Is maths a level really that important?

I‘m currently doing a level biology (eduqas), chemistry (ocr), and english literature (edexcel) and looking into biochem/bioscience/neuroscience(???) as possible degree options at university (more specifically at durham). Almost everybody in my chemistry and biology classes are taking maths alongside the two however, I did not get this option as I only got a 5 in maths GCSE (predicted a 7).

I am now re-taking maths (international edexcel gcse) and hoping to achieve a higher grade, but i’ve noticed that for one of my top university choices, entry requirements are chem and maths NOT chem and bio and it’s really making me worry that my options are limited in science due to not taking A level maths

(would also be very appreciated to hear people’s views on gap year & taking maths, or accelerated a level next year…I know it’s a lot.)

Reply 1

aisha🎀

I think some universities have student rooms or open days to ask these types of questions. I’m also in year 12 and am doing biology and chemistry (AQA) and maths (edexcel). If your school does edexcel, then switching to maths right now may be an option because we haven’t gotten far yet.

Reply 2

DJS_Simo

Original post

by ophie!!

I‘m currently doing a level biology (eduqas), chemistry (ocr), and english literature (edexcel) and looking into biochem/bioscience/neuroscience(???) as possible degree options at university (more specifically at durham). Almost everybody in my chemistry and biology classes are taking maths alongside the two however, I did not get this option as I only got a 5 in maths GCSE (predicted a 7).
I am now re-taking maths (international edexcel gcse) and hoping to achieve a higher grade, but i’ve noticed that for one of my top university choices, entry requirements are chem and maths NOT chem and bio and it’s really making me worry that my options are limited in science due to not taking A level maths
(would also be very appreciated to hear people’s views on gap year & taking maths, or accelerated a level next year…I know it’s a lot.)

I’m in the same position, having maths shouldn’t hold you back in most cases but having it at grade 6/7 puts you in a very good place as you won’t get stuck with any gcse grade requirements when applying to university

Reply 3

MerrineGexko27

Original post

by ophie!!

I‘m currently doing a level biology (eduqas), chemistry (ocr), and english literature (edexcel) and looking into biochem/bioscience/neuroscience(???) as possible degree options at university (more specifically at durham). Almost everybody in my chemistry and biology classes are taking maths alongside the two however, I did not get this option as I only got a 5 in maths GCSE (predicted a 7).
I am now re-taking maths (international edexcel gcse) and hoping to achieve a higher grade, but i’ve noticed that for one of my top university choices, entry requirements are chem and maths NOT chem and bio and it’s really making me worry that my options are limited in science due to not taking A level maths
(would also be very appreciated to hear people’s views on gap year & taking maths, or accelerated a level next year…I know it’s a lot.)

I'm a Bioscience student at Durham rn and can tell you that not everyone here has done maths! One of the modules in first year is specifically designed to catch up all applicants, regardless of Maths skill, to a certain level of Maths ability. However, most students have done Maths, so you would need to work harder than most to do as well as others, but you will not be alone and there is support to help.

Biochem at Durham, however, is more maths oriented and requires an A in Maths to apply. So, if you are set on doing Biochem at Durham, I would recommend taking Maths A-Level during a gap year or switching to it now if possible (check if your school could make an exception for you). Maths is a very large subject, so I personally wouldn't recommend taking it as an accelerated A-Level next year as it may interfere with your ability in your other subjects.

But as far as I know, most unis (and there are plenty of great high level choices!!) don't require maths for Biochem, just Chem or both Bio and Chem. I'd recommend looking through other courses and unis in more detail and if possible talking to a student advisor at your school! But then of course Biosciences at Durham is the best 😉😅

Reply 4

Scotland Yard

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by ophie!!

Hi there,

Obviously as things stand, you cannot apply to the university that asks for Maths A-level. You should check other universities but more likely than not most of them won't specifically ask for Maths and you'll be fine applying with your combination of A-levels (as long as you clear the GCSE requirements). Maths might be marginally beneficial for certain things at uni but as another user pointed out, you will be taught the basics there.

I would only take the Maths A-level if you're really set on a uni that absolutely needs it. It's an enjoyable A-level but its undeniably a lot of work that you can avoid by just applying to universities that don't ask for it - e.g.: the majority of unis.

Reply 5

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Hi there!

As said above, you won't be able to apply for universities that require Maths A-level. However, I don't think that you'll really be held back in any way as there are many unis that don't require Maths for A-level! I've put a little list together of places that don't ask specifically for Maths 🙂 :

Biochemistry
Aberdeen - BBC with at least 2 from science or maths subjects (4 or above in maths GCSE)
Aberystwyth - BBB-BCC with A-level chemistry
Aston - BBB with chemistry OR biology
Bath - AAB with biology AND chemistry
Birmingham - AAB with chemistry and a second science (biology, physics or maths)
Bristol - AAA with chemistry and a second science
Exeter - AAB-ABB with biology AND chemistry
Imperial (London) - AAA with chemistry and biology, physics or maths
Keele - ABB with chemistry and a second science
Lancaster - AAB with biology AND chemistry
Liverpool - ABB with biology AND chemistry
Manchester - AAA with chemistry and biology, physics or maths
Sheffield - AAB with chemistry and a second science

Neuroscience
Aston - BBB with one science (biology, chemistry, maths or physics)
Bristol - AAA with 2 core sciences
Edinburgh - AAB with biology AND chemistry (maths/physics recommended but not required)
Exeter - ABB with 2 sciences
Keele - ABB with 2 sciences
Lancaster - AAB with biology and a second science
Manchester - AAA with 2 of: biology, chemistry, physics and maths
Southampton - ABB with biology OR chemistry AND another science (so both bio and chem should count)
Warwick - AAB with biology and a second science
York - AAB with biology and a second science

It looks like you do need Maths A-level to apply to Durham unfortunately but there are still plenty of options for you that don't require it! There are more that I haven't listed but I just wanted to show the range :smile:

Don't be disheartened! Keep looking around and visit as many open days as you can - you'll find the right place for you

Good luck!
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)