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Mathematics

Edexcel UK AS Level · 8MA0

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Mathematics (8MA0)

8MA0 is the UK Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Mathematics specification, not International A Level Mathematics YMA01. It has two compulsory written exams and its own syllabus and progress tracker.

Written exams
2
Total marks
160
Total exam time
3h 15m

Course structure

A UK linear AS qualification with two 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

Paper 1 covers nine Pure Mathematics topics. AS Pure Mathematics can also be used in Paper 2. Pure accounts for 62.5% of the qualification; the combined Applied paper accounts for 37.5%.

8MA0 assessment structure

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

8MA0/01

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics

Duration
2h
Marks
100
Weighting
62.5%

8MA0/02

Paper 2: Statistics and Mechanics

Duration
1h 15m
Marks
60
Weighting
37.5%

Applied booklets

  • Paper 21: Statistics — 30 marks
  • Paper 22: Mechanics — 30 marks

These are two parts of one 1h 15m sitting, not extra exams or optional units. The specification groups them as 8MA0/02.

Source: Pearson specification and assessment guide, page 3. Weightings are for the whole qualification.

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. 9Vectors

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

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
58–62%
AO2 · Reasoning, interpretation and communication
18–22%
AO3 · Problem solving and modelling
18–22%

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 8MA0 grade is based on the combined 160 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 8MA0 progress on IGCSEfy

Track chapters and subtopics in Syllabus, and add this exact UK qualification through Profile → Add Subject. Its progress stays separate from 9MA0 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 8MA0 specification (PDF), Issue 3 · October 2025. Printed pages: 4–5 (papers), 9 (data set), 10–24 (content and assessment), 25–26 (objectives), 29 (grading), 32 (formulae), 41 (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.