We know that choosing the right ATAR Maths subject for QCE can feel like a big decision. It’s not just about picking a subject you think you might be good at — it’s about finding the one that aligns with your strengths, interests and future goals. Whether you’re aiming for a career in engineering, health sciences, business, or something entirely different, the Maths subject you choose now can have a significant impact on your ATAR and your next steps after high school. In this post, we'll walk through the different QCE Maths subjects in detail to help you decide which one might be the best fit for you.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your QCE Maths Options
In Queensland, you have four main Maths subjects to choose from: Essential Mathematics, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics. Each one serves a different purpose and suits different types of students. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand what each subject offers.
1) Essential Mathematics
Essential Mathematics is designed for students who want to focus on practical Maths skills that are directly applicable to trades, vocational education and everyday life. It’s the least challenging of the QCE Maths subjects, but it still provides valuable skills that can be used in a wide range of professions.
Who Should Consider QCE Essential Mathematics?
If you’re planning to pursue a trade or enter the workforce directly after high school, Essential Mathematics can provide you with the practical skills you’ll need.
It’s also a good option if you’re looking for a Maths subject that won’t add too much pressure to your overall workload, especially if you’re focusing on other areas.
PROS | CONS |
Less stressful | Lowest scaling for ATAR |
Practical skills for trades | Not suitable for advanced studies |
Easy to balance with other subjects | Limited university options |
2) General Mathematics
If you’re someone who enjoys Maths but doesn’t necessarily want to dive deep into complex theories, General Mathematics could be a good choice. This subject focuses on practical applications — things you might actually use in everyday life or in a variety of jobs. You’ll cover topics like algebra, geometry, statistics and financial Maths. It’s designed to give you a solid foundation without being overly demanding.
Who Should Consider QCE General Mathematics?
If you prefer working with numbers in real-world contexts rather than dealing with abstract concepts, General Mathematics might be right for you.
It’s a good option if you’re planning to pursue a university degree in fields like the arts, humanities or social sciences (areas where advanced Maths isn’t typically required)
General Mathematics is also a smart choice if you want to maintain a balanced workload across your subjects without the intense focus required by higher-level Maths courses.
PROS | CONS |
Easy to manage workload | Lower scaling for ATAR |
Practical real-world applications | Not suitable for STEM courses |
Good for non-STEM fields | Limited university options |
3) Mathematical Methods
Mathematical Methods is a step up in terms of difficulty and complexity. This subject dives into algebra, calculus, probability and statistics — topics that are essential for anyone thinking about a career in areas like engineering, economics or the sciences. If you have a strong aptitude for Maths and enjoy problem-solving, this could be the right subject for you.
Who Should Consider QCE Mathematical Methods?
If you’re interested in a career in STEM, business or health sciences, Mathematical Methods is likely a necessity. It’s often a prerequisite for university courses in these fields.
This subject is also a great choice if you enjoy challenging yourself with more complex mathematical concepts such as calculus and want to develop strong analytical skills.
PROS | CONS |
High scaling for ATAR | More challenging |
Essential for most STEM university courses | Requires extensive revision and practice |
Helps you develop strong analytical skills | May be overwhelming |
4) Specialist Mathematics
Specialist Mathematics is the most advanced Maths subject offered in the QCE. It covers topics like advanced calculus, vectors, matrices and complex numbers. This subject is usually taken alongside Mathematical Methods and is intended for students who excel in Maths and are considering careers in fields that require a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, such as engineering, mathematics or actuarial studies.
Who Should Consider Specialist Mathematics?
If you’re planning to pursue a degree in engineering, mathematics or any field that involves high-level quantitative analysis, Specialist Mathematics is highly recommended — sometimes even required.
You should consider this subject if you have a strong passion for Maths and enjoy tackling challenging problems that require deep thinking and creativity.
PROS | CONS |
Highest scaling for ATAR | Course content is demanding |
Essential for quantitative fields | Time-intensive and complex |
Prepares for advanced university courses | Not needed for all careers |
Aligning Your Choice with Your Career Goals
Now that you have a clearer understanding of what each subject entails, it’s important to consider how your choice aligns with your future aspirations. Here’s how different QCE Maths subjects match up with various career paths:
STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
If you’re aiming for a career in a STEM field, Mathematical Methods is usually a must and pairing it with Specialist Mathematics can give you a strong advantage. These subjects provide the foundation you’ll need for university courses in engineering, computer science, physics, and more. The advanced skills you’ll develop are not only crucial for these fields but also highly valued in the job market.
Business, Economics & Commerce
For those interested in business, economics, or commerce, Mathematical Methods is typically required or at least strongly recommended. The analytical skills and understanding of calculus and statistics you’ll gain in this subject are essential for success in these fields. Specialist Mathematics can also be beneficial, particularly if you’re considering a more quantitative or data-driven role in the future.
Health Sciences
If you’re planning a career in health sciences — such as medicine, dentistry, or physiotherapy —Mathematical Methods is often required. This subject will provide you with the mathematical foundation necessary for understanding complex scientific concepts and conducting research. In some cases, General Mathematics might suffice for allied health fields, but it’s always best to check the specific requirements of your desired course.
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
If your interests lie in the humanities, arts or social sciences, General Mathematics or Essential Mathematics are the better options. These subjects will provide you with necessary mathematical skills without overwhelming you with content that’s less relevant to your field. Choosing one of these subjects allows you to focus more on your other areas of study while still meeting your QCE requirements.
Trades & Vocational Education
For students planning to enter a trade or pursue vocational education, Essential Mathematics is an excellent choice. It covers practical, real-world Maths that you’ll use in your everyday work. Whether you’re going into construction, hospitality, or any other trade, the skills you learn in Essential Mathematics will be directly applicable.
Considering Your Strengths and Interests
When choosing your QCE Maths subject, it’s also important to reflect on your personal strengths and interests.
Is Maths your strong suit?
If you’ve always excelled in Maths and enjoy it, then tackling the more advanced subjects like Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics might be a good fit. These subjects will challenge you and help you develop skills that will be valuable in many future careers.
Do you find Maths challenging?
On the other hand, if Maths isn’t your strongest subject or if it causes you a lot of stress, you might want to consider General Mathematics or Essential Mathematics. These subjects will still give you the mathematical skills you need, without overwhelming you.
Balancing Your Workload
Don’t forget to consider your overall workload. If you’re taking other demanding subjects, you might not want to overload yourself with the most challenging Maths course. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you.
Note that if you require Mathematical Methods as a pre-requisite for your desired university course, many unis offer bridging programs that you can complete over the summer. These university bridging courses are short and intense programs that cover the topics and concepts you would have learned in Year 11 and 12 and are a great option if you think this will maximise your ATAR.
Impact on Your ATAR
Scaling is another important factor to consider when choosing your Maths subject. In Queensland, Maths subjects are scaled differently, with Specialist Mathematics typically scaling the highest, followed by Mathematical Methods, General Mathematics and Essential Mathematics.
Specialist Mathematics: This subject scales the highest, which means that if you do well, it can significantly boost your ATAR. However, it’s also the most challenging, so only choose it if you’re confident in your Maths abilities.
Mathematical Methods: This subject also scales well and is a solid choice for anyone aiming for a high ATAR, especially if you need it for your chosen university course.
General Mathematics: While it doesn’t scale as highly as the other two, General Mathematics can still contribute to a strong ATAR, particularly if you excel in it.
Essential Mathematics: This subject scales the lowest, but it’s still a valuable option for students who want to keep their ATAR options open without the intensity of the higher-level Maths subjects.
Consulting with Teachers and Career Advisors
Before making your final decision, we strongly recommend discussing your options with your teachers and career advisors. They can provide valuable insights into how each subject fits with your strengths, interests and future aspirations. They can also help you understand the specific requirements for the university courses you’re considering.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing the right Maths subject for your QCE is about more than just your ATAR — it’s about setting yourself up for success in your future studies and career. Whether you opt for the challenge of Specialist Mathematics or the practicality of Essential Mathematics, the key is to choose a subject that aligns with your strengths, interests and career goals.
Remember, this decision is yours to make and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Take the time to consider your options, seek advice and choose the path that’s right for you. With the right choice, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your academic and career goals. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ATAR maths?
ATAR Maths refers to the mathematics subjects that count towards your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). In Queensland, these subjects include General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics and Essential Mathematics.
Can you get an ATAR with Essential Mathematics?
Yes, you can get an ATAR with Essential Mathematics. However, keep in mind that Essential Mathematics scales lower than other Maths subjects, which could impact your overall ATAR.
What is Maths Methods QLD?
Maths Methods (Mathematical Methods) in Queensland is a senior secondary subject that covers advanced topics such as algebra, calculus, probability and statistics. It's designed for students who are planning to pursue further studies in fields like science, engineering, economics and health sciences.
Is Specialist Mathematics harder than Mathematical Methods?
Yes, Specialist Mathematics is generally considered more challenging than Mathematical Methods. It covers more advanced topics and requires a deeper understanding of complex mathematical concepts.
What is the difference between Maths Methods and General Maths?
The main difference between Maths Methods and General Maths is the level of difficulty and the content covered. Maths Methods includes more complex topics like calculus and is essential for many STEM-related university courses (e.g. biomedical science, engineering), while General Maths focuses on practical applications and is less demanding, making it suitable for students not pursuing advanced Maths.
Which Maths subject scales the highest for ATAR?
Specialist Mathematics typically scales the highest, followed by Mathematical Methods, General Mathematics and Essential Mathematics.
Should I take General Mathematics if I’m not strong in maths?
General Mathematics is a good option if you find Maths challenging but still want to develop practical skills that apply to real-life situations. It's less demanding than Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.