I don't see it as a waste. It's being sensible, if Ricky finishes in June, why quit now? At least it gives a fall back option.
Anyway Ricky, In your situation there's not a lot that would help to be honest. Perhaps have a search for a book by Graham Duke about UK ATC, that might give you a bit more background about it.
As for the MATS 1, it is a very dry publication, and easily mis-interpreted. By very wary of studying it too much before you have the benefit of the classroom lessons that the College provides.