Should I take A-Level maths so that I can do some type of Physics at Uni

I’m currently in year 11 about to sit my GCSE’s and I’ve applied to sixth form to do Physics, business and games development. However, I’ve recently been looking at what I would need to do Physics at uni and everywhere wants me to have A level maths, I’m fairly good at gcse maths (looking at a 7) but I don’t like the idea of doing maths for another 2 years, but I really want to go on to do physics at uni, maybe engineering or after that nuclear physics or engineering. Will doing A level maths be a good choice or is it really hard.

Reply 1

McGinger

20

You will need Maths. And if that isn't a comfortable subject for you then you might need to rethink your potential degree subject as even 'lower grade' Unis want it for Physics or Engineering, and if you feel are going to struggle at A level, a degree will be even more of a challenge.

Business A level isn't a useful subject at all - you dont even need it for a Business degree - switch it out for Maths if you are determined to do Physics or Engineering at Uni.

Reply 2

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Lewis07

I’m currently in year 11 about to sit my GCSE’s and I’ve applied to sixth form to do Physics, business and games development. However, I’ve recently been looking at what I would need to do Physics at uni and everywhere wants me to have A level maths, I’m fairly good at gcse maths (looking at a 7) but I don’t like the idea of doing maths for another 2 years, but I really want to go on to do physics at uni, maybe engineering or after that nuclear physics or engineering. Will doing A level maths be a good choice or is it really hard.

The thing is, a physics degree is all maths. It's not a choice between "doing maths for 2 years then never again". You would be signing up to do a 3 or 4 year degree where you would be doing maths every single day. Same for engineering.

The artificial divide between the sciences and maths at school level in the UK is just that - artificial. At degree level sciences, especially the physical sciences (and engineering) use maths fluently as the "language" in which the material is expressed.

If you don't want to continue doing maths after GCSE then I would suggest not doing physics, and choosing a degree that does not involve maths - which would be likely mainly humanities subjects and some social sciences fields.

Reply 3

bluegray

14

Original post by Lewis07

I’m currently in year 11 about to sit my GCSE’s and I’ve applied to sixth form to do Physics, business and games development. However, I’ve recently been looking at what I would need to do Physics at uni and everywhere wants me to have A level maths, I’m fairly good at gcse maths (looking at a 7) but I don’t like the idea of doing maths for another 2 years, but I really want to go on to do physics at uni, maybe engineering or after that nuclear physics or engineering. Will doing A level maths be a good choice or is it really hard.

most places are gonna want you to have maths and physics to do physics or engineering so it might be worth taking

Should I take A-Level maths so that I can do some type of Physics at Uni

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