Students' views of, and motivations for, studying A-level Further Mathematics

In response to recently-announced reforms to A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, a large-scale study was undertaken regarding current undergraduates views of those qualifications. Students of Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) and Social Science degrees who had Further Mathematics were surveyed regarding their experiences of the subject and motivations for studying it. Results were positive, across students of a range of degree disciplines, highlighting the benefits of its study as preparation for mathematically-demanding degrees. Whilst access to studying Further Mathematics is poor in some schools, we suggest that more is done by universities to promote its study as a means of better-preparing students for their future degree courses