Why Study Maths?

A guide for Students, Parents and Carers

Post 16 Pathways
Contents page 1
Contents page 2
 Why study Mathematics?

Leads to versatile qualifications Develop key employability skills

well-respected by employers and higher education e.g. problem-solving, communication,
logical reasoning and resilience
CV

To support the study of other A Excellent preparation

levels for a wide range of university courses
E.g. Psychology, Biology, Geography (and more)

Increase knowledge and awareness Stimulating and challenging courses

√𝒙
𝒚
of mathematical techniques and their applications​ evidenced positive effect on cognitive development
A global perspective
 Many subjects use maths…

Physics Business Biology

PE

Chemistry Maths Economics

Psychology
Engineering
Law
Geography Sociology
Computing
 Maths content in other A levels

(no specific percentage but geographical skills include quantitative

Geography and qualitative skills equally)
£ Economics (at least 20%)

Biology (at least 10%)

Business (at least 10%)

Psychology (at least 10%)

PE (at least 5%)

Sociology (no specific percentage but you will be analysing data)

 Post-16 Mathematics options

AS/A level AS/A level Further

Mathematics Mathematics

Level 3 Core A level

Maths Statistics

Which should you choose?

 What are the options?

AS/A level Extends GCSE Maths and introduces new ideas

Mathematics

AS/A level Further An additional A level to add breadth/depth

Mathematics

Level 3 Core Develops maths skills and knowledge to focus on

Maths applied problem solving
A level Focuses on data analysis and statistical techniques
Statistics
 What is Core Maths?

Versatile qualification equal in size Maths of life and the workplace

to an AS level

Supports the maths in other courses Excellent preparation for university

Interesting, engaging and relevant A course that develops valuable

to the world we live in mathematics skills

For any student with at least a GCSE Mathematics grade 4

 Main Content of Core Maths

 Financial Maths
 Statistics & Probability
 Critical Analysis
 Modelling (spreadsheets)
 Estimation
 What is Core Maths like?

How much domestic water A new teacher earns £23,000 per year,
does the UK require has no student loans, and pays 7.4%
every year? of their salary into a pension scheme.
What is the teacher’s net monthly
salary after tax and national insurance
contributions?

A genetic disease occurs in one in The speed of cars driving down a road
every 10,000 people. A test for the with a speed limit of 50mph is
disease is accurate 98% of the time. If recorded. The mean speed was
you are tested and the result is 47mph and the standard deviation of
positive, what are the chances of you the speeds 5mph. What percentage of
actually having the disease? the cars were breaking the speed
limit?
 What is in AS/A level Mathematics?

All of the content in the AS/A level Mathematics qualification

is compulsory and is the same for all examination boards.

Pure Mathematics Statistics Mechanics

66% 17% 17%
 What is Pure Mathematics?

Methods and techniques which underpin the study of all other

areas of mathematics, such as, proof, algebra, trigonometry,
calculus, and vectors ...
 What is Pure Mathematics?

Methods and techniques which underpin the study of all other

areas of mathematics, such as, proof, algebra, trigonometry,
calculus, and vectors … enabling us to solve real world problems.

What is the least amount of metal you need to

make a cylindrical can that holds 330ml of fizzy
drink?
 What is Statistics?

Reaching conclusions from data in order to make informed

decisions to help plan for the future.
 What is Statistics?

Reaching conclusions from data in order to make informed

decisions to help plan for the future.
Professor Sir Adrian Smith

What is the probability of two ‘100 year floods’ happening

within the space of 5 years?

What assumptions have you made?

Source: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/630488/AS_review_report.pdf
 What is Statistics?

“The majority of private sector organisations believe the use of

data analytics will the most important factor in increasing
growth in UK businesses” Professor Sir Adrian Smith

What is the probability of two ‘100 year floods’ happening

within the space of 5 years?

What assumptions have you made?

Source: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/630488/AS_review_report.pdf
 What is Mechanics?

The modelling of the world around us, the motion of objects

and the forces acting on them.

Particularly useful for careers in physics or engineering

 What is Mechanics?

The modelling of the world around us, the motion of objects

and the forces acting on them.

A golfer drives their ball from a tee on horizontal ground so

that it has an initial velocity of 50ms-1 at an angle of 40
degrees above the horizontal.

How far down the fairway will the ball land?

Particularly useful for careers in physics or engineering

 What is Further Mathematics?

Further Mathematics is an AS/A level qualification taken in

addition to an AS/A level in Mathematics.

Great preparation for university courses in mathematics and related

quantitative and scientific subjects.
 What is Further Mathematics?

AS level
Additional Pure, Statistics,
Pure
Mechanics or Decision
Mathematics
Mathematics

A level
Additional Pure, Statistics, Mechanics or Decision
Pure Mathematics
Mathematics
 Pure maths in Further Mathematics
Two examples of important Further pure topics are complex numbers and matrices.

Matrices are arrays of numbers such as .

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 . They lead to the
study of lots of new areas of
mathematics, including fractals like
those shown in the image on the left.
 What is Discrete/Decision Mathematics?

Many of the problems in Discrete maths involve Optimisation

i.e. finding an efficient solution

Methods are applicable to many real-world situations.

 What is Discrete/Decision Mathematics?

Many of the problems in Discrete maths involve Optimisation

i.e. finding an efficient solution

What would be the most efficient route for

delivering post around this network of streets?

Methods are applicable to many real-world situations.

 A and AS level Mathematics entries in the UK 2003-2024 (JCQ data)

180,000

160,000

140,000
Entries (JCQ data)

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

AS level Mathematics A level Mathematics

A and AS level Further Mathematics entries in the UK 2003-2024 (JCQ data)

30,000

25,000
Entries (JCQ data)

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

AS level Further Mathematics A level Further Mathematics

 2024 UK A level entries by subject (JCQ data)
Mathematics 107,427
Psychology 78,556
Biology 74,367
Chemistry 62,583
English 60,706
History 47,297
Business Studies 44,961
Sociology 44,359
Art & Design 43,668
Physics 43,114
Economics 40,451
Geography 36,314
Media/Film/TV Studies 22,990
Political Studies 21,926
Computing 20,370
Mathematics (Further) 18,082
Religious Studies 16,622
Law 14,819
Physical Education 13,475
Design & Technology 10,548
Drama/Exp Arts 9,824
Spanish 8,238
French 7,544
Classical subjects 6,522
Music 5,517
Health & Social Care 4,193
German 2,431
Digital Technology 1,038
Welsh 395
Irish 282
2024 UK A level entries by subject (JCQ data) plus Core Maths
Mathematics 107,427
Psychology 78,556
Biology 74,367
Chemistry 62,583
English 60,706
History 47,297
Business Studies 44,961
Sociology 44,359
Art & Design 43,668
Physics 43,114
Economics 40,451
Geography 36,314
Media/Film/TV Studies 22,990
Political Studies 21,926
Computing 20,370
Mathematics (Further) 18,082
Religious Studies 16,622
Law 14,819
Physical Education 13,475
Core Maths 12,810
Design & Technology 10,548
Drama/Exp Arts 9,824
Spanish 8,238
French 7,544
Classical subjects 6,522
Music 5,517
Health & Social Care 4,193
German 2,431
Digital Technology 1,038
Welsh 395
Irish 282
 Girls’ participation in Mathematics
Top 15 A level subjects for females in the UK in 2024
Psychology 57,883

Biology 47,196

English 46,724

Mathematics 39,943

Chemistry 35,188
Maths is the fourth 48% of the Level 3
Sociology 33,734 most popular A Core Maths cohort
Art & Design 32,774 level for girls. are female
History 25,697

Business Studies 17,872

Geography 16,666 Parents and carers play a key role in

Media/Film/TV Studies 13,269 positively influencing girls’ A level and
Economics 12,309 future career choices towards mathematics
Religious Studies 11,783
in both STEM and non-STEM disciplines
Political Studies 11,284

Physics 10,026
What are the career opportunities?
Unless you plan to do a STEM You’re either a You only do a
(Science, Technology, maths person or an mathematics
Engineering, Mathematics) arts person. degree to become
degree, you don’t need to study Not both. a mathematics
mathematics post-GCSE. teacher.

Career myths
Most careers that require Further Mathematics is an
A level Mathematics are A level just for students
male-dominated. who want to become
engineers or physicists
 “Quantitative skills are required in a wide range of
occupations and activities, embracing not only the
mathematical and physical sciences but also the social
sciences, the humanities and the creative arts.
Mathematics is now intrinsic to some aspects of the
creative arts… and learned societies argue that students
across the sciences, social sciences and humanities
need significant quantitative skills, and these should be a
central component of their education.”

Professor Sir Adrian Smith

Source: Review of Post-16 Mathematics

 What are the career opportunities?

“…analysis highlights the economic

value of good mathematical skills
and of higher level qualifications…
There is compelling evidence of
continued wage returns of up to 11%
to A level Mathematics.”

Rethinking the Value of Advanced Mathematics Participation

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/education/documents/research/revamp-final-report-3.1.17.pdf
 What are the career opportunities?
Average earnings five years after achieving level 3 qualifications (by subject).

Further maths £25,500 Chemistry £21,600

Maths £22,500 P.E. £20,400
Physics £23,700 French £19,900
Computing £22,500 History £19,400
Business Studies £21,000 English Literature £19,200
Geography £20,900 Sociology £18,300
Biology £20,600 Art and Design £16,800

Published 2019: Average earnings in the 2016/17 Tax year for learners that achieved level 3 qualifications in 2011
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/post-16-education-earnings-outcomes-for-level-3-achievements
 Careers using maths

Applications of mathematics in technology:

 Medical
 Game Design
 Internet Security
 Financial Cryptography
 Computing
 Communications
 Artificial Intelligence
 Careers using maths

On-going applications in engineering, such as:

 Aircraft Modelling
 Fluid Flows
 Acoustic
 Software Development
 Electronics
 Civil Engineering.
 Careers using maths

New scientific processes such as:

 Modelling populations
 Modelling diseases
 Quantum Physics
 Astronomy
 Forensics
 DNA sequencing
 Careers using maths

Applications relating to human behaviours and interactions:

 Data Science
 Psychology
 Law
 Economics
 Climate Change
 Environmental Modelling
 Political Science
 International Development
 What are Higher/Degree
Apprenticeships?

A levels or You are paid a

Degree-equivalent equivalent The employer salary while you
qualifications required for entry covers the cost. study

Popular alternative Mathematics is Examples include: Technology

to a degree at desirable for many Actuarial Software Engineering
university. apprenticeships
Data Science Quantity Surveying
Exemplar Entry Requirements Apprenticeships

Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship

A levels: BBC with a grade B in Science/Maths
Portsmouth NHS, September 2024

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

112 UCAS points, grade C/B Mathematics and a STEM subject
WMG, University of Warwick, September 2024

Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

A levels: BBC to include Mathematics
GE - Dowty, September 2024
 Is A level Mathematics needed for
entry to university degree courses?

A level Mathematics is also essential or

It is important to have strong maths skills desirable for a wide range of degree
for progression to many degree courses at courses including economics, computing,
university. social sciences and business.

Students applying to study a degree in a According to research by UCL, students with

STEM subject should also consider taking an A level in Mathematics are more likely to
Further Mathematics, to at least AS level, attend a Russell Group university ...
alongside A level Mathematics.

Look at the entry requirements on an individual university’s website for the degree subjects that
you might be interested in
 A level Maths opens doors to leading universities

Taking maths at A-level is more helpful for landing a place at a

Russell Group university than studying at a grammar or private
school, research from University College London’s Institute of
Education suggests.

There is even a maths premium for degree subjects that are

not directly related to maths or which require a different skillset,
such as languages and humanities.

Source: https://schoolsweek.co.uk/a-level-maths-is-more-useful-for-top-university-places-than-private-school
A level Maths and degree courses

% of students on the course

Degree subject category
who have A level Maths

Mathematics (G1) 100%

Physics (F3) 99%
Chemical, Process and Energy
98%
Engineering (H8)
Mechanical Engineering (H3) 93%
Pre-clinical medicine (A1) 75%
Economics (L1) 70%
Computer Science (I1) 57%
Chemistry (F1) 34%
A level Further Maths and degrees

% of students on the course

Degree subject category
who have A level Further Maths

Mathematics (G1) 65%

Physics (F3) 38%
General Engineering (H1) 28%
Mechanical Engineering (H3) 26%
Chemical, Process and Energy
17%
Engineering (H8)
Computer Science (I1) 16%
Economics (L1) 11%
Chemistry (F1) 8%
Exemplar Entry Requirements Maths

ABB (including Maths at A) or ABC if taking both A level Mathematics and Further
Mathematics (Maths at A and Further Maths at B)
University of Kent 2024 entry

A*A*A - Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one other subject + STEP

Cambridge University 2024 entry

CCE - 3 A levels or BB - 2 A levels (72 UCAS points)

including Mathematics
London Metropolitan University 2024 entry
Exemplar Entry Requirements Engineering

ABB-BBB including Maths (Further Maths recommended)

Swansea University (Chemical Engineering degree), 2024 entry

128 UCAS points (typical offer) to include Maths grade B or above

Hull University (Biomedical Engineering degree), 2024 entry

112 UCAS points (typical offer) including Mathematics and one other relevant subject at
grade C or above.
Plymouth University (Mechanical Engineering degree), 2024 entry
Exemplar Entry Requirements Science

AAB - ABB to include Chemistry and one further science subject (from Biology, Human
Biology, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Psychology, Geography or Geology).
Southampton University (Chemistry degree), 2024 entry

ABB including grade B in Maths.

Reading University (Meteorology and Climate degree), 2024 entry

104-112 UCAS points including Maths and Physics

University of Saltford (Physics degree) 2024 entry
Exemplar Entry Requirements Other subjects

AAB to include one Science subject (list of sciences

includes Mathematics and Further Mathematics)
Liverpool University (Psychology degree), 2024 entry

128 UCAS points (ABB-BBB) to include Mathematics

University of Portsmouth (Economics degree), 2024 entry

104 UCAS points to include Geography or one related

subject (includes Mathematics)
University of Lincoln (Geography degree), 2024 entry
 Studying a Maths degree

Wide range of degrees Wide range of entry requirements

e.g. BSc, MSc, MMath… CV From grade D to A* in A level maths

Different ways to study Different content to study

Lectures, assignments, projects, placements Applied maths, Abstract pure maths, Coding, Vocational

Joint honours Investigate different courses

𝒚
√𝒙
Combine maths with other subjects What content and direction will suit you best?
Maths degree courses

This map shows Maths degree

courses by minimum A level Maths
entry requirement.

A* (11 Unis)
A (19 Unis)
B (19 Unis)
C (15 Unis)
D (1 Uni)

Correct as of 23/24
Example of course content Maths
Sheffield Hallam University – Min Entry BBC. BSc Mathematics
 Course specialises in supporting • 1st year:
students to thrive • Gently consolidate and extend A Level
knowledge and methods
 Student-centred curriculum through • Strong focus on applied learning –
active, collaborative learning realistic scenarios and datasets
 Live projects with industry partners • Problem solving and thinking skills
from year 1 – become a • 2nd year:
professional mathematician • Continuing and extending topics
 • Introducing analysis and other advanced
Coursework-driven assessment topics
methods, allowing skills
development alongside maths • Placement year (optional)
 • Final year:
Use of appropriate technology to
• Advanced topics build on learning
support professional learning • Individual, in-depth project
Example of course content Maths

University of Manchester - Min entry A*A*A

BSc or MMath Mathematics (joint honours courses with other
subjects also available.

 1st year: modules in pure, applied maths, probability and

statistics, group problem solving
 2nd year: choose two streams from pure, applied or P&S,
programming with Python, Group project, mathematical
modelling, optional modules in other areas, UCIL
 3rd and 4th year: wide range of options to choose from,
optional project in 3rd year, compulsory project in 4th year.
 University entry requirements

Universities and colleges set their own entry requirements for higher
Typical: education courses, and these vary widely depending on the subject, the
specific course, and the course provider.

This is where the university considers any barriers you may face e.g. the
Contextual: school you attend, where you live, if your parents went to university, if you
have been in care or cared for a family member. They may reduce their
grade requirements or give you extra consideration.

In some cases, a qualification in Core Maths or A level

Alternative: Mathematics/Further Mathematics will reduce the grades required for
entry to a degree course in a related subject.

Visit www.ucas.com for additional information

Exemplar University Alternative Offers University of Bath

Typical offer A level Alternative offer A level

A*AA AAA
AAA or A*AB AAB
AAB ABB
Applies to all degrees that do not require A level Maths
For students achieving a grade B in Core Maths
Or grade B in AS or A level Maths or AS or A level Statistics
if studied in addition to 3 subjects.

Courses: Architecture, Business Courses, Biosciences,

Chemistry, Pharmacy, Education, Health and Sport degrees
Languages, Politics, Psychology, and Social Sciences
Exemplar University Alternative Offers University of Bath

Typical offer A level Alternative offer A level

A*AA AAA
AAA or A*AB AAB
AAB ABB

Applies to degrees that require A level Maths

For students achieving a grade B in AS or A level Further
Maths

Courses: Civil, Chemical, Mechanical and Electrical

Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Economics
and Accounting & Finance
 The University of Sheffield

If we offer you a place on certain courses with

a GCSE Maths requirement, and you're taking
a Core Maths qualifications, we'll make you
an alternative offer equivalent to one A Level
grade below the standard entry requirements
for your course, subject to you achieving a
specific grade in Core Maths.

Taken from https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/policies/access-sheffield

 The University of Sheffield Core Maths

BSc Psychology: AAB including 1 specified science,

or ABB, including 1 specified science + A in Core
Maths

BA Architecture: AAA or AAB + B in Core Maths

BSc Biomedical Science: AAB, including two

science subjects, or ABB, including two science
subjects + B in Core Maths
 The University of Sheffield

If we offer you a place on certain courses with

an A Level Maths requirement and you're taking
AS or A Level Further Maths, we'll make you an
alternative offer equivalent to one A Level grade
below the standard entry requirements, subject
to you achieving a specific grade in Further
Maths.

Taken from https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/policies/access-sheffield

 The University of Sheffield Further Maths

BSc Chemistry: AAB including Chemistry, or BBB, including Chemistry + B in a EPQ,

or ABB, including A in Chemistry + A in Further Maths

BEng Aerospace Engineering: AAB, including Maths

and a science, or ABB, including Maths and a science +
B in a relevant EPQ, or ABB, including Maths and a
science + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
 The University of York

If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative
offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

This applies to a wide range of courses including

Biology, Business and Management, History of Art, Midwifery Practice, Music,
Philosophy, Social Work
 My child loves maths. Is there any
more they could be doing?

Take AS or A level Subscribe to the new

Further Mathematics AMSP SUMS magazine

Study for additional qualifications in mathematics such

as STEP, TMUA or the MAT, which are required for
entrance to some leading universities to study
mathematics.
 Other sources of information

AMSP website www.amsp.org.uk/students

Maths Careers website www.mathscareers.org.uk

Apprenticeship websites e.g.

www.amazingapprenticeships.com

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

www.ucas.com

Russell Group Universities www.informedchoices.ac.uk

Nrich www.nrich.org.uk
 About the AMSP

 A government-funded initiative, managed by MEI, providing national support

for teachers and students in all state-funded schools and colleges in
England.
 It aims to increase participation in AS/A level Mathematics and Further
Mathematics, and Core Maths, and improve the teaching of these
qualifications.
 Additional support is given to those in priority areas to boost social mobility
so that, whatever their gender, background or location, students can choose
their best maths pathway post-16, and have access to high quality maths
teaching.
Contact the AMSP

01225 716 492

[email protected]

amsp.org.uk

Advanced_Maths