Mathematics or Further Maths

I'm looking to do 4 A-levels including the 3 sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) if I can, but want to do maths as well, due to thinking about going into either the medical or engineering field.
However I'm not sure if I should choose further math or mathematics, because when applying to unis, I heard they prefer further maths, specifically in the engineering field. But I'm not sure if they just prefer further maths when taken together with mathematics or if I can just do further maths on its own and still get an equal/better chance when applying to the courses I want, because some courses say/require "maths" or "mathematics" and don't specify whether further maths is included in "mathematics" even though they are practically separate subjects.

Reply 1

Iqster

11

most schools don’t allow you to take a level further maths without a level maths as a level further maths essentially builds on a level maths. If a course says it requires maths with no mention of fm, it is usually not including fm. fm is a very beneficial subject to take if you’re interested in engineering but i wouldn’t recommend doing 5 a levels

Reply 2

TypicalNerd

18

Original post by MeeMee_MooMoo

I'm looking to do 4 A-levels including the 3 sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) if I can, but want to do maths as well, due to thinking about going into either the medical or engineering field.
However I'm not sure if I should choose further math or mathematics, because when applying to unis, I heard they prefer further maths, specifically in the engineering field. But I'm not sure if they just prefer further maths when taken together with mathematics or if I can just do further maths on its own and still get an equal/better chance when applying to the courses I want, because some courses say/require "maths" or "mathematics" and don't specify whether further maths is included in "mathematics" even though they are practically separate subjects.

Surely you cannot take FM without ordinary A level maths - that would be idiotic.
FM picks up where ordinary A level finishes off - if you don’t take ordinary A level maths but take FM, you are setting yourself up to fail

Reply 3

McGinger

20

Original post by MeeMee_MooMoo

I'm looking to do 4 A-levels including the 3 sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) if I can, but want to do maths as well, due to thinking about going into either the medical or engineering field.
However I'm not sure if I should choose further math or mathematics, because when applying to unis, I heard they prefer further maths, specifically in the engineering field. But I'm not sure if they just prefer further maths when taken together with mathematics or if I can just do further maths on its own and still get an equal/better chance when applying to the courses I want, because some courses say/require "maths" or "mathematics" and don't specify whether further maths is included in "mathematics" even though they are practically separate subjects.

Entry requirements for all UK Medical Schools for 2025 entry - Entry requirements | Medical Schools Council

For Engineering at competitive Unis, you will certainly need Maths, but you need to check the entry requirements on Unis websites for full info.

Reply 4

fmayor

1

I've just started Bio, Chem and Maths and I would say maths takes up most of my time, so for me at least, taking further maths as well would be impossible. For reference I did GCSE futher maths which also gave me a head start in a level maths but I'm still struggling to keep up with maths. If you think you can/ need to do it, I would say definitely go for it because you can always drop a subject if you're struggling. Also think if you would be doing an EPQ as that's another huge time commitment on top of your main subjects. Good luck!

Reply 5

Camer0nR

8

Yeah as loads of others have said you can't really do FM without maths but that shouldn't be an issue for either Med or Engineering degrees because you have the 3 sciences. Remember, pPhysics is far more relevant to engineering than FM because engineering is applied physics, and Bio and Chem are more relevant to med than FM. FM is about learning useful transferable skills and showing you are intelligent and hardworking, which taking 4 STEM does anyway. I'd say your options sound just fine!

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 6

username7381256

0

9

Original post by MeeMee_MooMoo

I'm looking to do 4 A-levels including the 3 sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) if I can, but want to do maths as well, due to thinking about going into either the medical or engineering field.
However I'm not sure if I should choose further math or mathematics, because when applying to unis, I heard they prefer further maths, specifically in the engineering field. But I'm not sure if they just prefer further maths when taken together with mathematics or if I can just do further maths on its own and still get an equal/better chance when applying to the courses I want, because some courses say/require "maths" or "mathematics" and don't specify whether further maths is included in "mathematics" even though they are practically separate subjects.

If you take further maths alone, it will definitely be challenging. That's why a lot of sixth forms have A-level maths as a requirement in order to do A-level Further maths. Most universities will give you what is the most important subject needed for the course your going to study and the grade you need for that as well as the grades needed for the other 2 A-level. I guess, when universities just say mathematics then they mainly mean A-level maths. However, have a check at the universities' websites and their entry requirement for a specific course just in case.

Mathematics or Further Maths

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