A Level Further Maths

Do you have a strong interest in pursuing Mathematical subjects beyond sixth form?

Further Maths is a very demanding course, and requires a strong GCSE profile, particularly in Maths and Science subjects. It is a course for those with a strong interest in pursuing Maths, Physics, Engineering or Economics beyond sixth form. A Level Further Maths can only be studied by students who are also studying A Level Maths.

About the Course

Studying Maths and Further Maths means you will take two A-Levels in Maths, so you need to appreciate the additional lesson time and independent work that Further Maths will bring.

Further Maths will build upon some of the content of A Level Maths such as calculus and proof, and you will also study brand new topics such as matrices and polar coordinates. Two thirds of the content is Pure Mathematics, with one sixth Mechanics and one sixth Statistics.

How can you know whether you'll be suited to A Level Further Maths?

You need to be exceptionally confident and skilled at algebraic manipulation and problem solving. You may be surprised to hear that this is by no means just about your GCSE grade. Some students achieve a high grade in GCSE Maths by being strong in topics such as arithmetic and geometry, yet are weaker at algebra. Please bear this in mind when considering whether Further Maths is for you.

What you'll learn

Two thirds of the course is Pure Mathematics and includes topics such as: Mathematical argument, language and proof, Mathematical problem solving, Mathematical modelling, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra, calculus, vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, differential equations and numerical methods There are also Applied Mathematics modules in Mechanics and Statistics.

How you'll learn

You'll learn through classroom-based teaching. There will also be opportunities to take part in enrichment activities such as extension workshops, competitions and trips.

Assessment is through final examination at the end of the course.

There will be 3 exam papers each of 2 hours duration. Exams will comprise short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems.

Papers 1 and 2: May assess content from the following sections:

Proof

Complex numbers

Matrices

Further Algebra and Functions

Further Calculus

Further Vectors

Polar coordinates

Hyperbolic functions

Differential equations

Trigonometry

Numerical Methods

Paper 3:

One question paper answer booklet on Statistics and one question paper answer booklet on Mechanics.

You need to be qualified by both the 1) relevant admissions score AND 2) for the subjects you are applying for:

1) Admissions scores

The indicative Minimum Entry Admissions Score for ​Further Maths is 78*

Calculate your admissions score at www.hillsroad.ac.uk/calculator

Read more about our admissions scores by visiting www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply

2) Subjects and grades required

GCSE grade 8 in Mathematics and 8 in all Sciences. Applicants must have studied a minimum of two Sciences.

Before making your application, visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply and give yourself the best chance of achieving our entry criteria.

*The admissions scores are an indicative guide to help applicants understand how places have previously been allocated, they should not be taken as a definitive prediction of equivalent scores for entry to the College in 2022, which will depend on application patterns for that year. Please submit your application to the College even if your score is a few points below the relevant admissions score.

Further Maths is essential for many university courses in Maths, and is useful for some university courses in Economics, Computing, Physics and Engineering. There are a variety of career paths for Further Maths students: common routes include being an engineer, statistician and computer scientist, whereas some of our ex-students have gone on to become finance analysts and economists.

For more information and to read the FAQs for this subject visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/further-maths