23 year old with bad A-levels looking to start higher education
Hi, when I did my A-levels for some reason I really didn't see the point of them at the time, leading me to put little effort in and ended up getting CCD in geography, statistics and business studies. Now after working in retail for the last 5 years, I have started to think that it might be a good choice, considering my lack of qualifications (I'm in the middle of doing a level 3 diploma in personal training but i'm not sure if I want to pursue that as a career choice anymore) and I think that It would help me to develop my communication/ability to articulate myself, learn to write, improve my confidence and just generally further my education.
I was thinking about a joint honors for psychology and philosophy, or just psychology, or just philosophy. Is this a good combination to take in terms of my goals? (communication, writing skills etc.)
My main question is, how can I get into university to do these subjects If I don't have good enough A-levels to get in? I've read a little about access to higher education but I'm not 100% sure how it works. I'm up for re-doing my a-levels but I didn't particularly enjoy the subjects that I picked. Is it worth me getting new A-levels at my age just to be accepted by a university, or is it too late? I've seen there are one year intensive courses for a level. Or would it just be easier to get a degree from the open university since you don't need any qualifications to start studying? But I feel like I would get more out of going to a regular university. Too many questions here but anyone with any advice?
PS I have no idea what forum this belongs in
I was thinking about a joint honors for psychology and philosophy, or just psychology, or just philosophy. Is this a good combination to take in terms of my goals? (communication, writing skills etc.)
My main question is, how can I get into university to do these subjects If I don't have good enough A-levels to get in? I've read a little about access to higher education but I'm not 100% sure how it works. I'm up for re-doing my a-levels but I didn't particularly enjoy the subjects that I picked. Is it worth me getting new A-levels at my age just to be accepted by a university, or is it too late? I've seen there are one year intensive courses for a level. Or would it just be easier to get a degree from the open university since you don't need any qualifications to start studying? But I feel like I would get more out of going to a regular university. Too many questions here but anyone with any advice?
PS I have no idea what forum this belongs in
Scroll to see replies
Definitely look into an access course. There are different ones designed for different subject areas. The course is a way for you to gain the entry level requirements you need for uni, and the fast track course (I think that's the one you're referring to in your post) is only a year. It's full time, but that's around 16-20 hours per week usually. If you wanted to keep working, there's the option of doing the access course part-time also. That's the route I've taken and am in my final year now, and apply for uni before January. I'd absolutely recommend the access course, as it gets you back into the way of studying again and prepares you for uni.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Btw you’re never to late to start chasing you’re dreams, there’s no age you should go to university you are definitely not late you’re on you’re own timing! What I would advise is that I think you’re best to do an access course, a levels require 2 years and you won’t get funded for a levels when you’re older than 18, you would have to do it privately and pay. Unless of course you’re wishing to do so.
If you wish to study psychology or something along those line you could do an access course in social science or health. Then apply to university. Access courses only take one year to complete which is you’re best option I think.
If you wish to study psychology or something along those line you could do an access course in social science or health. Then apply to university. Access courses only take one year to complete which is you’re best option I think.
Original post by Turtlelover222
Hi, when I did my A-levels for some reason I really didn't see the point of them at the time, leading me to put little effort in and ended up getting CCD in geography, statistics and business studies. Now after working in retail for the last 5 years, I have started to think that it might be a good choice, considering my lack of qualifications (I'm in the middle of doing a level 3 diploma in personal training but i'm not sure if I want to pursue that as a career choice anymore) and I think that It would help me to develop my communication/ability to articulate myself, learn to write, improve my confidence and just generally further my education.
I was thinking about a joint honors for psychology and philosophy, or just psychology, or just philosophy. Is this a good combination to take in terms of my goals? (communication, writing skills etc.)
My main question is, how can I get into university to do these subjects If I don't have good enough A-levels to get in? I've read a little about access to higher education but I'm not 100% sure how it works. I'm up for re-doing my a-levels but I didn't particularly enjoy the subjects that I picked. Is it worth me getting new A-levels at my age just to be accepted by a university, or is it too late? I've seen there are one year intensive courses for a level. Or would it just be easier to get a degree from the open university since you don't need any qualifications to start studying? But I feel like I would get more out of going to a regular university. Too many questions here but anyone with any advice?
PS I have no idea what forum this belongs in
I was thinking about a joint honors for psychology and philosophy, or just psychology, or just philosophy. Is this a good combination to take in terms of my goals? (communication, writing skills etc.)
My main question is, how can I get into university to do these subjects If I don't have good enough A-levels to get in? I've read a little about access to higher education but I'm not 100% sure how it works. I'm up for re-doing my a-levels but I didn't particularly enjoy the subjects that I picked. Is it worth me getting new A-levels at my age just to be accepted by a university, or is it too late? I've seen there are one year intensive courses for a level. Or would it just be easier to get a degree from the open university since you don't need any qualifications to start studying? But I feel like I would get more out of going to a regular university. Too many questions here but anyone with any advice?
PS I have no idea what forum this belongs in
23 years old you are just starting your life my friend!!!
There is a mythology surrounding the age of entrance at Universities. Many students don't even think of University until after the age of 25.
You are very young and you should pursue whet you like. And of course A-levels are A-levels regardless of when you choose to do them. They are always valued the same and you can sit them as part of a course you doing in a College or as an independent candidate.
Several students start University in their 30s in our days or even later. On the very positive side you have experience from life and that counts a lot when you are applying especially when you show you take your studies very seriously and you have already seen what is outside there. Most employers and certainly all Universities value this together with mature students. But in your case mature is not the right word.
Hi there,
There is no such thing as too late; Charles Darwin himself released a book on his theory of evolution when he was in his 50's, for which he is most well known for today!
An option you may be interested in is our university - we pride ourselves on our generous entry requirements as we believe that education should be attainable for all no matter the circumstances. Because of this, we require individuals to have at least 2 subjects at GCE A-Level but there is no specific requirement for the grades you possess; an example based on your interest in Psychology.
Here's the link for more info: https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/psychology-degrees/bsc-hons-psychology-bps
This could be something worth doing some research into for yourself as it would cut a lot of corners of you having to complete more qualifications to increase the grades you already have!
Toni,
Student Ambassador
There is no such thing as too late; Charles Darwin himself released a book on his theory of evolution when he was in his 50's, for which he is most well known for today!
An option you may be interested in is our university - we pride ourselves on our generous entry requirements as we believe that education should be attainable for all no matter the circumstances. Because of this, we require individuals to have at least 2 subjects at GCE A-Level but there is no specific requirement for the grades you possess; an example based on your interest in Psychology.
Here's the link for more info: https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/psychology-degrees/bsc-hons-psychology-bps
This could be something worth doing some research into for yourself as it would cut a lot of corners of you having to complete more qualifications to increase the grades you already have!
Toni,
Student Ambassador
Original post by Turtlelover222
Hi, when I did my A-levels for some reason I really didn't see the point of them at the time, leading me to put little effort in and ended up getting CCD in geography, statistics and business studies. Now after working in retail for the last 5 years, I have started to think that it might be a good choice, considering my lack of qualifications (I'm in the middle of doing a level 3 diploma in personal training but i'm not sure if I want to pursue that as a career choice anymore) and I think that It would help me to develop my communication/ability to articulate myself, learn to write, improve my confidence and just generally further my education.
I was thinking about a joint honors for psychology and philosophy, or just psychology, or just philosophy. Is this a good combination to take in terms of my goals? (communication, writing skills etc.)
My main question is, how can I get into university to do these subjects If I don't have good enough A-levels to get in? I've read a little about access to higher education but I'm not 100% sure how it works. I'm up for re-doing my a-levels but I didn't particularly enjoy the subjects that I picked. Is it worth me getting new A-levels at my age just to be accepted by a university, or is it too late? I've seen there are one year intensive courses for a level. Or would it just be easier to get a degree from the open university since you don't need any qualifications to start studying? But I feel like I would get more out of going to a regular university. Too many questions here but anyone with any advice?
PS I have no idea what forum this belongs in
I was thinking about a joint honors for psychology and philosophy, or just psychology, or just philosophy. Is this a good combination to take in terms of my goals? (communication, writing skills etc.)
My main question is, how can I get into university to do these subjects If I don't have good enough A-levels to get in? I've read a little about access to higher education but I'm not 100% sure how it works. I'm up for re-doing my a-levels but I didn't particularly enjoy the subjects that I picked. Is it worth me getting new A-levels at my age just to be accepted by a university, or is it too late? I've seen there are one year intensive courses for a level. Or would it just be easier to get a degree from the open university since you don't need any qualifications to start studying? But I feel like I would get more out of going to a regular university. Too many questions here but anyone with any advice?
PS I have no idea what forum this belongs in
I think you should do an access course to HE or even a uni foundation year there’s bound to be some that you meet the requirements to
Original post by Tashax2
I think you should do an access course to HE or even a uni foundation year there’s bound to be some that you meet the requirements to
Yeah I was literally just now looking at a foundation year course which I'm already qualified for as they only ask for 5 GCSE's at D or above and 2 years of post GCSE study at level 3. What do you think is the better choice out of the 2? (access or find a foundation year course)
Original post by Arden University
Hi there,
There is no such thing as too late; Charles Darwin himself released a book on his theory of evolution when he was in his 50's, for which he is most well known for today!
An option you may be interested in is our university - we pride ourselves on our generous entry requirements as we believe that education should be attainable for all no matter the circumstances. Because of this, we require individuals to have at least 2 subjects at GCE A-Level but there is no specific requirement for the grades you possess; an example based on your interest in Psychology.
Here's the link for more info: https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/psychology-degrees/bsc-hons-psychology-bps
This could be something worth doing some research into for yourself as it would cut a lot of corners of you having to complete more qualifications to increase the grades you already have!
Toni,
Student Ambassador
There is no such thing as too late; Charles Darwin himself released a book on his theory of evolution when he was in his 50's, for which he is most well known for today!
An option you may be interested in is our university - we pride ourselves on our generous entry requirements as we believe that education should be attainable for all no matter the circumstances. Because of this, we require individuals to have at least 2 subjects at GCE A-Level but there is no specific requirement for the grades you possess; an example based on your interest in Psychology.
Here's the link for more info: https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/psychology-degrees/bsc-hons-psychology-bps
This could be something worth doing some research into for yourself as it would cut a lot of corners of you having to complete more qualifications to increase the grades you already have!
Toni,
Student Ambassador
Thanks Toni, I'll have a look
Original post by Turtlelover222
Yeah I was literally just now looking at a foundation year course which I'm already qualified for as they only ask for 5 GCSE's at D or above and 2 years of post GCSE study at level 3. What do you think is the better choice out of the 2? (access or find a foundation year course)
If for you time is of the essence then foundation year however if you did an access course I’m assuming I’m not sure but if you did very well you could get into even better unis as many top ones accept the Access. Where have you looked at the foundation year ?
Original post by Tashax2
If for you time is of the essence then foundation year however if you did an access course I’m assuming I’m not sure but if you did very well you could get into even better unis as many top ones accept the Access. Where have you looked at the foundation year ?
Do you have maths gcse grade 4+?
Original post by Tashax2
If for you time is of the essence then foundation year however if you did an access course I’m assuming I’m not sure but if you did very well you could get into even better unis as many top ones accept the Access. Where have you looked at the foundation year ?
There's one at Anglia Ruskin as it's not too far from where I live and I'd still like to travel back and play football on the weekends. But It's only a single honors and I think that I'd prefer to do a joint honors degree. So maybe you're right about access, but if i was to do an access course in a specific subject area, would I then qualify for a joint honors in 2 different subjects? or would that mean taking 2 access courses haha. sorry im clueless
Original post by Tashax2
Do you have maths gcse grade 4+?
Yeah I do
Its not too late you could get into university with your current grades however if you want to do psychology and not just philosophy your subjects are a bit off. I personally would recommend you do an access course and then apply for a prestigious university however only if you are confident you can do well otherwise you can just do a foundation year or go to a mid-tier university right now. When do you plan on applying etc? Don't be put off calling universities in clearing in August because they say AAB etc I've seen universities like Queen Mary take many grades lower.
Original post by Turtlelover222
There's one at Anglia Ruskin as it's not too far from where I live and I'd still like to travel back and play football on the weekends. But It's only a single honors and I think that I'd prefer to do a joint honors degree. So maybe you're right about access, but if i was to do an access course in a specific subject area, would I then qualify for a joint honors in 2 different subjects? or would that mean taking 2 access courses haha. sorry im clueless
Is it the Chelmsford campus or Cambridge ?
I think everyone here has made rly good suggestions and i agree i really do not think its going to stop you at all so do not worry !!! My mum at 45 who failed most of (equivalent to) GCSEs and never finished her (equivalent to) A levels she managed to get onto an access course and got her degree and was one of the best students they had ever seen. Her friends all graduated at similar ages and are now all in really good jobs so definitely go for it.
Original post by Tashax2
Is it the Chelmsford campus or Cambridge ?
Cambridge I believe, but It was a Bsc and I have read that a Bsc is more specialised for a particular field of work and is more practical based whereas I think a BA might be more suitable.
Edit- never mind all psych courses are BSc
(edited 3 years ago)
Original post by Turtlelover222
Cambridge I believe, but It was a Bsc and I have read that a Bsc is more specialised for a particular field of work and is more practical based whereas I think a BA might be more suitable.
Edit- never mind all psych courses are BSc
Edit- never mind all psych courses are BSc
I think you should do an access course then apply for an undergraduate degree
Original post by Turtlelover222
Hi, when I did my A-levels for some reason I really didn't see the point of them at the time, leading me to put little effort in and ended up getting CCD in geography, statistics and business studies. Now after working in retail for the last 5 years, I have started to think that it might be a good choice, considering my lack of qualifications (I'm in the middle of doing a level 3 diploma in personal training but i'm not sure if I want to pursue that as a career choice anymore) and I think that It would help me to develop my communication/ability to articulate myself, learn to write, improve my confidence and just generally further my education.
I was thinking about a joint honors for psychology and philosophy, or just psychology, or just philosophy. Is this a good combination to take in terms of my goals? (communication, writing skills etc.)
My main question is, how can I get into university to do these subjects If I don't have good enough A-levels to get in? I've read a little about access to higher education but I'm not 100% sure how it works. I'm up for re-doing my a-levels but I didn't particularly enjoy the subjects that I picked. Is it worth me getting new A-levels at my age just to be accepted by a university, or is it too late? I've seen there are one year intensive courses for a level. Or would it just be easier to get a degree from the open university since you don't need any qualifications to start studying? But I feel like I would get more out of going to a regular university. Too many questions here but anyone with any advice?
PS I have no idea what forum this belongs in
I was thinking about a joint honors for psychology and philosophy, or just psychology, or just philosophy. Is this a good combination to take in terms of my goals? (communication, writing skills etc.)
My main question is, how can I get into university to do these subjects If I don't have good enough A-levels to get in? I've read a little about access to higher education but I'm not 100% sure how it works. I'm up for re-doing my a-levels but I didn't particularly enjoy the subjects that I picked. Is it worth me getting new A-levels at my age just to be accepted by a university, or is it too late? I've seen there are one year intensive courses for a level. Or would it just be easier to get a degree from the open university since you don't need any qualifications to start studying? But I feel like I would get more out of going to a regular university. Too many questions here but anyone with any advice?
PS I have no idea what forum this belongs in
Hi @Turtlelover222,
I think it sounds like a great idea! Degrees, alongside making the most of the amazing facilities/services on offer at a university like ARU, will help you so much with your goals. You're more than welcome to email our [email protected] to see if your current A-Levels would get you in at ARU, but you can see most of this info on our course pages.
Generally speaking our courses require between 96-104 UCAS points (or in that region). Here, you've got about 88. What can be done, is you take up a foundation year but in Clearing some courses lower their entry points, not just at ARU - but most universities do this, which could possibly see you get into your chosen course without the retake or a foundation year. If in doubt, you could get yourself secured onto a foundation year now and then in summer see if any clearing options become available (you can start looking / apply through clearing around July time and places are offered out from Results Day in August). That being said, a foundation year could be really helpful to get you up to speed with any of the essay skills or exam skills you might not have had chance to practice recently.
Your best bet is to browse courses and find an institution you're really passionate about. Check out the level of support on offer too, for example, ARU's Study Skills are free sessions to help improve essay writing or numeracy or referencing, and open to all ARU students. We also have an employability service which could be the best place to go in regards to improving your confidence and communication for those all important interview and your CV - our team run regular workshops and can chat with you 1-2-1 about it, too. So make sure when you're hunting for a uni, you're looking at things like this too.
In regards to your course choices, I'm just putting the links here. We don't offer Psychology with Philosophy, though.
Psychology (foundation year available)
Philosophy (foundation year available)
We have got some different psychology courses available, too, such as paired with Criminology or Clinical Psychology, so I'll pop the link to all our Psychology courses here: https://aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/psychology-courses
Finally, if you have any questions, you get me here or you can chat direct with lecturers and admissions at our virtual open day (which is available 24/7) if you head here. Just click the 'on-demand' link near the top.
All the best and good luck
Megan
Original post by ARUOfficial
Hi @Turtlelover222,
I think it sounds like a great idea! Degrees, alongside making the most of the amazing facilities/services on offer at a university like ARU, will help you so much with your goals. You're more than welcome to email our [email protected] to see if your current A-Levels would get you in at ARU, but you can see most of this info on our course pages.
Generally speaking our courses require between 96-104 UCAS points (or in that region). Here, you've got about 88. What can be done, is you take up a foundation year but in Clearing some courses lower their entry points, not just at ARU - but most universities do this, which could possibly see you get into your chosen course without the retake or a foundation year. If in doubt, you could get yourself secured onto a foundation year now and then in summer see if any clearing options become available (you can start looking / apply through clearing around July time and places are offered out from Results Day in August). That being said, a foundation year could be really helpful to get you up to speed with any of the essay skills or exam skills you might not have had chance to practice recently.
Your best bet is to browse courses and find an institution you're really passionate about. Check out the level of support on offer too, for example, ARU's Study Skills are free sessions to help improve essay writing or numeracy or referencing, and open to all ARU students. We also have an employability service which could be the best place to go in regards to improving your confidence and communication for those all important interview and your CV - our team run regular workshops and can chat with you 1-2-1 about it, too. So make sure when you're hunting for a uni, you're looking at things like this too.
In regards to your course choices, I'm just putting the links here. We don't offer Psychology with Philosophy, though.
Psychology (foundation year available)
Philosophy (foundation year available)
We have got some different psychology courses available, too, such as paired with Criminology or Clinical Psychology, so I'll pop the link to all our Psychology courses here: https://aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/psychology-courses
Finally, if you have any questions, you get me here or you can chat direct with lecturers and admissions at our virtual open day (which is available 24/7) if you head here. Just click the 'on-demand' link near the top.
All the best and good luck
Megan
I think it sounds like a great idea! Degrees, alongside making the most of the amazing facilities/services on offer at a university like ARU, will help you so much with your goals. You're more than welcome to email our [email protected] to see if your current A-Levels would get you in at ARU, but you can see most of this info on our course pages.
Generally speaking our courses require between 96-104 UCAS points (or in that region). Here, you've got about 88. What can be done, is you take up a foundation year but in Clearing some courses lower their entry points, not just at ARU - but most universities do this, which could possibly see you get into your chosen course without the retake or a foundation year. If in doubt, you could get yourself secured onto a foundation year now and then in summer see if any clearing options become available (you can start looking / apply through clearing around July time and places are offered out from Results Day in August). That being said, a foundation year could be really helpful to get you up to speed with any of the essay skills or exam skills you might not have had chance to practice recently.
Your best bet is to browse courses and find an institution you're really passionate about. Check out the level of support on offer too, for example, ARU's Study Skills are free sessions to help improve essay writing or numeracy or referencing, and open to all ARU students. We also have an employability service which could be the best place to go in regards to improving your confidence and communication for those all important interview and your CV - our team run regular workshops and can chat with you 1-2-1 about it, too. So make sure when you're hunting for a uni, you're looking at things like this too.
In regards to your course choices, I'm just putting the links here. We don't offer Psychology with Philosophy, though.
Psychology (foundation year available)
Philosophy (foundation year available)
We have got some different psychology courses available, too, such as paired with Criminology or Clinical Psychology, so I'll pop the link to all our Psychology courses here: https://aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/psychology-courses
Finally, if you have any questions, you get me here or you can chat direct with lecturers and admissions at our virtual open day (which is available 24/7) if you head here. Just click the 'on-demand' link near the top.
All the best and good luck
Megan
Thanks Megan, that's super helpful
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