[bertiehs]

Hi everyone, I need some advice.

I've quite recently found a passion for astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology.

I think my physics teacher did not reveal the interesting side of physics, so I didn't carry it on to A level. Neither did I carry on Maths, although I got an A at GCSE. Even though I found it too boring to do at A level, I think I would be much more enthusiastic if it was applied maths.

Anyway I'm trying to decide whether to do a foundation year in Physics at Uni of Kent, and then go on to do an Astrophysics, Astronomy and Space Science degree.

I have been learning quite a lot about physics in my free time, but I haven't done maths since GCSE, will this be a serious issue? Does anyone know how difficult the maths involved will be?

Thanks in advance for any help

Bertie

[Chemist548]

(Original post by bertiehs)
Hi everyone, I need some advice.

I've quite recently found a passion for astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology.

I think my physics teacher did not reveal the interesting side of physics, so I didn't carry it on to A level. Neither did I carry on Maths, although I got an A at GCSE. Even though I found it too boring to do at A level, I think I would be much more enthusiastic if it was applied maths.

Anyway I'm trying to decide whether to do a foundation year in Physics at Uni of Kent, and then go on to do an Astrophysics, Astronomy and Space Science degree.

I have been learning quite a lot about physics in my free time, but I haven't done maths since GCSE, will this be a serious issue? Does anyone know how difficult the maths involved will be?

Thanks in advance for any help

Bertie

Bertie, bertie, bertie....

This is the best advice you're going to get:

Do NOT enrol on a foundation year. It is another one of these cash-cows for the university.

You would be MUCH better off enrolling at a local technical college in A-level mathematics and physics. It will cost you a TINY fraction of the price overall compared to that extra year at university, and you'll actually get REAL teaching, and EXTRA qualifications, and MORE CHOICE when choosing university courses.

The other option is to teach yourself. It's more than possible, years ago I taught myself A-level mathematics and A-level further mathematics, and then went and sat the exams at a local technical college gaining straight A's. I was about 19 at the time, and I sat all of the exams alongside 4 other people all aged at least 35. I absolutely loved it. More importantly, I did this whilst I was studying for my chemistry degree AND holding down a part-time job. If I can do it I'm sure nearly anyone else can.

[bertiehs]

Just to update:

I'm very glad I ignored your advice Chemist. Not only don't I have to pay the higher fees, I am also doing very well without having done physics or maths A levels. I may also be transferring to Sussex with the lower fees on a BSc Physics degree.