam instructions.