Are you a maths geek? A maths wizard? A mathemagician? Then you’re probably considering an A-level in the subject already.
If not, this article is probably not for you. This is for those who love maths and might want to take it further.
But why might you allocate two of your very limited A-level choices to maths? Buckle in. I will tell you why you could, should or perhaps should not study further maths at A-level.
You’re right. Let’s slow down. Further maths is an extension of the A-level maths specification.
50% of the topics are compulsory across all exam boards. They are:
The other 50% will differ depending on the board, but they might include aspects such as statistics and mechanics that will build on your work in maths A-level. Alternatively, they could be completely new applications you haven’t covered before.
Still interested? Then let’s start to consider the benefits for you and your future.
Yes! Some universities’ maths departments require students to study maths and further maths at A-level.
Another reason further maths will help you on your pathway to higher education is that you may find the transition to degree level much easier than those who don’t study it. Further maths is broader and deeper than maths A-level and is designed to prepare students for higher education.
Studying further maths at university may also help to raise your grade at A-level maths! All that extra study can’t hurt, after all.
No matter what you plan to do at university, an A-level in further maths shows a level of dedication that it’s difficult to argue with. If you plan to head down the maths/ science route at university, further maths is an excellent choice.
So, if you’re good at maths, enjoy it and your teachers are confident that you’ll succeed at A-level maths, further maths is unlikely to hinder you.
Here is a list of degree subjects where further maths is listed as particularly useful:
It’s unlikely you’ll need further maths unless you plan to study maths at degree level. However, maths-heavy subjects like engineering and computer science often cite the subject as beneficial.
In fact, further maths might put you ahead of other candidates and even give you more pathways into a subject. Oxford University, for example, requires A*, A*, A for its Engineering Science BSc. Though, it only requires maths A-level for admission, one of the A*s must be in maths or further maths.
However, it’s worth considering that further maths might not be the best choice for some of you.
If you’re just as likely to consider a BA at university (for example in humanities, a language or English), it may be worth looking at some university entry requirements before you fix your sights on A-level further maths. BAs often have different requirements, and further maths might not be the best option to get you to your destination.
Take a look at our blog post on choosing a university to get an idea of the types of decisions you’ll be making in a couple of years. It’ll help you to make sure your A-level subject choices are right for you.
Of course! There’s no doubt that an A-level in further maths is impressive on a CV. Whenever a maths A-level would be useful for a job, further maths will be too.
But it has added bonuses:
Maths and further maths are particularly useful for entering careers such as accountancy, meteorology, software development and engineering.
It develops skills for life such as:
For many students, studying A-level further maths has a positive impact on their future prospects and builds skills for life. If you think you have what it takes, then grab your calculator and go for it!
