SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics specification (X844 76)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics (X844 76) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official SQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Higher Applications of Mathematics course develops candidates’ ability to apply mathematical and statistical skills in real-life situations. It focuses on financial literacy, data interpretation, mathematical modelling, and decision making, helping candidates to make informed choices in a variety of contexts such as finance, health, social sciences and business. Emphasis is placed on reasoning, numeracy and the critical evaluation of data and quantitative information. The course aims to prepare learners for further study, training, or employment by building confidence in the use of mathematics in everyday and professional life.
Subject content breakdown
Mathematical modelling
- Use variables, graphs, formulae to model real-world situations.
- Understand units, consistency, and evaluate models.
- Handle errors and tolerances; use spreadsheets to support calculations.
Statistics and probability
- Create and interpret statistical diagrams: bar charts, histograms, box plots, etc.
- Understand data types, outliers, sampling methods, and misleading graphs.
- Use linear regression and correlation (e.g. Pearson’s r), interpret slopes and intercepts.
- Perform and interpret hypothesis tests, confidence intervals, t-tests, z-tests.
- Recognise errors in statistical testing and the impact of confounding variables.
Finance
- Calculate present/future value of payments under various conditions.
- Understand and analyse loans, credit cards, savings, and insurance.
- Apply financial planning: tax systems, inflation, risk analysis, purchasing power.
Planning and decision making
- Use PERT and Gantt charts for project planning.
- Identify critical paths, slack times, and represent activities over time.
- Calculate expected values and assess decision-related risks.
Use of technology
- Required to use spreadsheets/statistical software for modelling and analysis.
- Skills include: creating graphs, using functions (e.g. STDEV, PEARSON), goal-seeking, and formatting outputs.
Numeracy and reasoning
- Apply number processes, time/money measurements.
- Use reasoning to evaluate models, justify conclusions, and communicate findings effectively.
Assessment structure
Question Paper
- 65 marks, scaled to 80; 2 hours 5 minutes
- Structured paper with short- and extended-response questions.
- Real-life contexts requiring mathematical modelling, statistics, finance, planning, and reasoning.
- Use of software (e.g. spreadsheets) required. Output must be printed and submitted.
- Approximately:
- 15–35%: Mathematical modelling
- 10–25%: Statistics
- 30–45%: Finance
- 10–25%: Planning and decision making
Project
- 30 marks; approx. 8 hours
- Individually produced report (max. 2000 words, excluding visuals, appendices, etc.).
- Apply statistical skills to analyse and interpret real-life data.
- Use statistical software (e.g. RStudio, Minitab).
- Report must include statistical outputs and findings linked to a research question.
- Internally conducted with some supervision; externally marked by SQA.
Grading
- Grades A–D awarded based on total marks across both components.
- Approx. 65% of question paper marks set at level C standard.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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