Course Overview

Explore advanced mathematical concepts and sharpen your analytical edge with A level Further Mathematics online.

A level Further Mathematics is a challenging and intellectually rewarding subject that extends and deepens your understanding of core mathematical principles.

Further Maths stands out at A level for its advanced content and emphasis on mathematical reasoning. Students explore complex numbers, matrices, proof, vectors, differential equations, and more—building on A level Mathematics to prepare for highly mathematical degrees and careers.

This A level course not only enhances problem-solving and analytical skills, but also cultivates logical precision and abstract thinking. Delivered flexibly online, it’s an ideal choice for ambitious learners aiming for university courses in mathematics, physics, engineering, computing, or economics.

  • 50%
pass rate in 2024 at grade B and above

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

A level Further Maths at a glance

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Exam board

Edexcel 9FM0

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course resources icon
Resources

No additional set texts required

 

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UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

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Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

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Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

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Assessment

Exams (four):

  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel 9FM0

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course resources icon
Resources

No additional set texts required

 

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (four):

  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel 9FM0

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course resources icon
Resources

No additional set texts required

 

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (four):

  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
  • 25% of marks  (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

Why study A level Further Maths

Future opportunities

  • Studying mathematics, STEM subjects or other relevant subjects at degree level.
  • A range of careers including those in engineering, computer science, architecture, accountancy, the Civil Service, data analysis, financial trading, insurance, meteorology, nursing, quantity surveying, statistics, software development and education.
  • Government research suggests those individuals who have the best maths skills and achieve academic qualifications in this subject, generally go on to earn a higher wage.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

Core pure mathematics, Part 1

  • Complex numbers
  • Roots of polynomials
  • Matrices and transformations
Section 2

Core pure mathematics, Part 2

  • Sequences and series
  • Proof by induction
  • Matrices and inverses
Section 3

Core pure mathematics, Part 3

  • Further calculus
  • Complex numbers and geometry
  • Vectors and 3D space
Section 4

Further pure, Part 1 (Option 1)

One of two options must be chosen for Section 4.

  • Inequalities
  • Coordinate systems
  • Trigonometry
  • Vectors
  • Numerical methods
SECTION 4

Statistics, Part 1 (Option 2)

One of two options must be chosen for Section 4.

  • Discrete random variables
  • Discrete distributions, part 1
  • Discrete distributions, part 2
  • Chi-squared numbers
SECTION 5

Further pure, Part 1 (Option 1)

One of three options must be chosen for Section 5. This option must be different to that chosen for Section 4.

  • Inequalities
  • Coordinate systems
  • Trigonometry
  • Vectors
  • Numerical methods
SECTION 5

Statistics, Part 1 (Option 2)

One of three options must be chosen for Section 5. This option must be different to that chosen for Section 4.

  • Discrete random variables
  • Discrete distributions, part 1
  • Discrete distributions, part 2
  • Chi-squared number
SECTION 5

Mechanics, Part 1 (Option 3)

One of three options must be chosen for Section 5. This option must be different to that chosen for Section 4.

  • Work, energy and power, part 1
  • Work, energy and power, part 2
  • Impulse and momentum, part 1
  • Impulse and momentum, part 2
SECTION 6

Core Pure Mathematics 4

  • Sequences and series 2
  • Complex numbers 3
  • Hyperbolic functions
SECTION 7

Core Pure Mathematics 5

  • Maclaurin series
  • Polar coordinates
SECTION 8

Core Pure Mathematics 6

  • Further calculus
  • Hyperbolic functions 2
  • Applications of integration
  • First order differential equations
  • Second order differential equations
SECTIONS 9 & 10

Students study the same subjects chosen as options in Sections 4 and 5, but at a higher level.

Part 2 Option 1 Further Pure 1

  • Further calculus
  • Further differential equations
  • Further coordinate systems
  • Further inequalities

Part 2 Option 2 Statistics 1

  • Further discrete distributions
  • The central limit theorem
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Probability generating functions

Part 2 Option 3 Mechanics 1

  • Hooke’s law
  • Hooke’s law 2
  • Oblique impacts
Affordable study

Flexible payments and financial help

  • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
  • NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
  • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
  • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

Visit our Fee information page or

Talk to an advisor
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Monthly instalments

Study now, pay your way

It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

Course fee £730
Deposit £73
Amount of credit £657
Monthly payment £54.75
Duration 12 months
Total repayment £730
Cost of credit £0.00
Rate of interest 0% APR representative

Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

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With you every step of the way

Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor

You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.

“As a small child I loved Maths and that has never changed! As well as my own passion for the subject I love to teach the subject to others, helping them overcome any fear of the subject and showing them just how rewarding the study of Maths can be. My approach to teaching has always been to help students to be the best they can possibly be; no question is too trivial, there is no such thing as a dumb question, the dumb thing to do is not to ask! I have a keen interest in how students learn. I have been involved in education throughout my career, specialising in Mathematics and IT as a teacher in schools, as a distance learning tutor and also a trainer so I am used to teaching all ages. I also have a great deal of examining experience and am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.”

Colleen, Maths Tutor
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS
Help when you need it

Additional support for under 18s

We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

Our approach to home study
Need help choosing?

Talk to one of our course advisors

Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

  • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
  • Or contact us today by phone or email.

We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

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Frequently asked questions

Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

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Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.