Maths degree without fm and sciences.

I've been teaching maths for 23 years, at A level and degree level.

First, it's great that you're thinking about studying maths at uni. But . . .

1. At the moment (I'm assuming you're Year 12, so you've only done C1, C2 and one other module) you know almost nothing about maths. You don't have any experience of what hard maths is like, and what studying hard maths is like. Find out before you commit yourself to three years of it.

2. Three years of undergraduate maths is a lot of maths. And it gets really, really hard. Especially if you channel yourself into just pure maths. It's highly specialised and technical and it's really not for everyone. Research your options carefully.

3. Whatever universities say, you need Further Maths or you will be struggling from Day One. At least some of the other people on your course will have it and they'll be hugely ahead of you from the start. Universities claim that they'll help -- often they're lying. Find a university with genuine support -- that tends to mean non-Russell Group.

4. The fact that some lecturers are doing world-class research is utterly irrelevant to you. What you need (what all students need) are good teachers. Being clever and having a great research record does not automatically mean being a good teacher.

5. The more preparation you can do now, the more successful you'll be. If you can do some Further Maths, it'll be a huge advantage. Unless you're applying to the very "best" unis, there's no point in taking STEP. You might want to look at some STEP papers, but be warned: STEP III is insanely hard.

I'm not trying to put you off. I'm trying to encourage you to make a fully-informed decision -- about what subject is right for you (maybe joint honours) and about which uni is right for you. Good luck!

Everybody that took exception to my comments felt I was talking to them.

Never said that ...

Anecdotal exceptions, "I know somebody who knows somebody..." always exist.

It is like trying to teach correlation to a 12 year old for the first time...
"the taller the person, the heavier he is ..."

"But I know of a very tall skinny man" he replies..."

Everybody that took exception to my comments felt I was talking to them.

My comments were general and not absolute.

That's not the case. Sometimes it is necessary to challenge drivel-spouters.

Not really, as I am neither a teacher nor a student who went to, as you call it, a Mickey Mouse university. In fact, I am a researcher of mathematics/physics and consequently meet many talented students/colleagues who did not achieve the highest grades at A-level. I was pointing out your "opinion" is rather simplified and that mathematics can be learnt in many different surroundings. The quality of a math course is not simply tied to its content, but the quality of the teacher (both his knowledge academically and ability to convey mathematics) has a bearing on the course as well.

well, a difference of opinion amongst men sometimes happens...

Indeed, however I am curious as to why you hold that opinion? That is what I am trying to ask. What evidence makes you think that an A* is necessary at A-level?

... just because you disagree...

I am not trying to avoid answering your question and I promise to reply you tomorrow ( I am on a day off). It is just that at the moment I wish I said nothing because I have spent the last hour typing replies to people that took exception and I have to finish some urgent work of mine.

It has nothing to do with disagreement. It's because you are wrong.

Im studying Maths, Psychology, Law and BTEC Business (dont laff pls ). If I manage to get all A's can i still do a maths degree without sciences and further maths at a decent university. Im not talking russell group but a decent one like dmu or leicester. I honestly dont know if im wasting my time i only figured out i wanted to do a Maths degree a couple weeks ago. My hearts set on it does anyone think I have a chance of getting offers etc? Also where can i look to ask about this?

Yes you can.

I know people on my course (maths at Newcastle - Russell Group) who have done similar subjects that you are doing now and are managing quite well with the course.

You wouldn't be stuck just doing pure maths either, you'll get a chance to do pure/applied/stats in your first/second years and then you can choose what you prefer in the third year.

Doing AS Fm next year is a great idea.

You're definitely not wasting your time!! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Thats good news, I hope I'm not wasting my time and thanks for answering. Also what are good extra curricular stuff that are math based? I haven't done anything yet.