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Studying physics degree without physics A level

Im an AS student studing Maths Further Maths Chemistry and Biology.
I didn't take physics as I didnt realise how interesting it was, I know you can get into Cambridge without the phys a level but I feel as though thats a bit difficult, is it possible to get into imperial without phys a level even though its required by the university?
Original post by Jaysal63
Im an AS student studing Maths Further Maths Chemistry and Biology.
I didn't take physics as I didnt realise how interesting it was, I know you can get into Cambridge without the phys a level but I feel as though thats a bit difficult, is it possible to get into imperial without phys a level even though its required by the university?


"A-levels

We require A*A*A overall, to include:

A* in Mathematics
A in Physics
"

From the Imperial Physics entry requirements. So no, you won't be able to study physics at Imperial if you don't have physics A-level
Reply 2
Original post by Serpentine111
"A-levels

We require A*A*A overall, to include:

A* in Mathematics
A in Physics"

From the Imperial Physics entry requirements. So no, you won't be able to study physics at Imperial if you don't have physics A-level


I know about the entry requirements but is there any way that I can get in without physics even though it says you need it? Ie negotiating with the university?
Original post by Jaysal63
I know about the entry requirements but is there any way that I can get in without physics even though it says you need it? Ie negotiating with the university?

Ask the admissions department directly. They're the best qualified to answer your question.
Original post by Jaysal63
I know about the entry requirements but is there any way that I can get in without physics even though it says you need it? Ie negotiating with the university?


You could try: 99.99% sure it'll be a waste of time asking though. All of the people applying will have physics A-level and Imperial physics is very, very competitive.

Maybe you could try self-studying the physics units/arrange a personal tutor and take the physics exams since you're only in AS?
Reply 5
Original post by Serpentine111
You could try: 99.99% sure it'll be a waste of time asking though. All of the people applying will have physics A-level and Imperial physics is very, very competitive.

Maybe you could try self-studying the physics units/arrange a personal tutor and take the physics exams since you're only in AS?


Ok, but if I self teach i'll still have to do another year at college right?
Original post by Jaysal63
Ok, but if I self teach i'll still have to do another year at college right?


You could do AS and A2 next year. Or self study the AS over the summer and do the A2 next year.
Original post by Jaysal63
Ok, but if I self teach i'll still have to do another year at college right?


I think it would be best to ask your college what the procedure would be. I'm assuming you're worrying about how you'd apply for Imperial physics not having taken any exams/have any predicted grades for physics?
Original post by Jaysal63
Im an AS student studing Maths Further Maths Chemistry and Biology.
I didn't take physics as I didnt realise how interesting it was, I know you can get into Cambridge without the phys a level but I feel as though thats a bit difficult, is it possible to get into imperial without phys a level even though its required by the university?


If something is listed as a requirement, then it is a requirement. A university will only make exceptions in specific circumstances, such as because of illness to explain low grades, or may accept a grade lower than entry requirements if the course isn't full and you have a conditional offer.

Have you thought about studying Physics next year? It is possible at some colleges to study an AS and A-level subject in one year if you dropped one of your other studies at AS.
Reply 9
Thank you for all the information guys it means a lot, I will probably see if I can get into Cambridge this year as they only require maths and further maths ( with 3 mecahnics units), and if I can't I will probably just have to do another year at college.

Coming from a different angle, does anyone know of any other universities which will accept students to study physics if they only have AS level physics? Or perhaps any universities which dont require physics at all?

Thanks.
In terms of difficulty, if you pick up an A-level text book and read through that over the summer you will be fine. First year is usually used to make sure that everyone is on the same page as everyone did varying levels of different topics at A-level.

However you will need to be very jammy and specifically inquire as to whether you can apply. You should have plenty of physics knowledge backed-up to show your interest and ability. Many universities won't even look at you, most likely some will ask you to do a foundation year.
Reply 11
Original post by Physics Onion
In terms of difficulty, if you pick up an A-level text book and read through that over the summer you will be fine. First year is usually used to make sure that everyone is on the same page as everyone did varying levels of different topics at A-level.

However you will need to be very jammy and specifically inquire as to whether you can apply. You should have plenty of physics knowledge backed-up to show your interest and ability. Many universities won't even look at you, most likely some will ask you to do a foundation year.


Thank you for the information, do you know of any specific universities which I could have a chance of slithering my way into?
I'm hoping to get A*A*A at A2 and apart from Cambridge I cant find any others.
Thanks
There should be plenty. I go to the University of Southampton and I know that they would definitely hear you out and at least offer a foundation year. With your science and maths background I'm sure you could make your case wherever you choose. Cambridge might be difficult because there will be an interview, however because they do the Natural Science course your wide background might actually help.

If you're asking for suggestions of where to look, some well respected but not ridiculously hard to get in to places include Sussex and Lancaster.

If you would like some tutoring over the summer I would be happy to provide some for free over skype or something.
You could look at maths & physics, mathematical physics or theoretical physics courses.
You could do Maths but then take optionals in more physics related modules.
Or there is Natural Sciences of course, so you could specialise later
Look on whatuni for a brief idea of requirement. I think A2 at B grade is a minimum for most units. My daughter got an offer for theoretical physics at Sussex at ABB, the A in Maths.
A foundation is another option, but comes at a cost of course
Reply 14
Original post by Physics Onion
There should be plenty. I go to the University of Southampton and I know that they would definitely hear you out and at least offer a foundation year. With your science and maths background I'm sure you could make your case wherever you choose. Cambridge might be difficult because there will be an interview, however because they do the Natural Science course your wide background might actually help.

If you're asking for suggestions of where to look, some well respected but not ridiculously hard to get in to places include Sussex and Lancaster.

If you would like some tutoring over the summer I would be happy to provide some for free over skype or something.


Thanks for the info again, and for the kind offer.
I will have to first negotiate with my college to see if they'd let me study physics over summer and still be able to do A2 physics in the next year, if they let me some tutoring would be extremely appreciated.
Maybe if you take all the Mechanics modules up to M5
That sounds very sensible, hit me up whenever you like.

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