What is Further Mathematics?

• Further Mathematics is an AS/A level qualification which both broadens and deepens the mathematics covered in AS/A level Mathematics.
• AS level Further Mathematics is designed to be taught alongside AS level Mathematics in year 12, or taken up as a new AS subject alongside A2 Mathematics in year 13.

Who should study Further Mathematics?

Any student planning to take a mathematics-related degree (this covers a very wide range of academic areas - Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics, etc., as well as Mathematics itself) will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics, at least to AS level.

AS Further Mathematics introduces new topics such as matrices and complex numbers that are vital in many maths-related degrees. Students who have studied Further Mathematics find the transition to maths-related degrees far more straightforward.  Studying Further Mathematics also boosts students’ performance in AS/A-level Mathematics.

Any student capable of passing an AS/A level in Mathematics should also be able to pass an AS level in Further Mathematics and studying Further Mathematics also helps students to achieve their best possible A level Mathematics grade by consolidating and reinforcing their standard A level Mathematics work.  Students planning to study for a maths-related degree who did not begin AS Further Mathematics in year 12 can choose to study it alongside A level Mathematics in year 13.

Students who are especially keen on Mathematics will really enjoy the full A level in Further Mathematics. It is a challenging qualification, which both extends and deepens students’ knowledge and understanding beyond the standard A level Mathematics, but students who do it often find it is their favourite subject.

Further Mathematics qualifications are prestigious and are strongly welcomed by universities. Students that do Further Mathematics are really demonstrating a strong commitment to their studies, as well as learning mathematics that is very useful for any maths-related degree.

There are many good reasons to take Further Mathematics:

• Students taking Further Mathematics overwhelmingly find it to be an enjoyable, rewarding, stimulating and empowering experience.
• For someone who enjoys mathematics it provides a challenge and a chance to explore new and/or more sophisticated mathematical concepts.
• It enables students to distinguish themselves as able mathematicians in the university and employment market.
• It makes the transition to a mathematics-related university course easier.

By studying Further Mathematics through a Further Mathematics Network Centre, students also:

• taste a more independent style of learning, which is good preparation for university or a career;
• have the chance to work with like-minded students other schools and colleges;
• in many cases, have regular input through a local university.