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About the course

Do you have a real passion for Mathematics? Are you thinking about a career or a degree in Mathematics, engineering, the physical sciences, or computing? Do you want to use your ability in Maths to obtain a fourth subject to help distinguish yourself to employers and universities? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ then Further Mathematics is the subject for you!

A Level Further Mathematics is taken as a fourth subject, alongside A Level Mathematics. You will choose two other subjects to complete your study programme. Further Mathematics develops and hones the skills learnt in A level Mathematics.

Further Mathematics is studied from the Edexcel board. You will sit the AS exams at the end of the first year and then progress to the A Level in the second year which has four exam papers.

Course content

You will learn a combination of Core Pure Maths, Further Statistics and Further Mechanics in both years further developing your skills and knowledge in key areas of maths.

Year 1

1. ‘Core Pure Maths’: You will construct proofs using mathematical induction, deal with complex numbers and develop the use of Argand diagrams. You will use matrices to represent transformations and further develop your use and understanding of algebra, calculus, and vectors.

2. ‘Further Statistics’: You will develop further skills in discrete probability distributions and explore Poisson and binomial distributions. You will extend ideas of hypothesis testing and use of Chi Squared Test.

3. ‘Further Mechanics’: You will explore principles such as momentum and impulse, develop an understanding of kinetic and potential energy and the principle of conservation of mechanical energy. You will additionally investigate elastic collisions in one dimension through direct impact of elastic spheres.

 

Year 2

1. ‘Core Pure Maths’: You will further develop your skills with algebra including the Maclaurin series and evaluating improper integrals whilst extending your skills in calculus by differentiating inverse trigonometric functions and developing further skills for integration.

2. ‘Further Statistics’: You will build on your knowledge from the previous year and explore geometric and negative binomial distributions, hypothesis testing and the central limit theorem. You will also explore the use of probability generating functions of the negative binominal, geometric, binomial and Poisson distributions.

3. ‘Further Mechanics’: This unit will also build on your knowledge of mechanics from the previous year with a further focus on momentum as a vector, elastic strings and springs. You will also explore elastic collisions in two dimensions and how kinetic energy is lost through impact.

What do I need to join
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including English Language and a grade 8 in GCSE Maths. Learners taking Further Mathematics must also study A Level Mathematics. Further Mathematics can only be studied as a fourth subject.
What can I do next
Further Mathematics is an ideal subject to take if you are looking for a career in maths, the sciences or engineering. A useful subject combination to take includes Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and another subject as similar themes are studied in both subjects. Learners who take Further Maths often have the entry criteria for university study lowered. Some of the most interesting and well-paid careers revolve around Maths. Careers in finance, medicine, business, and engineering are all open to you with a background in Maths, as are careers in technology – Maths being at the very core of all new technological developments. This makes Maths a natural fit for you to take alongside subjects such as the Sciences or Business and Economics.

Apply Online

Location
Starting
Apply
FLL30NM9/1
Filton Campus
September 2025

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SGS Sport

Join SGS Sport. You can enhance your full-time study programme by joining one of our renowned SGS Sport academies. Train in top-tier facilities, learn from expert coaches, and pursue your passion for sports while you study. Explore the academy options below to add to your course basket and elevate your college experience both academically and athletically.

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WFLX01TT
WISE Campus
American Football
£300
WFLX023J
WISE Campus
Basketball
£300
WFLX023P
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Boxing
n/a
WFLX0HC7
WISE Campus
Esports
£100
FFLX0G0C
WISE Campus
Female Basketball
£150
WFLX021X
WISE Campus
Female Football
£300
WFLX0CP5
WISE Campus
Female Rugby Union
£400
WFLX021W
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Male Football
£400
WFLX023H
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Male Rugby Union : Elite
£400
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£300
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Course information last updated: Wednesday 2nd April 2025 @ 9.30AM

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