geography vs physics

im still super torn about what to do for a-level, and i need to decide before 2nd sept. i want to do law at uni ,but dont want to take it for a-level, in case i change my mind and want to choose something else. right now, im definitely going to take english lit and modern history, but i still have to choose a third option.

up until now, ive always figured geography, mainly because i was quite good at it, but today it was one of my two sevens (all rest 8s and 9s). ive also thought about taking physics, and got 9 in physics today (as in all my mocks). however, physics is a way harder course, so would it be better to take the easier course and be more likely to get a better grade? i have no idea , and the deadline is getting closer. other subjects i thought about were french (9) or maybe maths (8), although i dont consider them my super strong subjects.
any advice is really appreciated x

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

What do you want to do after A-levels?

Physics by itself doesn't really add any options so unless you specifically really enjoy it more than geography then I don't know whether it's really any better than geography for you.

Reply 2

Camari3mber

Original post by artful_lounger

What do you want to do after A-levels?
Physics by itself doesn't really add any options so unless you specifically really enjoy it more than geography then I don't know whether it's really any better than geography for you.

i want to take law at ucl or maybe liverpool. would physics look better on an application , or are they similar? i do really enjoy physics, but i keep hearing how difficult it is.

Reply 3

ajj2000

Does your schook give any guidance regarding taking a level physics without a level maths?

Reply 4

Camari3mber

Original post by ajj2000

Does your schook give any guidance regarding taking a level physics without a level maths?

my sister did physics without maths, but she said that it was difficult. i honestly might go for french, cause i just dont know.

Reply 5

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Camari3mber

i want to take law at ucl or maybe liverpool. would physics look better on an application , or are they similar? i do really enjoy physics, but i keep hearing how difficult it is.

Literally wouldn't matter which you took, law has no subject requirements and all they care about is the grade outcomes. So take whichever subjects you enjoy and are confident you can get A/A* grades in :smile:

Bear in mind also if you want to become a lawyer, you don't need to do a law degree - 50% of UK barristers and solicitors did a non law degree!

Reply 6

strong-pedestria

Original post by Camari3mber

im still super torn about what to do for a-level, and i need to decide before 2nd sept. i want to do law at uni ,but dont want to take it for a-level, in case i change my mind and want to choose something else. right now, im definitely going to take english lit and modern history, but i still have to choose a third option.
up until now, ive always figured geography, mainly because i was quite good at it, but today it was one of my two sevens (all rest 8s and 9s). ive also thought about taking physics, and got 9 in physics today (as in all my mocks). however, physics is a way harder course, so would it be better to take the easier course and be more likely to get a better grade? i have no idea , and the deadline is getting closer. other subjects i thought about were french (9) or maybe maths (8), although i dont consider them my super strong subjects.
any advice is really appreciated x

Hello! I'm so glad I came across this as I have taken both A-Level physics and geography (alongside maths) and will be studying aerospace engineering next month, so hopefully my advice will be of value!

Now, why do you want to take A-Level physics? As said by artful_lounger, there is no real reason for you taking physics unless you really like it since you are not bound by subject-specific entry requirements as law doesn't require any specific subjects (I believe). On top of this, geography is an essay based subject which may be an advantage taking as you will not only have MANY essay's to write over the next 2 years but you'll also get to do an NEA. NEA is an independent investigation which is formatted and written as a uni style dissertation (so it has an abstract, lit review etc). Both of these will be of benefit to you teaching you valuable skills you may take into your law degree.

As for physics it is a really hard subject (especially if you do AQA). Aside from memorising formulas and some content, physics is largely application based and you will see this in both worded questions AND mathematical questions, and these are VERY challenging. It is rare you see the same scenario appear again from a past paper as the exam boards like to throw in new scenarios each time to test your application and problem solving skills so unless you are confident in these 2, I wouldn't take physics. That being said, it was my favourite subject and the concepts are really thought-provoking and interesting. I found it enjoyable even when it was tough. Many people will experience periods of burnout and the feeling of being de-motivated across all subjects but the only thing that will push you to work is your passion for the subject.

Overall geography is significantly easier than physics and for the course that you are headed towards it seems better suited. On top of this there is no requirement to take physics so I'd avoid it as it's quite hard to do well (for AQA at least) however, its not impossible. It just requires way more effort and a keen interest or curious nature to research and learn or try new problems. Good luck with whatever you choose!

(edited 3 months ago)

Reply 7

LoocAtlas

If you are more interested in geography and more willing to revise that subject, I would go for geography. Given that you’re doing law, humanities and languages will be the best subjects, albeit there is nonspecific subject entry requirements.