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

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 2008 entry will be as follows though there may be slight variations to cater for an applicant’s individual circumstances.

For single maths applicants we will normally ask for AAA or possibly AAB over the best three A levels including math grade A.

For applicants taking further maths at AS level we will normally ask for grades AAB over 3 A levels including math grade A plus an A in AS further maths.

For applicants taking double maths we are likely to ask that they achieve AAB over three A levels including double maths; in some cases we will require grade A in Further Maths."
 

For more information please see: http://www.bath.ac.uk/math-sci/undergrad/offer.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.eng2.bham.ac.uk/chemical/ug/admissions.htm

Mathematics: Further Mathematics AS/A2 is not a requirement, but study of it is seen as an advantage. 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.mat.bham.ac.uk/admission/

University of 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/

Computer Science and Mathematics: "Our typical A-level grade requirements are: AAA, (incl. Mathematics) or AAB (incl. Further Mathematics)."

For more information please see: http://www.cs.bris.ac.uk/admissions/ug/apply.html

University of Cambridge

Mathematics: Varies according to college, but is preferred in most colleges, and essential in some. See link:. http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/maths/requirements.html

Engineering: Further Mathematics is strongly preferred as a third A-Level in most colleges. See link: http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/admissions/guide/table1.html

Computer Science: Further Mathematics is preferred in most colleges. See link: http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/compsci/requirements.html

University of Derby

Mathematical and Computer Studies: "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

"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

Mathematics: "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: www.essex.ac.uk/maths/cs/ug/scholarships.shtm

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/

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 see: http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/teaching/undergraduate/computing/

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/electricalandelectronicengineering

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/ugprospectus/facultiesanddepartments/mathematics/entryrequirements

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 see: 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/

Physics/Engineering : "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.

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

Oxford University

Further Mathematics is recommended for Computer Science, Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Mathematics and Philosophy, Mathematics and Statistics.

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&ugcourses=1&course_id=
&article_id=37&course_level=2

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

"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 www.maths.rdg.ac.uk/

University of Southampton

Mathematics: 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/

"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

University of Surrey

Mathematics (2009 entry): "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: 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.ucl.ac.uk/Mathematics/undergraduates/prospective_undergrad/admission_req.htm

The University of Warwick

Mathematics: "Most applicants for taking A-Level and AS-Level examinations will receive 2 or 3 of the following four offers -

  • Grade A in Maths A-Level, Grades A, B in two other A-Levels PLUS a Grade 2 in a Mathematics STEP or AEA (Advanced Extension Award) Paper.
  • A grades in Maths and Further Maths A- Levels, grade B in one other A- Level, and grade a in one other AS- Level;
  • Grade A in Maths A-Level, grade a in Further Maths AS- Level, and grades A in two other A-Levels.
  • Grade A in Maths A-level and grades A, A, B in three other A-levels."

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

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 see: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/admit/EntryReqs.php

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 see: http://maths.york.ac.uk/www/AdmitOffers