Careers with A level Maths
Exploring
careers that
A level Maths
opens a
door to
Janice Richards
MEI
The
obvious…
…the less
obvious
Session
Outline
Careers of
the future
Resources
to help you
Your contributions
are welcome.
Please do share
your experience
and expertise.
Why are you here?
I want to be
able to advise
my students
Why are you here?
Ofsted takes an interest
“It is really important that impartial advice is given
to students on progression routes, and I am not
sure that is the case. In our adjustment to our
inspection framework from September [2013], we
will give the inspection of careers advice a
priority.”
“…we have got to look very, very carefully at our
school inspection framework and recalibrate it to
focus much more on careers guidance.”
Sir Michael Wilshaw, Chief Inspector of Schools
The obvious options
A level
Mathematics can
help you to get the
place at university
that you want.
You may even get
a better offer if
you have it.
Which A levels keep your options open?
The guide lists facilitating subjects – those required
for university courses more often than others:
Mathematics
Further
Mathematics
Geography
Physics
English
(Literature)
Biology
Chemistry
Languages
(Classical and
Modern)
History
Which degrees is A level
Maths essential for?
A level Mathematics is listed as essential for:
• Accountancy; Actuarial Studies; Aeronautical
Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Chemistry
(occasionally); Computing (for some courses);
Dentistry (for some courses); Economics
(usually); Electrical/Electronic Engineering;
Engineering; Management Studies (sometimes);
Mathematics; Mechanical Engineering; and
Physics.
Which degrees is A level Maths
sometimes essential for?
Some courses have a choice of essential
subjects. A level Mathematics is one of these
choices for:
• Biochemistry; Biomedical Sciences;
Environmental Science; Geology/Earth
Sciences; Materials Science; Medicine;
Optometry; Pharmacy; Physiotherapy;
Psychology; Sports Science/Physical Education;
Teacher Training; and Veterinary Science.
Which degrees is A level
Maths useful for?
A level Mathematics is listed as useful for:
• Accountancy; Architecture; Biochemistry;
Biology; Biomedical Sciences; Business Studies;
Chemistry; Computing; Dentistry; Dietetics;
Geography; Management Studies; Orthoptics;
Pharmacy; Philosophy; Physiotherapy; and
Psychology.
Which degrees do students
with A level Maths take?
?
Which degrees do students
with A level Maths take?
Giving you the edge
Having A level Maths can also help
students gain places on highly selective
HE courses, that don’t require it.
For example, of all students studying law degrees:
13% have A level Maths, 50% at grade A
At London School of Economics:
44% have A level Maths, 94% at grade A
Source: www.bestcourse4me.com
Less obvious pathways
It could help you secure a higher apprenticeship
Less obvious pathways
Less obvious pathways
Less obvious pathways
It could open the door to a creative future:
Source: www.futuremorph.org
Less obvious pathways
In the special effects industry
Source: Creative Skillset website http://www.creativeskillset.org/
Less obvious pathways
Or in sports science
Source: www.futuremorph.org
Less obvious pathways
As a maths lecturer working in Further Education
or for an independent training provider.
Entry requirements for
numeracy teacher
training programmes
In addition to the usual
entry requirements for
initial teaching courses,
trainee teachers for
literacy, numeracy and
ESOL must evidence
that they have personal
skills in English or
mathematics at level 3.
Source: http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk
What’s so special about
A level Maths?
• It develops your ability to analyse and
solve problems by taking a logical approach.
These skills have countless applications.
• Employers respect and value it.
• Maths impresses and it will be on your CV for life!
• With Maths A level you can expect to earn on
average 10% more than those without it.
• It opens lots of doors and doesn’t close any.
Careers of the future
Maths can open up an enormous, stunning, exciting,
and unpredictable range of career options.
Ten years ago, Facebook didn't exist. Ten years before that, we
didn't have the Web, so who knows what jobs will be born a
decade from now?
Jobs that are not yet invented, with organisations that don't yet
exist, operating in markets that haven't yet emerged, for
products and services for which there is not yet a need!
One thing’s for sure, Maths is one of the most versatile A levels
you can take.
In pairs, discuss…
• Did anything surprise you?
• Is there anything else that could be
added?
• What can you take away from this
session?
Some resources to help you
This poster was
included in the
More Maths Grads
‘Maths in a Box’
resource, which was
sent to all schools and
colleges
It can be downloaded from
http://www.mathscareers.
org.uk/viewItem.cfm?cit_i
d=382988
Useful links (1)
• Russell Group – Informed Choices
http://russellgroup.org/InformedChoices-latest.pdf
• FMSP extract from Informed Choices
http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/files/Russell_Group_on_M
aths_Further_Maths.pdf
• MEI Video – Where can studying maths take you?
http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/student_area/whystudyfm2.
php
• Double Negative video on careers in special effects:
http://www.dneg.com/dneg_flies_the_flag_for_science_an
d_maths_417.html
Useful links (2)
• Maths Careers website
http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/
• Science and Maths: See where they can take you
http://www.futuremorph.org/wpcontent/uploads/games/scienceandmaths/index.html#/intro
• Mathematical Association - A level Mathematics: What are
the implications for careers?
http://www.ma.org.uk/resources/MathematicsForCareersAdvisors.doc
• Bestcourse4Me
http://www.bestcourse4me.com
Useful links (3)
• A level Maths and medical degrees
http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/manager_area/files/Genera
l_guidance_on_applying_to_UK%20Medical_Schools.pdf
• Prospects - careers advice for graduates
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/
• CPD course: Practical approaches to embedding STEM
careers awareness across schools and colleges
http://www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/blog/practicalapproaches-to-embedding-stem-careers-awarenessacross-schools-and-colleges
• FMSP PowerPoint ‘Why take a degree in mathematics’
Email Janice for a copy
Any questions?