NDHS Guide to A-Level Further Maths 2021 - Preparation and Subject Overview

Sep 5, 2026

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Guide to A-Level Further Mathematics outlining what the qualification is and how it differs from A-Level Mathematics. Covers the course structure—Further Pure Mathematics plus Further Mechanics and Discrete/Decision Mathematics—along with core concepts such as matrices, complex numbers, and optimisation in discrete problems. Specifies typical UK entry requirements (GCSE English, GCSE points, GCSE Mathematics grade, and concurrent study of A-Level Mathematics). Includes JCQ entry trends for AS and A level Further Maths, subject entry breakdowns, first cohort examined data, and how Further Maths relates to acceptance by degree category, plus exemplar university entry requirements for 2020–2021.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

AccessFree to download

What is Further Mathematics?

What is covered in Further Mathematics?

Pure maths in Further Mathematics

What is Discrete/Decision Maths?

A Level Further Maths course requirements

A and AS level Further Mathematics entries in the UK (2003-2020)

2020 UK A level entries by subject

Core Maths entries (first cohort examined 2016-2020)

A level Further Maths and degrees

Exemplar university entry requirements

What is Further Mathematics? Further Mathematics is an additional A level qualification taken in addition to an A level in Mathematics. It is designed to stretch and challenge mathematic students and prepare them for university courses in mathematics and related quantitative and scientific subjects. What is covered in Further Mathematics? A level |
Further Pure Mathematics (66%) | | Further Mechanics (17%) and Discrete Mathematics (17%) | | --- | --- | --- | | | | | Pure maths in Further Mathematics Two examples of important Further pure topics are complex numbers and matrices. Matrices are arrays of numbers such as 1 0 0 2 . They can be used to solve sets of simultaneous equations and to represent transformations such as the shear shown in the diagram below. Complex numbers are based on the‘imaginary’ number −1 . They lead to the study of lots of new areas of mathematics, including fractals like those shown in the image above. What is Discrete/Decision Maths? Many of the problems in Discrete maths involve Optimisation – finding an efficient solution – and hence methods are applicable to many real world situations. What would be the most efficient route for delivering post around this network of streets? A Level Further Maths course requirements: ▪ A minimum of a grade 4 in GCSE English (Language) or GCSE English (Literature), AND ▪ A minimum total GCSE points score of 39 for the best eight individual GCSE subjects , AND ▪ A minimum of a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics AND ▪ To be studying A Level Mathematics A and AS level Further Mathematics entries in the UK 2003-2020 (JCQ data) Number of Entries 30,000 27,500 25,000 22,500 20,000 17,500 15,000 12,500 10,000 7,500 5,000 2,500 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 AS Further Maths A level Further Maths 2020 UK A level entries by subject (JCQ data) Mathematics Psychology Biology English Chemistry History Art/Design Sociology Physics Business Economics Geography Media Std Politics RE Further Maths Computing Law PE Drama/ Exp Arts Design & Tech Spanish French Music Classics German ICT Irish 65255 65057 64296 56026 44864 41837 38987 37893 36181 31318 30198 21584 17658 17539 14966 12426 11701 11451 10915 10588 8705 8260 5698 4777 2845 1332 315 94168 Core Maths entries First cohort of students examined in 2016 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2931 | 5376 | 6849 | 9027 | 11792 | A level Further Maths and degrees | Degree subject category | % of accepted students with A levels who have studied A level Further Maths (entry 2016) | | --- | --- | | Mathematics (G1) | 65% | | Physics (F3) | 38% | | General Engineering (H1) | 28% | | Mechanical Engineering (H3) | 26% | | Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (H8) | 17% | | Computer Science (I1) | 16% | | Economics (L1) | 11% | | Chemistry (F1) | 8% | Maths Exemplar Entry Requirements AAA / A*AB alternatively AAB / A*BB, including Further Mathematics or AAB / A*BB, PLUS Grade A in AS level Further Mathematics In all cases, the first grade quoted is the Mathematics A level. Leeds University 2021 entry A*A*A-Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject. Also, Grade 1 in STEP II and III. Cambridge University 2021 entry CCE including Mathematics (typical offer) London Metropolitan University 2020 entry

FAQs

What is A-Level Further Mathematics and how is it taken?

Further Mathematics is an additional A level taken alongside A level Mathematics. It is designed to challenge mathematic students and prepare them for university-level quantitative subjects.

Which topics are covered in Further Mathematics?

The course includes Further Pure Mathematics (66%), plus Further Mechanics (17%) and Discrete Mathematics (17%). It also covers key ideas such as matrices and complex numbers, and discrete/decision mathematics focused on optimisation.

What are the typical course entry requirements for A-Level Further Maths in the UK?

Requirements include a minimum grade 4 in GCSE English (either Language or Literature), a total GCSE points score of 39 for the best eight subjects, a minimum grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics, and being enrolled in A Level Mathematics.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Grenda