A2 Maths - Further

Maths - Further
Mathematics can be studied as two subjects. This means that you get two A level qualifications at the end of the course if you are successful. A high degree of competence and interest is obviously expected from you when you choose this course.

Many of you will combine Maths and Further Maths with 3 other AS's in year 1 (equivalent to a 5 AS programme) and 2 other A levels in year 2 (equivalent to a 4 A Level programme).

This is equivalent to a full Mathematics A level in Year 1 and an A level in Further Maths in Year 2.
Year 1 is equivalent to two AS Mathematics on your timetable.
Your final qualification is Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
You will study with a group of like minded students, consequently groups are very focussed and there will be opportunity to investigate a wider range of ideas in greater depth.

You may decide at the end of your first year to follow an AS in Further Mathematics in year 2 giving you a final qualification of an A Level in Mathematics and an AS in Further Mathematics.

What Will I Learn on this Course?

• An appreciation of the more abstract concepts of mathematics.
• An understanding of new ideas which serve as a foundation for branches of mathematics you will meet at university.
• A sophisticated level of competency in all mathematical techniques.
• A love of mathematics and the use of logic and argument to solve complicated problems.

We strongly recommend the Mathematics and Further Mathematics course to you if you have a strong background at GCSE and wish to study a course at University with a high mathematical or statistical content, such as Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Physics, Computing, Engineering, Geography and Psychology.
It is particularly important that prospective Oxbridge candidates who wish to read Mathematics, Natural Science, Physics or Engineering follow a course that includes Maths and Further Maths.

Course Content and Method of Assessment

A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics consists of 12 units, 6 taken in January or June of Year 1 and the rest in January or June of Year 2.

A level Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics consists of 9 units (6 taken in year 1 and 3 in year 2)
There will be one short piece of coursework in the first year and another in year 2.

In addition all modules will have a 1 hour 30 minute written examination.
You will study a range of applied units chosen from mechanics, statistics, decision maths and numerical methods.

After the Course

You will have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. Your A levels have a high status and you will be much in demand. The majority of you will go to University to study mathematics or a subject such as Engineering, Physics or Natural Science with a high mathematical content.
However, your obvious mathematical skill will make you in demand on courses such as Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, Medicine and Law.

Subject Combinations

This combines well with all subjects, but in particular those with a mathematical / numerical content such as Physics, Chemistry, Technology, Computing, Economics, Geology, Geography and Psychology.
Interestingly, Philosophy also combines exceptionally well with Maths and Further Maths.
Many students study a foreign language alongside A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Many future employment opportunities will be with multi-national companies.

Entry Requirements

In addition to normal entry requirements you should enjoy the challenge of mathematics and be anticipating a grade A or A* in your GCSE Mathematics.