Department of Mathematical Sciences

Frequently asked questions

Mathematics Advanced Extension Awards and STEP

Which, what, when and where?

Mathematics AEA consists of a single 3-hour paper on material covering the core pure maths syllabus of Mathematics A-level.

There are three different STEP papers and details of the syllabus for each may be found on the STEP website but roughly the syllabus for both STEP I and STEP II is based on single subject Mathematics A-level GCE and that for STEP III is somewhat wider. Each of the papers lasts 3 hours and candidates may attempt  6 questions out of 13. Candidates normally sit one or two of the STEP papers.

Both AEA and STEP are open to anyone. If you are at school, you should ask the relevant teacher otherwise the websites below have all the information you need including when and where you can take the papers.

Advanced Extension Awards are provided by the examination board Edexcel.

Cambridge Assessment provides STEP papers.

Preparation

Basically you need to practise past and specimen papers starting well before the examinations.

Edexcel provides a specimen paper and also past papers and mark schemes are available at the centres.

STEP past papers are available from Cambridge Assessment and on the same web page you will find links to various helpful resources including Advanced Problems in Mathematics and Advanced Problems in Core Mathematics both by Dr Stephen Siklos.

If your school is unable to help you with preparation the Further Mathematics Support Programme provides online tution for STEP and AEA.

Grading

AEA grades are 1 (Distinction), 2 (Merit) and 3 (Unclassified).

STEP grades are S (Outstanding), 1 (Very Good), 2 (Good), 3 (Satisfactory) and U (Unclassified).

Maths Undergraduate Admissions

Applying

Qualifications and Entry Requirements

How do I make an application?

For general information about applying to Bath see the University undergraduate admissions web page.

Applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) between September 1 and January 15 unless you are applying to either Oxford or Cambridge when the deadline is October 15. You can apply online via the ucasapply service. For general information about the process telephone +44 (0)870 1122211 or visit the UCAS web site: http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/apply/

I am interested in more than one of your degree programmes. Do I make separate applications?

No, we have a common entry for all our undergraduate degrees in mathematics and it is only necessary to apply for one. There are opportunities to transfer to other degrees later. 

What if I decide to take more, less or different examinations after I submit my application?

You must inform us of any such changes. You can do this by email to admissions@bath.ac.uk remembering to include your UCAS ID and the code for your chosen course.

Can I defer my entry for a year?

Yes we are happy for you to defer entry for one year in order to take a gap year or work experience. We would advise you to keep up with your mathematics during this year.

What are the fees?

Please visit http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/finance.

I am taking STEP/AEA. Will I be offered both the alternatives in your standard offer?

We prefer STEP/AEA and normally we will make you the STEP/AEA alternative in our standard offers for Double Maths and AS Further Maths applicants although in some cases we will offer both alternatives. STEP/AEA offers are made quickly but non-STEP/AEA offers will usually be held until after the January 15th deadline when we have a better idea of numbers applying.

Will I be made an offer if I am not predicted an A* in Maths?

We understand that some schools will not predict A* grades and so we will make offers to those predicted A grades.

I took my A levels before A*s were awarded. Will you consider my application?

You must prove to us that you would have been awarded an A* under current rules, e.g. overall A and > 90% in  both core 3 and core 4 for maths. Include such information on your UCAS application.

Will resits count against me?

We understand if you need to resit a module to improve your grade.

Do you mind if I don’t do any FP3 modules?

FP3 modules are not compulsory but they will stand you in good stead for our courses.

If I don’t get a 2/Merit in STEP/AEA, will you still let me in if I make the grades for the corresponding non-STEP/AEA offer?

There is NO GUARANTEE that we will admit you in such a case but in the event that numbers allow we would consider your application favourably.

My school teaches the whole of A level Maths in year 12 and we take our exams then. We then do the whole of Further Maths in year 13. Is that ok, because some universities seem to think you have an advantage if you are only sitting two A levels in year 13?

We do not mind.

Do you look at GCSE grades when deciding to make an offer?

We will be specifically interested in an excellent performance in GCSE Maths and a good performance in English.

If I retake a module which I took early, will that count against me?

Not unless there are repeated poor performances.

If I retake a module which I took at the normal time, will that count against me?

No.

 
Explore bar styling