Further Mathematics A Level

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - To be confirmed

Entry Requirements: - 5 GCSEs Grade 9-4 - Some requirements vary slightly dependent on course.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Applica here

For progression to many courses at university it is important to have strong mathematics skills. For most science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree course A level Mathematics is a requirement and AS or A level Further Mathematics is often a preferred subject. Anyone applying to study a degree in a STEM subject should consider taking Further Mathematics to at least AS level as the additional content helps ensure a successful progression to university. AS Further Mathematics is accessible to most A level Mathematics students. Having A level Further Mathematics on your university application is a way to make it stand out.

“Those students who had studied further mathematics to A- or AS-level standard reported coping better with the mathematical content of the degree, and as such perceived that they required less additional support throughout their studies.” Institute of Physics ‘Mind the Gap’ report 2010

“In general, [it’s] harder than expected, especially the mathematical aspects. I felt thoroughly unprepared for the mathematics involved coming from only having maths (no further maths) A-level. My peers who did study further maths were much better prepared.” Engineering student

A level Further Mathematics is fun and rewarding. It broadens your mathematical skills and promotes deeper mathematical thinking. You will be introduced to interesting new areas of pure mathematics such as complex numbers and apply mathematics in a wider range of contexts.

Advanced Subsidiary Assessment Units

The course is divided into two types of units: Compulsory Core Pure Mathematics. The second unit can be on a variety of different topics (such as Further Pure Maths, Further Statistics, Further Mechanics and Decision Maths).

Advanced Level Assessment Units

For the full A Level students continue their studies of the AS content. But the depth and breadth of knowledge gained is much greater

Two examples of important Further pure topics are complex numbers and matrices.

One area of discrete mathematics is graph theory, which includes solving problems such as:

What would be the most efficient route for delivering post around a network of streets? This topic uses algorithms which are vital in computer science.

In addition to two Core Pure Mathematics modules, students will have the option to extend their studies in two of the following areas: Statistics, Mechanics, Decision Maths and Further Pure Mathematics

Advanced Subsidiary Assessment Units

Assessment in June: 2 x 1 hour 40 minutes ( 1 Core, 1 Option )

Advanced Level Assessment Units

Assessment in June (Year 13) 4 x 1 hour 30 min exams (2 Core and 2 Options)

GCSE Mathematics grade 7. Students are required to have shown their ability to cope with the workload at AS level and to study independently. It is left to the discretion of the class teacher to recommend students for the Further maths course.

Pupils need to be very self-motivated as this is a predominately self-led independent course (with support from tutors as appropriate).

Having A level Further Mathematics on your university application is a way to make it stand out.