What is Further Mathematics?
Further Mathematics is an additional A level in Mathematics that student’s study after learning the content in A level Mathematics. You will enhance the skills acquired in A level Mathematics and demonstrate that you can apply your knowledge to a wider range of contexts and unfamiliar scenarios.
Why study Further Mathematics?
It is useful if you are wishing to pursue a Mathematics rich course at degree level (even if the course requirements do not ask for Further Mathematics). This means that the skills you develop in Further Mathematics are highly valued by universities and studying this course would help your application stand out.
Furthermore, you will learn about Decision Mathematics – an area of Mathematics you will not have studied before.
What will you study?
Pure Mathematics
Proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors
Further pure Mathematics
Complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions and differential equations
Statistics
Sampling, data presentation, probability, discrete, Poisson, binomial, geometric and negative binomial distributions, hypothesis testing, the central limit theorem, chi squared tests, probability generating functions and quality of tests
Mechanics
Quantities and units, kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws, and moments
Decision Mathematics
Algorithms and graph theory, algorithms on graphs, critical path analysis and linear programming
What happens outside lessons?
Further Maths students take part in the UKMT senior Maths challenge in October of each year with the top performing students being invited to take part in follow on events in the form of the Senior Kangaroo or British mathematical Olympiad.
“Maths is an arduous climb; every new challenge is bold and exciting!”
Where can Further Mathematics take you?
This course will be beneficial for degree programmes such as Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, some further examples of courses that list
A level Further Mathematics as a desired course are Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Veterinary Science (mathscareers.org.uk).
Decision Mathematics is useful if you are considering careers in Computer Science, Urban Development, Quantity Surveying, Project Management and Route Planning.
What subjects go well with Further Mathematics?
Maths and Further Maths will be taken as part of a four A level combination, going well alongside any other subjects, particularly the sciences.