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Poor A level grades what can I do?

I have passed 3 A Levels but with grades to low to be of much use if I want to be an engineer. I also dropped maths for Politics which was a mistake. I am under 19 so should still be eligible for free education. Can I do physics again and fast track maths so I can sit both in Summer 2024? Do I have to pay?

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Obelisk55!

It depends on the ELQ policy of the college. In all likelihood, you will have to pay since you have passed A Levels. There are some colleges that offer this to 19 year olds, but you would need to check whether you would need to pay (you should be able to take out Advanced Learner's Loans for this, but do check).

Whilst you can do A Levels through online colleges, there's a likelihood that you would need to pay for them.
Yes, you can fast track 2 A levels by next year, you just need to move quickly since you don't have much time.

Alternative options include:

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Consider foundation year

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Consider apprenticeships - might need A Level maths, but you can always do Level 2 apprenticeships

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Do BTEC

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Do Access to HE engineering diplomas, specifically those with at least 15 credits in maths and 15 in physics - you might need to do A Level maths on top, depending on the uni

If you know which area of engineering you specifically want to go into, this would significantly help narrow things down (engineering is not a narrow field).

Reply 2

Obelisk55!

Thanks for this. Its Chartered Surveying that I'm interested in.

Reply 3

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Obelisk55!

Thanks for this. Its Chartered Surveying that I'm interested in.

Then I am a little confused.

Chartered Surveying isn't an engineering discipline and generally don't require engineering related subjects.
If you want an accredited degree in chartered surveying, then you can see the following page (there are hundreds of them in the country, as well as abroad): https://www.ricscourses.org/

See the following for the job profile for surveyors (note: there are various types of surveying):
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/commercial-residential-surveyor
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/building-surveyor
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/building-surveyor
https://www.rics.org/surveyor-careers/surveying/what-is-a-chartered-surveyor
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/building-surveyor-job-description
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/building-surveyor
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/design-planning/job-profile/building-surveyor

Generally, the entry requirements for surveying degrees tend to be low and do not require specific subjects. In other words, I think you should be fine if you just apply for the degree as you are (I can't speak for job applications in practice though, so you're better off asking someone who is a surveyor).

On the other hand, if you want a job as a civil or structural engineer, then yes you would likely need A Levels in physics and maths. See the following for their job profiles:
https://www.goconstruct.org/construction-careers/what-jobs-are-right-for-me/civil-engineer/
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/civil-engineer
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/consulting-civil-engineer
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/civil-engineer-job-description
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/design-planning/job-profile/civil-engineer
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/structural-engineer-job-description
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/structural-engineer
https://www.goconstruct.org/construction-careers/what-jobs-are-right-for-me/structural-engineer/
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/structural-engineer
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/design-planning/job-profile/structural-engineer

The appropriate bodies for accreditation are ICE and ISE respectively. See the following for accredited degrees:
https://www.jbm.org.uk/accreditation/accreditation-programmes/

There are usually a plethora of professional bodies that you need to liaise between to get all the answers you want, but if you pick a course accredited by one body, it's likely that it's also accredited by another (don't ask).

Again, you can consider doing an apprenticeship to work your way up, work in a role and work your way up, go to an adult college and then move onto a job, as well as doing a degree (with or without a foundation year).

Whilst the above should more or less answer any query you have, if you want to know something more specific, I would ned more specific information about what you're looking for.

Reply 4

Obelisk55!

Thank you for all this information Mindmax, (whoever you actually are). I think there is some really important stuff here but It will take a while to digest. Can I come back to you if I have more questions please? So far you are the only impartial source I have come across that I feel is actually trying to help me and not just sell something..

Reply 5

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Obelisk55!

Can I come back to you if I have more questions please?
Yeah sure.

So far you are the only impartial source I have come across that I feel is actually trying to help me and not just sell something.
Well, I wouldn't say I'm not going to (not that I have anything to sell at hand).

Come back to me when you're ready.