Can I apply for a STEM degree without STEM A-Levels?

I've finished my A levels in Spanish and Graphic Design this year and did not enjoy taking them at all. I've always had a keen interest and motivation for the world of aerospace engineering since I was a child but didn't take any STEM related A levels because I did no revision for my GCSES. I've made the decision to purse a degree In STEM, Aerospace/Electrical Engineering preferably, and have looked at possibly joining the RAF after college for my deep interest in military aviation, but I'm not sure what the best way to apply is given my A level Subjects. I've looked at doing foundation years but would appreciate any advice for what route I could take :smile:

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by SaltyLemon

Most of the alternatives to A Levels tend to focus more on healthcare and life sciences. Those that you need to go into aerospace/electrical engineering would be those involving a lot of maths and physics (the 2 essential A Level subjects). Your choices typically include:

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Foundation year - if you can find one that accepts A Levels from any subject

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Access to HE courses that do physical sciences - these would typically be in the north of the country if you do it offline, and there is probably one that has strong enough concentration in maths and physics online. Most unis would expect you to top this up with A Level Maths on the side though, assuming the uni concerned accepts Access.

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Apprenticeship in aerospace engineering - ideally with A Levels in physics and maths, but check the requirements of the individual apprenticeship to see what you can get away with

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BTEC in engineering - typically topped up with A Level Maths, assuming the university accepts BTECs

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Do the 2 extra A Levels in Maths and Physics privately; ideally do the practical assessment for Physics as well as some unis would expect this. There are usually no grade requirements for this.

Your options don't seem to be incredibly favourable, but where possible I would do the extra A Levels privately. This would also be the second/third/fourth most expensive option (the most expensive would be the foundation year at £9k). The reason why it can vary is because it depends on how you go about it and the cost of any courses that you choose to do. The cost of the courses range from £400 to 900 per subject, and the exams can cost £300 per subject and the practical assessment can range from £900 to £1200. The typical BTEC and Access to HE course outside of/after your current A Levels would cost £3000-3500 (but you can apply for a loan for this if it's at an approved offline college - nothing for online courses though).

You always have the option of joining the RAF after college (they usually accept A Levels in any subjects). They don't usually give full details of their programmes for engineers, usually for good reasons. In which case, I can't really tell you much about it other than what's on their recruitment website.

Do note: you can go into aerospace engineering with a background/degree in mechanical engineering. In 99% of cases, I would opt for doing mechanical engineering over aerospace because it allows you to go in a much wider field should you decide to leave the industry for any reason; also a lot of the material will overlap.
Do also note: there are joint degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering, so you don't have to pick either subjects. Having said that, you should be able to do an undergrad (BEng) in one and then possibly a postgrad (MSc) in the other.
I would also do a MEng over a BEng, if you intend to become chartered and don't want to spend the few extra years on top working to qualify (it's also cheaper than doing a BEng then a MSc). However, MEng are typically only recognised in the UK; BEng + MSc would be internationally recognised, although your status as an engineer should be recognised through ICE.