In recent years there has been a large increase in the uptake of A Level Further Mathematics.  This has obvious advantages for students going on to degrees in engineering. It is not just that they know more mathematics but that they are much more fluent in it and are more confident.

There are also very considerable benefits to students from taking Further Mathematics at AS level. They are introduced to important topics such as complex numbers and matrices, which are not included in A level Mathematics, and they improve their algebraic and general mathematical fluency.

The Engineering Council has worked with the Further Mathematics Support Programme (FMSP) over a number of years to help the FMSP develop a network of support for Further Mathematics students and their teachers in schools and colleges.  During this time the number of Further Mathematics A level students has risen dramatically from around 5,000 in 2003 to over 10,000 today.  The figures for AS level are even more encouraging, over 13,000 in 2009.

The FMSP enables universal access to Further Mathematics tuition, even when the students' own schools and colleges are unable to offer it.  This means that universities can safely encourage prospective undergraduates to take Further Mathematics without the concern that some students do not have the opportunity to take it.

For further details please visit: http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/