Access Course

Is it possible to get into a decent university for mathematics via an access course? I would prefer to do a joint major of mathermatics and physics. I have seen that some universities accept it but I have been told that A level students take precedence. The most elite universities wont accept it(not alone anyway) and the few that I have seen suggest you take the AEA or STEP exams. I don't know where I would take these. I have heard they are harder than A levels.

It all depends by what you mean by a "decent" university. It's unlikely that an access course would give you the sort of background you'd need for an intensive course at a top university, and maths is a subject that is highly foundational i.e. builds on prior knowledge and skill (unlike, say, Law which doesn't have any absolute prerequisites).

Have you already completed A Levels? What grades / module marks did you get?

AEA and STEP are administered by exam boards in the same way as A Levels, so you would have to find yourself an exam centre that would allow you to sit them as a private candidate, but they are tough - you don't just sit down for a week and practise A level questions then expect to be able to pass them!

There was a guy on here a couple of years ago who got really bad A level grades but was passionate about studying Maths or Physics. He did a Foundation Degree somewhere and then I think he was accepted onto a Masters course at Durham, so it's not impossible to take a non-standard route as long as you accept that it requires time and a lot of hard work!

I'm currently 29 and had unconditional offers this year to study physics at King's College, Queen Mary's and University of Hertfordshire.
I completed the first year of an Open University Natural Sciences degree to gain a Certificate in Higher Education. In the modules I chose to do a 30 credit maths module and a 10 point astronomy module.

When doing my research I found that many universities would rather have A levels, however this can be difficult as a mature student. Access courses are great, but universities (especially Oxbridge and other Russell Group) will favour applicants with a levels. I made the decision to go for a level 4 qualification (Cert HE) over an access course (level 3) making sure I had appropriate evidence of an interest in the subject and mathematical ability.

It is very important to show evidence of what you can do! How do I know this? I applied last year with my current qualifications and didn't get any offers. This year I applied again and sent of portfolios containing mathematics and physics assignments that I completed for the OU. Got 3 offers.

There are pro's and con's to going through this route, however, I think it shows the uni you are capable of degree level study.

I didn't consider applying to Oxbridge as I felt I'd never stand a chance of getting in. My average result through my Cert HE was about 85% (which probably equates to 3 - 4 A* grades over chemistry, biology, physics and maths.) To be entirely fair, I didn't expect to get offers from King's or Queen Mary's. So maybe I should have tried, but I am very happy with my firm option, it would have been my first choice anyway.

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