A Level Further Mathematics

A Level Further Mathematics provides a great opportunity for enthusiastic and capable mathematicians to broaden and deepen their subject knowledge. It is taken in addition to A Level Mathematics (the combined course of Mathematics and Further Mathematics is sometimes referred to as “Double Maths” and consists of two course choices, having twice as much teaching as a single A Level course).

Entry Guidelines

For Further Mathematics, Grade 8 in GCSE Mathematics.

Topics you will cover

The course will cover further themes in Pure Mathematics (including exciting new topics such as complex numbers and matrices) and there will be some choice over the remaining content of each course which includes further study of pure mathematics, statistics, mechanics or decision maths (the mathematics of algorithms).

If you have a strong mathematical background and plan to apply for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degree you should certainly consider Further Mathematics.

Due to the demanding nature and pace of this course, we would expect you to have a grade 8 or above at GCSE Mathematics. Your algebraic skills need to be good, and you really need to enjoy Mathematics as you will be studying it for 8 lessons a week! If you choose Mathematics and Further Mathematics it needs to be studied alongside two other A Level subjects, regardless of your average GCSE score (meaning you have the equivalent of 4 subjects worth of lessons).

AS Level Further Mathematics can be taken up as an option in the second year by students who start on A Level Mathematics, but realise during their first year that they wish to extend their mathematical knowledge. AS Level Further Mathematics comprises 50% of the A Level Further Mathematics course. You do not need to apply for this course until the end of the first year at college.