Help turning it all around

Nothing wrong with ambition. I wish you the best of luck :smile:

How long will it take to get there? Hard to say. If you've got no GCSEs, then you'll need to start with the basics. If you're intelligent, hard-working and have initiative, you can self-study the basic Engish, Science and Mathematics GCSEs and you may even be ready to study A-levels in September, depending on how quickly you get started. Many colleges also offer GCSE courses, but you'd need to get in touch with them to find out when you can start.

Get in touch with the universities to find out their entry requirements. You'll need to do this before starting A-levels so you know what subjects they recommend taking, how many they'd want you to take and what grades they'll require.

This is one area where I'd probably suggest that Access courses are not the way to go. If you're possibly considering applying to foreign universities, Access courses are not necessarily recognised and you'd be safer going with A-levels. As much as I'd recommend Access to pretty much anyone, I think a specialist scientific degree requires the more in-depth prerequisite learning that can only really be achieved with specific science-based A-levels. These will take you 2 years to complete if you do them in the normal way at college.

You'll then start your degree which will, in all likelyhood be 3-4 years. Followed by any postgraduate study you want to take as well.

I think you're looking realistically at a timespan of about 5-7 years, depending on how quickly you get things done. Being aged 20 is not old - I'm on my way to Cambridge in October this year to study Law and I'll be 31-32 before I qualify. Age isn't a problem for you at this time, and should never be a barrier to someone trying to improve themself :smile:

Good luck! :smile:

Reply 2

OP

Original post by TomU

Nothing wrong with ambition. I wish you the best of luck :smile:

How long will it take to get there? Hard to say. If you've got no GCSEs, then you'll need to start with the basics. If you're intelligent, hard-working and have initiative, you can self-study the basic Engish, Science and Mathematics GCSEs and you may even be ready to study A-levels in September, depending on how quickly you get started. Many colleges also offer GCSE courses, but you'd need to get in touch with them to find out when you can start.

Get in touch with the universities to find out their entry requirements. You'll need to do this before starting A-levels so you know what subjects they recommend taking, how many they'd want you to take and what grades they'll require.

This is one area where I'd probably suggest that Access courses are not the way to go. If you're possibly considering applying to foreign universities, Access courses are not necessarily recognised and you'd be safer going with A-levels. As much as I'd recommend Access to pretty much anyone, I think a specialist scientific degree requires the more in-depth prerequisite learning that can only really be achieved with specific science-based A-levels. These will take you 2 years to complete if you do them in the normal way at college.

You'll then start your degree which will, in all likelyhood be 3-4 years. Followed by any postgraduate study you want to take as well.

I think you're looking realistically at a timespan of about 5-7 years, depending on how quickly you get things done. Being aged 20 is not old - I'm on my way to Cambridge in October this year to study Law and I'll be 31-32 before I qualify. Age isn't a problem for you at this time, and should never be a barrier to someone trying to improve themself :smile:

Good luck! :smile:

I'm rather curious about this self-teaching in time for September business. Any info would be appreciated.

I was looking for A-levels in my local area but can only find BTECs, which from what I've heard, Universities aren't as keen on. Ultimately I'm sure I'll get to where I'm going, I was merely hoping I could do an access course and head for a MSc in Physics.

I have some GCSEs and BTEC FDs but nothing in relation to Physics (with the exception of GCSE Maths at a B).

Reply 3

Original post by Mr Pooples

I'm rather curious about this self-teaching in time for September business. Any info would be appreciated.

I was looking for A-levels in my local area but can only find BTECs, which from what I've heard, Universities aren't as keen on. Ultimately I'm sure I'll get to where I'm going, I was merely hoping I could do an access course and head for a MSc in Physics.

I have some GCSEs and BTEC FDs but nothing in relation to Physics (with the exception of GCSE Maths at a B).

You could still do Access. The only thing I would say is to make sure you get in touch with potential universities first to ensure that they accept Access for your chosen degree. There is no doubt that Access courses are widely accepted, but for some degrees, such as scientific and medical degrees, universities prefer you to have taken A-levels as they are more likely to cover the prerequisite material in enough depth.

It's not a big deal really - just email all of your universities. Tell them the qualifications you've got and ask if they'd accept an Access to HE diploma as entry onto their physics degree. Better you find this sort of thing out now than starting an Access course and finding that the universities won't accept it!

If you can do an Access course, then you might not need to do GCSEs, especially since you already have a B in maths. It all depends what the Access course offers - there are some students on my Access course who have struggled somewhat with their science modules as they don't have GCSE prerequisite knowledge.

So, what I'd recommend:

1 - Look for an Access Course in your area (www.accesstohe.ac.uk)
2 - Email your universities, tell them your current qualifications and which Access Course you're looking at doing and ask if they'd accept it.
3 - If they're happy to accept it, happy days! Enrol on Access and you're on your way to becoming an astrophysicist!
4- If not, you might have to do additional GCSEs and A-Levels. Have a search on Google for GCSE Self Study. There's plenty of stuff if you have a look around :smile:

Reply 4

OP

Original post by TomU

You could still do Access. The only thing I would say is to make sure you get in touch with potential universities first to ensure that they accept Access for your chosen degree. There is no doubt that Access courses are widely accepted, but for some degrees, such as scientific and medical degrees, universities prefer you to have taken A-levels as they are more likely to cover the prerequisite material in enough depth.

It's not a big deal really - just email all of your universities. Tell them the qualifications you've got and ask if they'd accept an Access to HE diploma as entry onto their physics degree. Better you find this sort of thing out now than starting an Access course and finding that the universities won't accept it!

If you can do an Access course, then you might not need to do GCSEs, especially since you already have a B in maths. It all depends what the Access course offers - there are some students on my Access course who have struggled somewhat with their science modules as they don't have GCSE prerequisite knowledge.

So, what I'd recommend:

1 - Look for an Access Course in your area (www.accesstohe.ac.uk)
2 - Email your universities, tell them your current qualifications and which Access Course you're looking at doing and ask if they'd accept it.
3 - If they're happy to accept it, happy days! Enrol on Access and you're on your way to becoming an astrophysicist!
4- If not, you might have to do additional GCSEs and A-Levels. Have a search on Google for GCSE Self Study. There's plenty of stuff if you have a look around :smile:

Unfortunately there are no courses local enough to me that offer physics.

However, there is a college only 15 minutes away that will allow me to do any of the following:

English Literature,
History,
Drama,
Media and Journalism,
Sociology,
Psychology,
Politics
Creative Writing

and some other options that if I had any interest in, I probably would have remembered.

Of of that list, English Lit, History, Creative Writing and Politics appeal to me the most, but would they go together well?

I'm thinking they would as they're all arts, but my main concern is whether an American university would accept these (that or maybe I could do some standardised test).

History seems like a very closed subject (Curator or teaching are the only jobs I can thinks of).

Reply 5

Original post by Mr Pooples

I'm thinking they would as they're all arts, but my main concern is whether an American university would accept these (that or maybe I could do some standardised test).

I think that the real concern is that if you're wanting to do a physics based degree, I would strongly doubt that any university would admit you onto a physics degree if you only did arts based subject at A-level or Access.

You'll most likely need to do at least one science plus maths in order to get into uni to do physics. Also, bear in mind that Access courses are only recognised by UK universities - there's no guarantee that an American uni will accept it at all.

Reply 6

vincy

u always have lot of option in liberal arts.. so go ahead....u will not have any problem...

Reply 7

katee85

It is certainly great that you now know what you want to do; that is the first hurdle for those of us returning to education. Your ambition is admirable and there is nothing wrong with that. All that said, now comes the time to be realistic in order to secure your goals.

The universities you have mentioned are some of the best in the world and competition for places will be phenomenally high. The majority of applicants, at least for the specific UK universities you want, will be coming straight from A-levels, often with at least 3 A grades in related subjects. Therefore, this becomes the standard of accrued, foundation, knowledge that universities begin their teaching upon and the standard to which other applicants are measured to. Without intending to be unnecessarily harsh, I sincerely doubt an arts related Access course would, firstly, be accepted and, secondly, adequately prepare you for your university course.

In your case, the traditional route would offer you the strongest application. Both GCSE's and A-levels can be sat as an external candidate, without the need to attend a brick college. I think with sciences, its not my discipline so verify anything I say, the stumbling block is the coursework element, however I am sure I have read on here of people finding syllabuses that are purely exam focused. It all depends whether you want the support of teaching though. Can you entertain relocating nearer to a college where you can study the subjects you need? On a final point, if you want to swiftly implement your plan, it may be worth noting (again verify this) that the deadline for most exam boards, to sit GCSE's this summer, is sometime this month.

Reply 8

k8k

5

Original post by katee85

I think with sciences, its not my discipline so verify anything I say, the stumbling block is the coursework element, however I am sure I have read on here of people finding syllabuses that are purely exam focused. It all depends whether you want the support of teaching though. Can you entertain relocating nearer to a college where you can study the subjects you need? On a final point, if you want to swiftly implement your plan, it may be worth noting (again verify this) that the deadline for most exam boards, to sit GCSE's this summer, is sometime this month.

I think the main stumbling block to self-study or distance learning is the practical elements that some sciences require eg laboratory practicals etc. It may be that the open university offer physical sciences foundation courses with a summer school to teach the practical aspects.

Sorry to contradict Vince above, but I don't think there is much point doing an arts-based Access course for the degree you want to follow as it will not give you any subject specific education. The only way that I can see it would be of use is if you then wanted to apply to a Sciences foundation year 0 (as opposed to a foundation degree) at university. The University of Sussex offer a foundation year for their Physics and Astronomy school - link here - which might be of interest to you if you decide to follow that route.

Good luck!

Reply 9

wizardtop

15

Original post by Mr Pooples

Hello everyone.

I feel I should open this up with a bit of backstory, I've been a lazy bugger all my life after years of dropping out of courses and generally being a bum, I've woken up and decided that I will turn it all around.

I've always had a huge interest in the Universe and have decided to become an astrophysicist (not an easy undertaking but I intend on prevailing).

Now, I've got sweet FA to work with here and will quite literally be starting from scratch, I'm 20 and feel ancient when thinking about returning to college.

So far I'm aware I'll need GCSEs in Maths and Science (I would like to get myself some more, though).

And via research I've found out I need 4 A-levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry (at high grades to get me to where I need).

My ultimate goal is to study at one of the most prestigious of Universities (Cambridge, Harvard, Oxford or Yale) and get myself a career doing what i'm so fascinated with.

If anyone could give me advice on what the likely time-span will be and any tips to help me it would be very much appreciated.

Thank you in advance

I agree with what Tomu has suggested to you so far Mr Pooples doing a Recognised Access course in Science could get you onto a recognised degree in AstroPhysics.You will also need to obtaind the necessary GCSESs in Sciences and Maths which you are already aware for
I seem to remember that some colleges offer a pre-specific pathway that allows you to cover Mathematics,Physics,Chemistry etc.You would need to do some further research into this though

Timespan
You probably looking at one or two years at College doing your GCSEs and Access and then 3-4 years doing a undergraduate degree in Physics unless some universities offer a straight degree in astro-physics if not it could be a 3 year honous degree(bsc)in physics followed by postgraduate degree in Astro-Physics maybe a Mphil or Msc or Even a PHD
depending upon how long the postgraduate course are
U could be looking at
between 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time for a Msc.3 years full-time or 5 years part-time for a PHD and about the same time length for a Mphil
A Mphi Mr Poops is a bit higher than a Msc as it lies inbetween a Msc and under a PHD.
So in total you could be looking at 7-8 years in Education :biggrin:

But it will soon go by i reckon also for Postgraduate training you would need to apply to one of those particular Research councils/bodies who could potential offer you funding.
Hope you find this info useful

hey one of the tutor told me to visit www.liberalartscolleges.org.. through which i could collect lot of infomation for liberal arts subjects... infact u should do lot of google search ......

Reply 12

OP

I've found an Access course in Science which is within travelling distance (covering Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry) so that means my Science side is all sorted.

Now in reference to the more 'prestigious' universities, I'm wondering whether retaking my GCSEs before taking the Higher Access course would help me in my application.

I will honestly aim for no less than A/A*s and Distinctions as I feel anything less would be doing myself a disservice.

Any extra advice on getting myself back on track would be much appreciated.

So from what I've gathered I am looking at something like:

1 Year at College completing/ redoing my GCSEs (aiming for As and A*s)
1 Year doing my Access to Higher Education (Science) course (aiming for Distinctions)
and then onto University for:
4 Years completing my Physics and Astrophysics (MSci) degree.

How long would a PHD/ Doctorate take? And are there and higher degrees than that (Prof, perhaps?)

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 13

katee85

Original post by Mr Pooples

I've found an Access course in Science which is 30 miles away, which means I would be able to do that.

I was just wondering if the Access course would cover my GCSEs as I'm quite serious about studying in the USA (if applicable) and would like to go to a Community college (easier requirements for the same outcome).

It is my understanding that American institutions do not accept Access to HE courses as an A-level equivalent and thus the GCSE equivalence of Access would be redundant; also be careful of the latter in the UK as some , not the majority, of universities explicitly request a particular grade at GCSE in addition to the Access course.

If you prefer Access over A-levels then perhaps you could study for an undergraduate degree in the UK and complete the postgraduate studies you intend to undertake in America, once you have a transferable qualification.

Reply 14

Threxy

14

Original post by Mr Pooples

I've found an Access course in Science which is within travelling distance (covering Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry) so that means my Science side is all sorted.

Now in reference to the more 'prestigious' universities, I'm wondering whether retaking my GCSEs before taking the Higher Access course would help me in my application.

I will honestly aim for no less than A/A*s and Distinctions as I feel anything less would be doing myself a disservice.

Any extra advice on getting myself back on track would be much appreciated.

So from what I've gathered I am looking at something like:

1 Year at College completing/ redoing my GCSEs (aiming for As and A*s)
1 Year doing my Access to Higher Education (Science) course (aiming for Distinctions)
and then onto University for:
4 Years completing my Physics and Astrophysics (MSci) degree.

How long would a PHD/ Doctorate take? And are there and higher degrees than that (Prof, perhaps?)

On retaking your GCSE's, it would definitely benefit you if anything. Most higher tier/middle tier universities in the UK for their science-based degree programmes ask for B's or above in Double or Triple Science, and for physics/engineering; maths as well. So if I were you, I'd look into taking Triple Science, which is where you take biology, chemistry and physics as three separate GCSE's because it provides the most depth to study them at A-level/Access level. You can do this either through college or being a private candidate, Double Science (2 GCSE's) works too, but don't bother with the Single Award. It's designed for people who have zero interest in science but need to satisfy the science 'requirement' to get into certain uni courses like teaching, etc.

If your local college doesn't offer a decent GCSE Science programme for you, again, do it through being a private candidate. It's a lot cheaper than college, but the downside is there is no tuition, so you'll have to use your own initiative to study for the exams in the library and look for a qualified tutor or teacher to authenticate the coursework - on top of that, you'll have to arrange an exam venue by yourself by phoning local schools/colleges to see if they'll be willing to let you sit.

It's nice to plan long-term, but for now I'd focus on getting the good GCSE's and looking into applying for the Access programme and thinking of what university you'd like to do your degree at. Oxbridge is very prestigious, but don't write off the other good unis, like the Russell Group which also have excellent reputations for teaching those subjects. If you want to study in the US, it's probably best to do your undergraduate degree (so BSc Physics, not MSci) in the UK, then apply for postgrad study in America. They generally don't understand foreign pre-degree qualifications like Access and A-level that well, only the IB, oh and it's extremely expensive to study in the US unless you win a scholarship. For now.. concentrate on the GCSE's/Access, though. Cross the other bridges when you get to them.

Good luck in your future endeavors.
:smile:

Reply 15

OP

Original post by Threxy

On retaking your GCSE's, it would definitely benefit you if anything. Most higher tier/middle tier universities in the UK for their science-based degree programmes ask for B's or above in Double or Triple Science, and for physics/engineering; maths as well. So if I were you, I'd look into taking Triple Science, which is where you take biology, chemistry and physics as three separate GCSE's because it provides the most depth to study them at A-level/Access level. You can do this either through college or being a private candidate, Double Science (2 GCSE's) works too, but don't bother with the Single Award. It's designed for people who have zero interest in science but need to satisfy the science 'requirement' to get into certain uni courses like teaching, etc.

If your local college doesn't offer a decent GCSE Science programme for you, again, do it through being a private candidate. It's a lot cheaper than college, but the downside is there is no tuition, so you'll have to use your own initiative to study for the exams in the library and look for a qualified tutor or teacher to authenticate the coursework - on top of that, you'll have to arrange an exam venue by yourself by phoning local schools/colleges to see if they'll be willing to let you sit.

It's nice to plan long-term, but for now I'd focus on getting the good GCSE's and looking into applying for the Access programme and thinking of what university you'd like to do your degree at. Oxbridge is very prestigious, but don't write off the other good unis, like the Russell Group which also have excellent reputations for teaching those subjects. If you want to study in the US, it's probably best to do your undergraduate degree (so BSc Physics, not MSci) in the UK, then apply for postgrad study in America. They generally don't understand foreign pre-degree qualifications like Access and A-level that well, only the IB, oh and it's extremely expensive to study in the US unless you win a scholarship. For now.. concentrate on the GCSE's/Access, though. Cross the other bridges when you get to them.

Good luck in your future endeavors.
:smile:

I can take GCSEs at the same time as my Access course. Does that mean I should take Access science as well Triple-Science for GCSE?

I'm going for an English GCSE as well so I can get that up to an A. But I think taking on Triple science and the Access may be a bit too much.

Reply 16

Threxy

14

Oh, if you're taking them at the same time, that would be a bit more difficult, in that case Double Science will still suffice. Just saying, Triple Science would provide a better foundation to do it at A-level or Access level.

I'm not 100% sure how Access works (I don't study it myself), but I'm assuming the sciences in Access are at Level 3, which is A-level standard officially, meaning you'll need a bit of pre-knowledge. If you're talking about Level 2 ("GCSE level") units in science, it's not good enough I don't think. The "better" unis will ask for good grades (B's and above) in proper GCSE Maths/English/Science, especially for science degree courses.

So yeah, a long side your Access course, retake English GCSE and take Double Science GCSE, or at least two singular GCSE's in the relevent sciences you need (i.e. Physics & Chemistry or Physics & Biology). On Access, you can probably opt out of the level 2 maths, English and science classes if you say (and prove) that you're taking them as GCSE's instead? That will leave you more time to work.

Bit of a waffle, I know. xD

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 17