Astrophysics degree without maths?

paddymac64

Hi guys, anyone know of any astrophysics courses that do not require maths at A level?
Thanks!

Reply 1

HandmadeTurnip

I don't know of any Physics or Astrophysics course that doesn't require Maths at A-Level.

Reply 2

qno2

No. An Astrophysics degree is basically a specialised form of physics where in terms of entry requirements, maths is more important than physics.

Reply 3

starry_n3bula

Original post by paddymac64

Hi guys, anyone know of any astrophysics courses that do not require maths at A level?
Thanks!

Hi, as the other posters have stated you will need Math's A-level. For direct entry onto UK BSc/MSci/MPhys astro courses the pre-requites are Math's and Physics A-levels, with most unis preferring you to also have Futher Math As/A-level. The first year of the degree builds on A-level math's and surpasses Further Maths topics usually by the end of the 1st term, sometimes the end of the first year depending on course/uni.

If you have already completed your A-levels and they were in non-related subjects (e.g. History, Geography and Politics) you could apply for a foundation year designed for students without the appropriate A-levels which esstenially covers A-level Maths&Physics. However, to gain entry you will need both a good GCSE maths and physics/science grades, and a strong personal statement explaining why you have now choosen to do astrophysics.

The reason maths is so important is because astro/physics is essentially applied maths in context to the physical world.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 4

danni-lee

This is my current situation. I am in my first year of A-Levels and did apply to do maths and physics at a-level, however I struggled with maths, having only got a 5 at gcse. Although i got an 8 in gcse physics, i couldn’t stay on the physics or the maths course. my current a levels are now history, sociology and politics, which i do not want to continue at uni. i am extremely passionate about astrophysics and i know i have the determination to pull me through any obstacles in my way. my drive to learn about astronomy is more powerful than ever before, now because i am faced with the worry that i may not be able to. i am hoping to be accepted to aberystwyth university, to do a foundation year on top of my astrophysics degree. this isn’t just an interest for me, it’s a real dream. my dream career. i don’t know what else i would rather study, and cam guarantee that any other field i go into, will not interest me as much as astrophysics. how likely do you think it is that i would be accepted onto the course? i did separate sciences at gcse but besides my own research and learning, that is the only appropriate education i have in physics. I am worried about the maths, but i know that i will push myself to learn because of how badly i want to secede in astronomy. any help? thank you

Reply 5

Roughbladez

Honestly, you really cannot do any branch of physics without A-level maths (at least if you want to start in first year). If you're absolutely set on doing astrophysics, you would most likely have to do a foundation year first to get your maths skills up to scratch. And just in case you're not aware, astrophysics degrees are not hugely different to straight physics - the difference usually lies in the fact that your optional modules are already picked and are astro-oriented. Have a look at the modules for astro and then for straight physics. Do they appeal to you?

If I may ask, what is it that draws you towards astrophysics? Any job in particular you want within the field ("astrophysicist" is not a job per se)?

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 6

spicedapples

Original post by paddymac64

Hi guys, anyone know of any astrophysics courses that do not require maths at A level?

Not that I'm aware of. My parents wont pay for my travel to college if I take maths so I have to take physics, biology and either English or French. I really would like to study astronomy at university and it seems a shame to take a physics a-level and do really well but then still have to do a foundation year

Reply 7

ErinLZEdwards

Original post by danni-lee

Hi there! I saw your post about wanting to study astrophysics without either A-levels. I was just messaging because I was looking for the same answers as you. I'm currently in year 13 and also wish to study astrophysics or something similar, however my chosen subjects are chemistry, biology and drama. I've been looking into alternatives to diving straight into university as i was always interested space and really enjoyed physics in during my GCSEs. I understand you were applying to Aberystwyth but I thought I'd update you on something I've found. There are a few options to take on a full a-level in the space of just one year after you've left sixth form. The best I've found so far is the Oxford college, offering intensive courses in maths and physics alongside other subjects. I think its £3,150 per subject (at least that was this years price) and there's also boarding which is an additional cost if you don't live in the area but I'm not sure how much it costs.
Hope you're doing well and staying safe during these times. Good luck with university!
-Erin