A-Level Further Mathematics

Entry Requirements: 7 in Mathematics

Further Mathematics is a course designed to be taken by students also taking A Level Mathematics. Students should have achieved Grade 7 or higher at GCSE Mathematics. All students will study for the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics (9FM0).

Course Content:

The Pure Mathematics content represents half of the course, and will cover the following topics: Proof, Complex Numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations. The other half of the course covers Option material related to Pure Mathematics, Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics.

At the end of the two-year course students will sit four externally assessed written examination papers, each lasting for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The key aims and objectives of this qualification are similar to the A-level Mathematics course. Further Mathematics qualifications are highly regarded and are warmly welcomed by universities as a fourth subject, increasing the tariff points and grades of applicants who study the subject.

Careers Pathways and Higher Education:

Students who take Further Mathematics are really demonstrating a strong commitment to their studies, as well as learning mathematics that is very useful for any mathematically rich degree. Some prestigious university courses may adjust their grade requirements more favourably to students with Further Mathematics. If you are not planning to study for mathematically rich degrees but are keen on mathematics you will find Further Mathematics a very enjoyable course and having a Further Mathematics qualification identifies you as having excellent analytical skills, whatever area you are considering for a career. For further information on this course, speak with a member of the Mathematics Department at school, or check the A Level specification on the Edexcel website.