Figuring out what A-Levels to take for Maths can be confusing. But it’s important to get this decision right because the wrong choices could mean you don’t have the right qualifications for the career you want.
That’s why we ensure our maths summer course students receive 1:1 personalised guidance from expert Maths tutors from leading universities such as the University of Cambridge and Oxford. So they’ll have solid insight into their next steps in education.
To help you figure out which A-Levels to take for Maths, we’ve created this guide providing the necessary information, including what the best Maths universities in the UK actually require. For you to make an informed decision for your future goals.
What A-Levels Should I Take for Maths?
Universities often require A-Levels Maths and the harder A-Level Further Maths for entry. Having excellent grades in
- STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper in Mathematics)
- TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)
- and/or MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) is also taken into consideration.
It depends on the university which test result they’ll ask for.
Universities that may require STEP results include:
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University of Warwick
For TMUA, here are the schools that may ask for results:
- University of Bath
- Cardiff University
- University of Nottingham School of Mathematical Sciences
- Durham University
- Lancaster University
- University of Sheffield
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Southampton
- University of Warwick
Universities that use MAT are:
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College London
Some universities may lower A-Level offers if you have excellent grades in these Maths examinations.
To give you a glimpse of what A-Levels to take for Maths, here are the entry requirements of some of the top universities for maths in the UK.
- University of Cambridge – A*A*A + STEP. Maths and Further Maths are required A-Levels. If you decide to take the Mathematics with Physics degree, Physics A-Level is required.
- University of Oxford – A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths
- University of Warwick – A*A*A, with A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics + grade 2 in any STEP. The STEP condition will be removed if you have a high score in TMUA or MAT.
- Durham University – A*A*A–A*AA. The standard offer is A*A*A with A*A*in Maths and Further Maths. If you have a suitable grade in TMUA or MAT or a grade 2 in STEP, you can get a lower A*AA. In this case, you’ll need A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics or vice-versa. The last A is for any other A-Level subject or equivalent.
- Imperial College London – A*A*A, with A*A* in Maths and Further Maths, and an A in another subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded.
How To Pass A-Level Maths?
According to Ofqual Analytics, 22.8% of A-Level Maths students in 2022 achieved an A*, while 47.2% gained an A. How can you achieve such high grades in A-Level Maths? Here are helpful tips:
1. Prepare for your Maths A-Level
Start studying for Maths A-Level before you set foot in the classroom. The usual Maths A-Level topics are:
- Maths argument, language, and proof
- Problem-solving
- Algebra
- Coordinate Geometry
- Sequences and series
- Trigonometry
- Exponentials
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Numerical Methods
- Vectors
- Statistical Sampling
- Probability
- Kinematics
- Statistics
- Forces and Newton’s Law
Ask advice from your teachers on how you can ace A-Level Maths. Perhaps they have books they can recommend to you. They may even be willing to give you tutorials on the weekends!
If you have friends currently studying Maths at A-Level, approach them and ask if they’re willing to share their notes with you. Then, while you’re at it, why not join them during their study sessions so you can get deeper insight?
2. Take A Maths Summer Course
Immerse Education offers Mathematics summer courses at Cambridge for motivated 16-18-year-old high school students who want greater mastery of Maths.
Here you’ll have the opportunity to experience 1:1 individualised tutorials from expert Maths tutors who come from leading universities such as Cambridge and Oxford. They are enthusiastic about sharing their expertise with you and nurturing your interest in Mathematics.
By taking the Immerse summer course at Cambridge, you’ll have a taste of what Maths is like at the university level. Elevating your Maths and study skills to help you go above and beyond in your A-Level.
3. Practice, practice, and practice!
It’s great that you understand the theory behind the many Mathematical equations and formulas you encounter. But how will you fare when given an exam with multiple equations to solve within 2 hours? Will you naturally solve each like it was second nature to you? Or will you find your brain freezing in anxiety?
Practising is the best way to boost your confidence and sharpen your problem-solving skills. So even when you think you grasped the theories perfectly, keep scribbling down your Mathematical solutions on paper as you solve problem sets.
There’s a reason why textbooks give you many equations to solve, regardless if they have the same underlying principles. Because it’s all about practice!
Setting up 30 minutes of Maths exercise daily is a great way to enhance your mathematical prowess!
4. Learn From Various Sources
Don’t be content with sticking to one textbook. Sure, it could be the recommended standard Maths book. But you’ll enrich your learning experience better if you use the abundant resources around you, so:
- Cross-reference and check out other textbooks.
- Watch Youtube tutorials.
- Listen to audiobooks.
- Visit Maths websites.
- Read notes other students uploaded on the internet.
You’ll encounter:
- Videos
- Doodles
- Illustrations
- and formulas that will stimulate your senses.
It’s like examining an object from different angles. Sometimes, an explanation phrased a certain way makes more sense, and it just clicks in your brain.
Don’t limit yourself to one tiny box. Go out there and explore. Learning Maths can be enjoyable, interactive, and exciting!
5. Explore Study Techniques
We all learn differently. To maximise your learning, you need to explore various study techniques and discover what works best for you. Maybe you learn best with a mind map, where you can see the overview of the topic you’re studying.
Perhaps engaging with a study group where you can brainstorm ideas with each other keeps you on your toes. Or maybe you prefer studying at the library, where you can feel the academic environment and stay focused.
What study techniques work for others may not work for you, and vice-versa. That’s why it’s important that you try out various study methods, determine which ones work best for you, and stick to them.
These are some practical tips you can incorporate into your daily life to help you ace your A-Level Maths.
What Can You Do With a Maths Degree?
The most common career options Maths graduates take include:
- Accountant
- Statistician
- Systems Analyst
- Banker
- Investment Analyst
- Actuary
- Economist
- Maths Teacher
- Computer Programmer
- Meteorologist
What is the job description of these occupations? How much can you earn? What skills do you gain with a Maths degree? Learn more by reading about the career paths for maths degrees.
What A-Level to take for Maths? Maths and Further Maths are two of the most common requirements. So do your best to achieve that A* in both of these subjects to increase your chances of getting accepted into your dream university!
