the Further Mathematics network

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Universities

Studying Further Mathematics is excellent preparation for University, especially if you wish to study any maths-related subject such as Engineering, Sciences, Computing or Technology as well as Mathematics itself. Whilst many courses do not specify Further Mathematics explicitly, students with Further Mathematics qualifications are strongly welcomed on any maths-related course and often receive preferential offers because of this.

What the Universities say about Further Mathematics

University of Bath

Economics: "Further Mathematics (considered useful but not essential) and Business Studies are acceptable as third A-level subjects."
For more information please see: http://www.bath.ac.uk/econ-dev/admissions/admis-pol.htm

University of Bath

Mathematics: "Bath wishes to allow access to its mathematics courses to applicants who are only able to take a single A level in mathematics and will continue to make offers to good candidates in this category. Nevertheless we would like to encourage applicants to take Further Mathematics at A or AS levels if possible, and to similarly encourage the taking of Advanced Extension papers or STEP papers.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, having studied a wider mathematics curriculum and having attempted more demanding questions is an undoubted advantage in the transition to university mathematics. Secondly, it is very hard to assess an applicant’s real mathematical potential from a single mathematics A level in which over 40% of students currently get an A grade. In many cases an applicant’s university place depends on their grade in Biology or Physics or English etc whereas we would prefer a better measure of mathematical ability.

We therefore will make slightly different offers according to whether an applicant is taking single maths, an AS level in further maths or an A level in Further Maths.


Our normal offers for 2009 entry will be as follows though there may be slight variations to cater for an applicant’s individual circumstances, especially in relation to the study of further mathematics.

For single maths applicants we will normally ask for AAA over three A levels, including Mathematics with grade A in all four core modules. We prefer a second scientific or quantitative subject.

For applicants taking further maths at AS level we will normally ask for grades AAB over three A levels including grade A in maths plus an A in AS further maths.

For applicants taking double maths we will normally ask for grades AAB over three A levels including grade A in both maths and Further Mathematics.

The above three offers will incorporate an alternative allowing one letter grade lower in one non-mathematical subject for candidates who obtain Merit in the Mathematics Advanced Extension paper or grade 2 in one STEP paper.

A six unit vocational A level is acceptable provided it is in a broadly related subject. In all our offers, General Studies will be excluded.

If numbers allow us to use discretion in accepting candidates who narrowly miss their offer, we will pay particular attention to performance in Mathematics, especially in AS or A level Further Mathematics."

For more information please see: http://www.bath.ac.uk/math-sci/admissions/offers

University of Bath

Physics: Candidates offering three subjects at GCE A level (A2 level) should include Physics and Mathematics. Any subject may be offered for the third. Chemistry and Further Mathematics are popular and are particularly useful.
For more information please see: http://www.bath.ac.uk/physics/undergrad/entry.html

University of Birmingham

Chemical Engineering: "Grades AAB from three Advanced GCE Levels or equivalent (which should include two Advanced Levels). You must offer Mathematics and Chemistry Advanced Level. For students studying Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Chemistry to Advanced GCE Level only, Grades ABB are required."
For more information please see: http://www.eng.bham.ac.uk/chemical/study/undergrad/entry.shtml

University of Birmingham

Mathematics: Further Mathematics A level or AS level is an excellent preparation for many degree programmes, not just mathematics, and we strongly encourage you to take it if it is available to you. Approximately 40% of our 2007 intake had Further Mathematics A level or AS level. Taking Further Mathematics will mean that you have a much better idea of what to expect from our degree programmes because you will have already seen more mathematics. We are aware that many schools are not able to offer Further Mathematics and so we do not make it a requirement of our offers. Our first year programmes are, therefore, carefully designed to take into account the different qualifications that students arrive with. If Further Mathematics is not available at your school, you may be able to take it through the Further Mathematics Network.
For more information please see: http://www.mat.bham.ac.uk/study/ug/degree.shtml

University of Bristol

Computer Science: "Our typical A-level grade requirements for Computer Science and Mathematics are: AAA, (incl. Mathematics) or AAB (incl. Further Mathematics)."
For more information please see: http://www.cs.bris.ac.uk/admissions/ug/apply.html

Bristol

Mathematics: "Entry requirements for applicants taking A-level and AS-level examinations:
Grades AAA with A in Maths, or
AAB with A in Maths including Further Maths, or
AAB+a with A in Maths and a in Further Maths AS-level"

For more information please see: http://www.maths.bris.ac.uk/study/admissions_undergrad/requirements/

University of Cambridge

Computer Science: Further Mathematics is preferred in most colleges.
For more information please see: http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/compsci/requirements.html

University of Cambridge

Engineering: Further Mathematics is strongly preferred as a third A level in most colleges.
For more information please see: http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/admissions/guide/table1.html

University of Cambridge

Mathematics: Further Mathematics is preferred in most colleges, and essential in some.
For more information please see: http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/maths/requirements.html

University of Chester

Mathematics: “The University of Chester is pleased to be part of the national Further Mathematics Network- widening choice for A level Mathematics students.
More students studying more mathematics is good for the UK and for student employability.
The University of Chester rewards applicants offering a Further Mathematics qualification with double UCAS points for their Further Mathematics grade.”

Neville Ford, Professor of Computational Applied Mathematics, University of Chester
For more information please see: http://www.chester.ac.uk/undergraduate/mathematics.html

University of Derby

Mathematics: "Further Mathematics AS/A2 is not a requirement for entry onto our programmes, but if you have the opportunity to take further maths at AS or A level, we strongly recommend it. We find that students who have taken these extra qualifications handle the transition from school or college to university very well. The University is prepared to be more flexible with students who have studied Further Mathematics but not met the standard offer."
For more information please see: http://www.derby.ac.uk/mathematical-and-computer-studies-bsc-hons

University of Durham

Mathematics: I am delighted to support the important work of the Further Mathematics Network. I would recommend that any student who intends taking a science, engineering or mathematics degree at university consider taking Further Mathematics. The Further Maths Network gives all students this opportunity."

Dr. James Blowey
Reader in Mathematics, University of Durham

"If you are studying Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A-level and will most likely obtain A grades then we would very much like to hear from you ... If your school or college offers double Mathematics you should follow this route.

Our standard offer is AA in Mathematics and Further Mathematics plus B (AAA including Mathematics for students not doing Further Mathematics A2)."

For more information please see: http://www.dur.ac.uk/mathematical.sciences/undergraduate/applying/

University of Essex

Mathematics: "Are you taking Further Mathematics A-level?
If you are, then, if
* you put Essex as your firm UCAS choice, and
* you obtain a B or A grade in Further mathematics, then
we give you £250 after two weeks at Essex!
This award is in addition to any scholarship, and is not affected by grades obtained in other subjects.

For more information please see: http://www.essex.ac.uk/maths/cs/ug/scholarships.shtm

University of Exeter

Mathematics: "The Exeter Mathematics department is pleased to support the work of the Further Mathematics Network.

Though is not a requirement, we strongly encourage prospective students to take Further Mathematics, either at AS or A level. The University is prepared to be more flexible with students who have studied Further Mathematics but have not met the standard offer."


Professor Peter Ashwin
For more information please see: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/mathematics/index.php

Imperial College, London

Aeronautical Engineering: "Further Mathematics is highly recommended but not mandatory for admission to, and success on, our courses."
For more information please see: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/aeronautics/courses/ug/faqs/

Imperial College, London

Computing: "Mathematics underpins Computing and our experience is that the more exposure that students have had to advanced Mathematics prior to starting our course, the better they are able to cope with its intellectual challenges. We are delighted to support the Further Maths Network in its aim of widening access to Further Maths A2/AS level tuition."
For more information please see: http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/teaching/undergraduate/computing/

Imperial College, London

Electrical and Electronic Engineering: "At A level or Scottish Advanced Higher we require at least three subjects at grade A. These must include mathematics and physics and one other relevant subject, for example further maths, electronics, computing or chemistry. The most immediate benefit for you would probably come from choosing further mathematics as the third A level."
For more information please see: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ugprospectus/facultiesanddepartments/electricalengineering/

Imperial College, London

Mathematics: "You are recommended, where possible, to take an A level combination that includes both mathematics and further mathematics.If you are unable to take further mathematics then you should take physics where possible. We will also consider other A level combinations (e.g. mathematics, economics, English), but as competition for places is intense, your application will be stronger if you are studying subjects with a high mathematical content."
For more information please see: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/mathematics/admissions/ug/entry_requirements

Imperial College, London

Mechanical Engineering:
"Our course builds on a very strong understanding of Physics and a very high level of Mathematical ability to help to answer the questions 'will this design work ... and can we make it more efficient ? ' This analysis often requires a mixture of pure and applied mathematics, and the more maths you can study at school or college, the easier will be your first year at University. We do accept students with single Maths, but Further Maths at A2, or even AS level will provide you with much more experience and confidence in using maths as a tool to solve real problems. Even if you do not offer Further Maths as your third A level, but have the chance to study it, you will find the benefits at University.
Note also that mechanics modules are of more use on our course than statistics."


David Robb, Admissions Tutor
For more information please see: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/mechanicalengineering

University of Lancaster

Mathematics: "Further Mathematics is an advantage but not a requirement. The University is willing to be more flexible in making offers to students who have studied Further Mathematics but not met the standard offer."
For more information please see: http://www.maths.lancs.ac.uk/department/opportunities/undergraduate

University of Leeds

Mathematics: "Our offers are generally in the range of 300-340 points from three GCE or VCE A-levels, with an A in A-level Mathematics.

If you get an A in A-level Mathematics and an A in A-level Further Mathematics, we will guarantee you a place (subject to 5 GCSEs including English at grade C or above)."

For more information please see: http://www.maths.leeds.ac.uk/school/undergraduate/

University of Leeds

Engineering/Physics: "Take an AS in Further Maths - and be well prepared for university! The extra modules of pure maths and mechanics will prove invaluable for mathematics, physics or engineering."
Mike Savage, Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds.
For more information please see: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/

London School of Economics

Actuarial Science: "Normally required: A level: grades A A A, one of which must be Mathematics. Further Mathematics is highly desirable."
For more information please see: http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/statistics/study/prospective/bsc_actuarial_science.htm

The University of Manchester

Mathematics: Entry requirements are typically AAB or equivalent, or ABB with Further Mathematics, including grade A in Mathematics. There is also an offer of ABB plus a B in AS Further Mathematics.

"All new UK students who are enrolled on this undergraduate degree programme, and who gain three A grades at A level (not including General Studies), will be awarded a Scholarship of £750, or £1,500 if one of these A grades is in Further Mathematics."
Study of Further Mathematics is an advantage but not a requirement for MMath.
For more information please see: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/search/bysubject/?index=MA

The University of Newcastle

Mathematics: "If you get an A in A level Mathematics and an A in A level Further Mathematics we will assure you of your place."
For more information please see: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/course/G100/Mathematics

Northumbria University

Mathematics: 'Whilst AS or A-level Further Mathematics is not a requirement, study of Further Mathematics modules is very much seen as an advantage. The University is prepared to be more flexible with students who have studied Further Mathematics but who have not met the standard offer.'
For more information please see: http://northumbria.ac.uk/?view=CourseDetail&code=UUSMAT1

The University of Nottingham

Mathematics: "I’m thinking of doing Further Mathematics as an AS level, is that a Good Idea?
Yes. "

For more information please see: http://www.maths.nottingham.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/faqs/

University of Oxford

Mathematics and Computing: Further Mathematics is recommended for Computer Science, Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Mathematics and Philosophy, Mathematics and Statistics.
For more information please see: http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses/enreq.shtml

University of Oxford

Chemistry, Engineering and Physics: Further Mathematics is considered helpful for Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science and Physics.

In addition many courses recommend the study of Mechanics modules.
For more information please see: http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses/enreq.shtml

University of Plymouth

Mathematics: "AS or A2 Further Mathematics are not essential but will be helpful to our students. We are therefore generally more flexible with applicants who have studied Further Mathematics. We also have a Mathematics and Statistics Entrance Scholarship of £500 for each grade A in Mathematics, Statistics or Further Mathematics A-level."
For more information please see: http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/0153/BSc+%28Hons%29+Mathematics

Queen Mary, University of London

Mathematics: "We run a flexible admissions policy and tailor our offer to match your educational background. We normally accept one grade lower in A-level Mathematics (or equivalent) if you have also passed AS or A-level Further Mathematics."
For more information please see: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/qmul/courses/department.php?dept_id=16

Queen's University, Belfast

Aerospace Engineering/Mechanical Engineering: Typical entry requirements for BEng:
(i) BCC including Maths and either Physics or Further Maths, or
(ii) BBC including Maths and one of Biology, Chemistry or Technology.

Typical entry requirements for MEng:
(i) BBB including Maths and either Physics or Further Maths,or
(ii) ABB including Maths and one of Biology,Chemistry or Technology.
For more information please see: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofMechanicalandAerospaceEngineering/ProspectiveStudents/

University of Reading

Mathematics-related: "In my experience, students who have taken Further Maths are much better prepared for university study of any degree programme which has a significant mathematical content, including mathematics, engineering and economics. In terms of exposure to important mathematical concepts, support for core mathematics, improvement in general mathematical skills and maturity, together with the enhanced ability to study independently, Further Maths students definitely have an advantage over regular A level students."

Dr Paul Glaister
Department of Mathematics, University of Reading
For more information please see: http://www.maths.rdg.ac.uk/

University of Sheffield

Mathematics: "A grade C in Further Mathematics might count as equivalent to a grade B in a non-mathematical subject."
For more information please see: http://www.shef.ac.uk/maths/prospectiveug/entrygrades.html

University of Southampton

Mathematics: "Maths is a profound way of understanding the world and a powerful tool for solving real problems. It can also lead to an interesting career – for example, Southampton maths graduates are now working in Formula 1 racing. The (Further Mathematics Network) centre at Southampton will play a key role in inspiring young people in the fun and excitement of maths as well as its sheer usefulness."
Professor Adam Wheeler,
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Industrial Applied Mathematics, University of Southampton

"Students with A level Further Mathematics will typically get an offer one grade lower than those offering just A level Mathematics.
Our advice to applicants is - if you can't do further mathematics then don't worry, but if you can - then do it!"

For more information please see: http://www.maths.soton.ac.uk/

University of Surrey

Mathematics: "Typical entry requirements -
MMath programmes: A level grades AAA (360 points), or AAB (340 points) including Further Mathematics
BSc Mathematics: A level grades AAB (340 points), or ABB (320 points) including Further Mathematics"

For more information please see: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/coursedetails.php?url=mathematicsstatistics/

University College London

Mathematics: "Students must obtain grade A at A level in either Mathematics, Pure Mathematics or Mathematics with Statistics, and additionally obtain grade A at A level in either Further Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Statistics. "
For more information please see: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/coursedetails.php?url=mathematicsstatistics/

University of Warwick

Mathematics: "Standard Offers
* Offer 1: A(M) A(FM) and either B 2 or AA
* Offer 2: A(M) a(FM) A b 2
* Offer 3: A(M) A A 2

2 denotes grade 2 in a Maths STEP or AEA paper.
(M) (FM) denote Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
UPPER/lower case letters denote grades in A/AS-level. In A(M) we ask for A in units C1-C4.
We strongly prefer that applicants taking A2 Further Mathematics include at least four of the Further Pure and Mechanics units among their 12 units because these are good preparation for our course. We might insist that those entering on the A(M)A(FM)AA offer (without AEA/STEP) demonstrate strength in these areas by obtaining grade A in four of their FP/M units (as well as in C1-C4)."

For more information please see: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/maths/admissions/ug/offer/

University of Warwick

Physics: "Typical Offers
For F303, F300 and FN31 (Physics, Physics and Business Studies):
AAB at A level to include A in Physics, A in Maths and B in a third subject for students not offering Further Maths at A-level
or ABB at A level to include Physics, Maths and Further Maths.


For GF13 and FG31 (Mathematics and Physics):
AAA at A level to include Maths and Physics for students not offering Further Maths at A-level
or AAB at A level to include Maths, Physics and Further Maths with any two of the three subjects at A and the third at B."

For more information please see: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/physics/undergraduate_study/

University of York

Computer Science: "Inevitably, it will be an advantage to have taken two A-levels in Mathematics, and many of our entrants will have done so. We encourage it, but we do not require it. Leaving aside the question of requirements for admission, we would in any case encourage applicants to take two A-levels in Mathematics: after the long-term changes that have taken place in the content of A-level Mathematics, taking the double A-level will ensure that you have a good basis on which to build.

The comments above, concerning double Mathematics, also apply if you are taking one-and-a-half A-levels in Mathematics. That is, an extra AS-level in Further Mathematics will always be an advantage. Also, we can often count a grade A in AS-level Further Mathematics in your favour if your main A-level Mathematics grade falls slightly short of our requirements."
For more information please see: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/admit/EntryReqs.php

University of York

Mathematics: "All require grade A in Maths A-level. For single-subject candidates, the offer is
MMath (G102): AAA, or AAB including Further Maths
BA/BSc (G100): AAB, or ABB including Further Maths


We encourage applicants to take Further Maths A-level."
For more information please see: http://maths.york.ac.uk/www/AdmitOffers