Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MATHS
A-level
Overview
Our sixth form centre is brand-new for the city of Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Experience maths in action with our School of Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction.
Applications for our A-level courses have closed. Sign up for our waiting list.
Enjoy cracking difficult puzzles? Maths makes you better at solving problems and is intensely satisfying for those who study it, enabling you to develop further skills in algebra and numbers, then calculus, following your GCSEs.
Much of the material introduced in statistics and mechanics support understanding of the sciences. However, A-level Maths is much more than learning more techniques. It develops your decision making, critical thinking and analytical work, and requires you to make connections and adapt your thinking to a wide range of problems.
With departments that include engineering, digital and construction, maths is at the very heart of University College Birmingham. You will experience first-hand many of the practical applications of maths and benefit from specialist lectures, for example, focusing on the maths that underpins engineering or sports technology.
To help you fully appreciate the many career routes that can lead on from A-level maths, we have dedicated careers and apprenticeship departments. With their first-hand experience, our university lecturers will also provide guidance to support your applications to degrees, apprenticeships, and employment.
Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?
- PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
- AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
- OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level
Course Breakdown
To achieve your Maths A-level, you must study the following topics:
Pure Maths
- Proof
- Complex numbers
- Matrices
- Further algebra and functions
- Further calculus
- Further vectors
- Polar coordinates
- Hyperbolic functions
- Differential equations
- Trigonometry
- Numerical methods
Mechanics and/or Statistics
- Statistical sampling
- Probability
- Statistical distributions
- Hypothesis testing
- Quantities and units in mechanics
- Kinematics
- Forces
- Moments
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
- We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and a grade 7 in GCSE Maths.
Supporting Documents Required
- School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
Guaranteed Progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key Information
Teaching and Assessment
You will be assessed through written exams at the end of two years.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.
What will this course prepare you for?
Maths is a cornerstone to most engineering, economic, scientific and numerate degrees, as well as being complementing many other subjects such as social sciences, literature and philosophy. Mathematicians pursue careers in fields as varied as accountancy, research, medicine, engineering, finance, pathology and construction.
For those who appreciate the richness and depth of this subject, also studying A-level Further Maths is a strong combination, especially if you intend to study maths or the sciences at competitive universities.
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
- Accountant: Average Salary: £40,000
- Pathologist: Average Salary: £72,000
- Researcher: Average Salary: £39,000
- Data Analyst: Average Salary: £41,000
- Engineer: Average Salary: £42,000
- Philosopher: Average Salary: £35,000
A-levels this goes well with:
- Psychology A-level: Studying A-level Psychology, you will delve into topics such as memory, perception, social influence, abnormal behaviour and more. By embarking on this captivating journey of discovery, you will explore the complexities of human behaviour and the inner workings of our minds.
- Further Maths A-level: If you're driven by intellectual curiosity and wish to enhance your understanding of A-level Maths by studying this beautiful and creative subject at an even higher level, this is the further education course for you.
- Physics A-level: How did the universe begin? How will it end? Are we alone? A-level Physics is about analysing the world around us by asking fundamental questions and using experiments and mathematics to try to answer them.
- Computer Science A-level: Advances in computing are transforming the way we work and with its emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, A-level Computer Science is an excellent foundation for understanding and applying solutions to these future challenges.
- Chemistry A-level: Chemistry is in everything you taste, smell, touch and see and we need chemists more than ever. This A-level will set you on your way to making your mark in everything from finding new antibiotics and ways to conserve coral reefs to making environmentally-friendly alternatives to current plastics.
- Biology A-level: From the intricate molecular world inside cells to how our body systems work, A-level Biology is the study of life in all its rich complexity. Intellectually stimulating, this course will encourage your curiosity and develop your scientific understanding, practical dexterity and mathematical problem-solving.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Description:
The A-level Maths program at University College Birmingham is a 2-year, full-time program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and develop their problem-solving skills.
Key features:
- Experience the practical application of maths with the School of Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction.
- Benefit from specialist lectures focused on areas like the mathematics behind engineering and sports technology.
- Receive support from dedicated careers and apprenticeship departments to explore career opportunities and gain relevant experience.
- Gain guaranteed progression to a degree program at University College Birmingham upon achieving 56 UCAS points.
Other:
- Access to world-class university facilities through the connection to University College Birmingham.
Outline:
Content:
The A-level Maths program covers a comprehensive range of topics in both pure mathematics and mechanics and/or statistics.
Pure mathematics:
- Proof
- Complex numbers
- Matrices
- Further algebra and functions
- Further calculus
- Further vectors
- Polar coordinates
- Hyperbolic functions
- Differential equations
- Trigonometry
- Numerical methods
Mechanics and/or statistics:
- Statistical sampling
- Probability
- Statistical distributions/hypothesis testing
- Quantities and units in mechanics
- Kinematics
- Forces
- Moments
Structure:
- The program spans two years of full-time study.
Assessment:
Methods:
- Written exams
Criteria:
- Performance on the written exams determines the overall grade awarded for the A-level Maths program. However, it is reasonable to expect a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, and independent study.
Faculty:
- University College Birmingham boasts a team of experienced and qualified lecturers who provide instruction for the A-level Maths program.
- This provides students with a deeper understanding of how mathematics is used in the real world.
Careers:
Potential career paths:
- Accountant
- Pathologist
- Researcher
- Data analyst
- Engineer
- Philosopher
Career opportunities:
- Roles in fields such as engineering, economics, science, and numerate disciplines.
- Opportunities in research, medicine, engineering, finance, and other sectors.
Average salaries:
- Accountant: £40,000
- Pathologist: £72,000
- Researcher: £39,000
- Data analyst: £41,000
- Engineer: £42,000
- Philosopher: £35,000
Other:
University College Birmingham
Overview:
University College Birmingham (UCB) is a vibrant and welcoming institution located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, and college courses. UCB is known for its world-class facilities, which have been significantly enhanced through a £200 million investment.
Services Offered:
The context does not provide specific details about the services offered to students.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCB boasts a supportive and friendly student community, where students can forge lifelong friendships and find a sense of belonging. The institution offers campus tours led by student ambassadors, who provide insights into student life and facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class facilities:
UCB has invested heavily in its campuses, equipment, and resources, providing students with a high-quality learning environment.University of Warwick accreditation:
Many of UCB's programs are accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university, ensuring high academic standards.Location:
Situated in the heart of Birmingham, UCB offers students access to a thriving business environment, beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene.Student choice:
UCB is the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice, as recognized by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.Academic Programs:
UCB offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
A variety of undergraduate degree courses.Postgraduate:
A selection of postgraduate degree courses.Apprenticeships:
Higher level apprenticeships.College:
College courses.Other:
Entry Requirements:
Academic requirements:
- You will need
- 4 GCSEs at grade 5 or above , including
- a grade 6 in Maths to study this A Level.
Supporting documents required:
- school report, which must include attendance This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.