A level Further Mathematics is a second A level in maths that broadens and deepens the maths covered in A level Mathematics.
It’s studied alongside, or following, A level Mathematics and can also be taken as an AS level.
What is A level Further Mathematics?
If you plan to apply for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degree, taking further maths to at least AS level will help you with your studies.
All further maths courses have the same pure maths content, which makes up 50% of the A level and 30% of the AS level. You may have some choice over the remaining content of each course. This might include further study of pure maths, statistics, and mechanics. Or, other areas of maths, such as decision maths or modelling with algorithms.
What to expect in an A level Further Mathematics lesson
AS topic areas include:
Complex numbers – which allow the solution of a range of equations that would otherwise have no solutions by introducing ‘imaginary’ numbers.
Matrices – which consist of grids of numbers that can be used to represent transformations and solve simultaneous equations, amongst many other things.
A level covers further areas of pure maths, such as polar co-ordinates, differential equations, and hyperbolic functions.
Each of these builds on earlier topics and develops your understanding of how mathematical topics are interconnected.
Further Resources
Here, you will find resources that will help you work towards taking AS/A level Further Mathematics. Included the collection of FM videos and revision techniques.
More Maths
Here you will find links to free collections of interesting mathematical articles, challenges, and puzzles to explore.
What comes next?
Go to our ‘What comes next’ page if you want more information on what comes after A level further maths, including career advice, applying for university, and preparing for internships.
Click here to find out about A level Mathematics and click here to find out about Core Maths.