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University
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BENEFITS OF CORE MATHS
Core Maths has been designed to maintain and develop real-life maths skills. What students study is not purely theoretical or abstract; it can be applied on a day-to-day basis in work, study or life and most courses will include a financial maths element. It will also help with other A-level subjects – in particular with science, geography, business studies, psychology and economics.
The skills developed in the study of mathematics are increasingly important in the workplace and in higher education; studying Core Maths will help students keep up these essential skills. Most students who study maths after GCSE improve their career choices and increase their earning potential.
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The Minister's Letter
Nick Gibb, Minister of State for Schools (DfE) and Jo Johnson, Minister of State for Universities and Science (BIS) have written to all university vice-chancellors to provide information on the new Core Maths qualifications which are being introduced for 16 year olds from this September. Universities will begin to see an increasing number of applicants with these qualifications from 2016 and the information provided is to help them and their colleagues be aware of Core Maths.
The Ministerial letter was accompanied by a briefing paper by Professor Paul Glaister, University of Reading, which provides more details on Core Maths and its relevance to higher education. As part of this communication to vice-chancellors, attention was drawn to Paul’s engagement with universities, and that Paul would very much welcome the opportunity to give institution-wide briefings on Core Maths to senior staff and staff responsible for admissions in universities. All universities are encouraged to take up this opportunity to find out more about Core Maths, its relevance to higher education, and to discuss any aspects of Core Maths. Please contact Paul at p.glaister@reading.ac.uk to arrange a mutually convenient time for him to visit.
Paul Glaister is Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education at the University of Reading, and for the last five years Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics there. Paul is an ambassador for Core Maths, a consultant to the Core Maths Support Programme (CMSP), a member of the A level Content Advisory Board (ALCAB) for AS/A levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and a higher education external expert adviser to The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).
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Quick Links
Gov.uk Press Release - Launch of New High-Quality Post-16 Maths Qualification
HEA Report
British Academy Report
Paul Glaister - Briefing Paper
Nuffield Report
Where a programme requires above a grade C in GCSE Mathematics or an AS level in Mathematics it is probable that we will consider the level 3 core Maths qualification as meeting these requirements.
Whilst we would not discriminate against students who do not/are unable to take a Core Maths course from 2015 we welcome the ethos behind this development. For example, students in social sciences, business, psychology, sciences and health sciences who are not taking A/AS level Maths may find the Core Maths element useful in preparing for university study where a working application of maths or statistics may be required.
The University fully supports the principles behind the introduction of the new Core Mathematics qualifications and believes they could be beneficial to students considering making an application to a range of degree subjects in the social sciences, business, and health sciences, for example.
We support the ethos behind the introduction of this new qualification in that it may be beneficial to a range of degree subjects that do not generally ask for A Level Mathematics but where enhanced numerical or statistical skills may be helpful. For this reason, we encourage applicants to consider taking this qualification where practical.
The University of Exeter supports the core maths and this may be considered acceptable in lieu of GCSE grade A in this instance; this will be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, this will not be acceptable in lieu of AS/A level maths.
We will not require Core Maths as a specific qualification for entry, though we support this development as a useful preparation for university study.
The Core Maths qualification is accepted alongside GCSE Maths for those programmes requiring a minimum of a grade B in GCSE Maths. e.g. Psychology.
Lancaster welcomes the introduction of the new Core Maths qualification, but appreciates that some schools and colleges may not be able to offer the qualification initially. Core Maths will not typically form part of the offer for entry to Lancaster, unless specified as a subject requirement at individual degree level.
Whilst recognising that some Schools and Colleges may be initially unable to offer the new qualifications, Coventry University welcomes the introduction of Core Mathematics and would be pleased to receive applications from students offering these qualifications.
Core Mathematics will not typically form part of any offer for entry to Coventry, unless specified as a subject requirement at individual degree level.
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (eg AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to you. However, if you choose to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider your application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element. We advise you to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether your specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to your chosen course.
We welcome the introduction of the new Core Mathematics qualifications and believe they will be beneficial to students wishing to study social science subjects that may involve the use of applied mathematical skills, such as business management, economics, geography and politics.
LSE recognises that the skills and experience gained by students who choose to undertake the Core Maths Qualification may be very useful as preparation for the study of social sciences at undergraduate level.
Whilst we do not include the grades gained from Core Maths in our standard offers, and there is no requirement to do one, successful completion of the Core Maths qualification can help you demonstrate your readiness to study the rigorously academic undergraduate programmes at LSE.
Applicants to LSE are expected to have at least a grade B (or a grade 5 under the new grading system) in GCSE mathematics. We would be likely to consider a pass in Core Maths to be an alternative way to meet this requirement. (LSE)