| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
FURTHER MATHS
A-level
Award
A level
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
2 years full-time
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Department of Sixth Form
Overview
Our sixth form centre is brand-new for the city of Birmingham and the surrounding areas
Experience mathematics 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.
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.
Designed to enhance your maths understanding by studying complex maths topics that are not covered by A-level Maths, you will cover complex numbers, algebra, vectors and matrices along with options that include statistics or mechanics. You will also develop the idea of mathematical algorithmic modelling to solve a vast range of challenging real-life problems.
This is a subject enormously valued by universities and employers, helping students enhance their skills in problem solving and develop an appreciation for mathematical beauty. On completion, you can go onto a mathematics-related degree, onto an apprenticeship or go directly into industry.
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 Further Maths A-level, you must study the following topics:
Further Pure Maths
- Group theory
- Complex numbers
- Linear algebra
- Calculus
- Differential equations
Further Mechanics
- Momentum
- Kinematics
- Circular motion
- Moments
Further Statistics
- Random variables
- Poisson distribution
- Continuous random variables
- Hypothesis tests
- Confidence intervals
Decision and Discrete Mathematics
- Networks
- Linear programming
- Critical path analysis
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 **.
Centre of opportunities
Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.
What will this course prepare you for?
Maths enhances and deepens your knowledge and will better prepare you for any mathematically-rich degree or STEM subject, or top tier Russell Group universities, many of which favourably adjust their grade requirements for those students who have studied Further Maths at A-level.
Further Maths is ideal for those wishing to be an actuary, astronomer, chartered accountant, data scientist, research scientist, engineer or statistician.
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Astronomer
Average Salary: £40,000
Chartered accountant
Average Salary: £52,000
Data scientist
Average Salary: £55,000
Research scientists
Average Salary: £39,000
Engineer
Average Salary: £42,000
Statistician
Average Salary: £39,000
A-levels this goes well with
Further Maths requires that you also study A-level Maths.
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.
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:
Overview:
The Further Maths A-level course is designed to enhance your understanding of mathematics by covering complex topics that are not included in the A-level Maths curriculum. You will delve into areas such as complex numbers, algebra, vectors and matrices, and explore options like statistics or mechanics.
- Develop an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of mathematics.
- Prepare you for university-level mathematics or related fields.
- Equip you with valuable skills for various career paths.
Program Description:
This program is a two-year full-time course offered at University College Birmingham's brand-new sixth form centre. It is designed for students who possess a strong intellectual curiosity and desire to delve deeper into the world of mathematics. You will be guided by experienced instructors who will provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in this challenging yet rewarding subject.
Outline:
Program Content:
The Further Maths A-level program consists of three main components:
- Further Pure Maths: This module covers topics like group theory, complex numbers, linear algebra, calculus, and differential equations.
- Further Mechanics: This module focuses on areas such as momentum, kinematics, circular motion, and moments.
- Further Statistics/Decision and Discrete Mathematics: Students can choose either Further Statistics or Decision and Discrete Mathematics. Further Statistics covers topics like random variables, Poisson distribution, continuous random variables, hypothesis tests, and confidence intervals. Decision and Discrete Mathematics focuses on networks, linear programming, and critical path analysis.
Structure:
The program is structured as follows:
- Year 1: You will cover the core topics of Further Pure Maths and Further Mechanics. You will explore advanced topics like complex numbers, matrices, and calculus.
- Decision and Discrete Mathematics: This module focuses on discrete mathematical structures and algorithms. You will learn about optimization techniques, graph theory, and network analysis.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
You will be assessed through written exams at the end of each year. These exams will test your understanding of the covered topics and your ability to apply mathematical knowledge to solve problems.
Assessment Criteria:
The assessment criteria will vary depending on the specific module but will generally focus on:
- Knowledge and understanding of the relevant mathematical concepts
- Accuracy and clarity of your solutions
- Communication skills and presentation of your work
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Practical exercises
- Group work
- Independent study
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced and qualified mathematicians who are passionate about their subject. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes a problem-solving approach to learning. Students are encouraged to actively engage with the material and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
The Further Maths A-level can open doors to various career paths, including:
- Actuary
- Astronomer
- Chartered accountant
- Data scientist
- Research scientist
- Engineer
- Statistician
Career Opportunities:
The program prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors, including:
- Finance
- Technology
- Engineering
- Science
- Research
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue further studies in mathematics or related fields at university or enter directly into the workforce.
- The university offers a range of support services to help students succeed in their studies, including academic support, financial assistance, and career guidance.
