MATHEMATICS (FURTHER)
LEVEL 3: A LEVEL
EXAMINING BOARD: AQA
This course is suited to mathematicians who are amongst the very best in their current school and are passionate about studying abstract ideas and solving complex problems. You can expect to meet new concepts and methods very quickly.
If you choose to study Further Maths, you will achieve a Maths A Level and a Further Maths A Level (two grades) but must also study two further A Levels or Extended Certificates within your core Study Programme.
You will have twice the number of Mathematics lessons as students who choose the single Maths A Level and will be required to do at least double the amount of self-study based on Mathematics so you can achieve the two Mathematics qualifications.
Further Maths is a challenge but if you have always enjoyed Maths beyond the classroom it may be a great environment for you.
In your first year you will complete your Mathematics A Level content and make a start on Further Mathematics topics.
In your second year you will complete your Further Mathematics content. You will take both your A Level Maths and Further Maths exams at the end of year two.
In Pure Mathematics, topics include:
- Complex numbers
- Hyperbolic functions
- Second-order differential equations
- Polar coordinates
- Proof by induction.
In Mechanics, topics include:
- Circular motion
- Work, energy and power
- Elastic strings.
In Statistics, topics include:
- Continuous random variables
- Hypothesis testing for association
- Confidence intervals.
As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):
- GCSE Mathematics grade 8
- GCSE English Language grade 4
- plus three more GCSEs at grade 4
You will study Further Maths, Mathematics and two other A Levels/Extended Certificates as part of a four-unit core Study Programme to achieve four qualifications.
There will be three A Level Maths papers and three A Level Further Maths papers. Each written exam is two hours long.
Further Maths students usually progress on to degrees or careers in Science and Technology.
Previous students have gone to study Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Finance, Economics, or Medicine, amongst other subjects.
Others have progressed to Apprenticeships, most frequently in Finance, Accountancy or Engineering.
Do I have to do Further Maths to study Mathematics or Physics at university?
No, not at most universities, only a small number would probably insist upon it.
Even most Russell Group universities do not require it for Mathematics or Physics but some universities may give a slightly lower offer if you have taken Further Maths.
Do I need a new calculator?
You will eventually need at least an Advanced Scientific Calculator but there is no need to purchase one for the start of the course. We will advise on some suitable models towards the end of the first term.