A Level Further Maths
Further Maths allows students to go beyond the topics studied in Maths A Level. It extends students’ knowledge by using complex numbers, matrices and polar coordinates. Part of the course covers further mechanics topics and elements of Decision Maths including Algorithms and Graph Theory. The qualification is perfect for those considering university courses with a large mathematics content. At least a grade 7 at GCSE with strong skills in algebra, are vital.
“You do lots of interesting topics such as complex numbers that you wouldn’t get to study otherwise.”
A Level Further Maths – Edexcel
What is Mathematics?
The Further Maths course results in two A-level qualifications: Maths, and Further Maths. Fifteen hours of teaching will be offered each two week cycle rather than the usual twenty hours normally allocated for two A-level courses.
The course goes beyond the syllabus of the Maths A Level, to include topics seen at University such as complex numbers, matrices and mathematical proof.
Why study it?
Further Maths should be taken by anyone interested in taking a Mathematics based degree at university, such as Maths, Physics or Engineering.
Course Structure and Your Future
Structure
A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics are linear 2 year courses. Both courses will be assessed separately by exams at the end of the 2 years. As this results in 2 A level qualifications, you will study the same content as A level Mathematics plus extra Further Mathematics topics.
Content
Core, Statistics and Mechanics
Proof; complex numbers; matrices; further algebra and functions; further calculus; further vectors; polar coordinates; hyperbolic functions; differential equations…… plus others to be confirmed.
What next?
Studying A-Level Further Maths can be extremely valuable if you wish to pursue a career in the following:
Scientific research, Computer science, Mathematical and statistical modelling or Engineering.