Physics 4th option

Hi there, my daughter is in year 13 wanting to study Physics, or Maths and Physics. She is applying to Cambridge Nat Sci and her other choices are Birmingham, Bath and Exeter but she’s not sure what to put as her other choice (was going to be Manchester). Birmingham being favourite so far. We visited Manchester Uni yesterday and she really liked the physics Dept but wasn’t so keen on other aspects as she prefers more green spaces / campus feel and living in halls on or close to campus (rather than a bus ride away). She’s very keen on netball and lacrosse and the other unis have great sports facilities on campus so this is important too. She is considering Loughborough, Nottingham, Durham or Warwick as her other choice. She also wants to do a year in industry. I’d be interested if anyone has experience of physics at these other 4 unis. Which one would be the best option? Thanks

Reply 1

McGinger

Maths/Physics or Nat Sci at the other choices?
Does she have at least one obvious lower grade Insurance choice?

Reply 2

A&B

Yes her preference is physics or physical natural sciences thanks. I think her insurance choice is Bath as she is doing 4 A’levels and will take into account all 4, so will allow A*,A,B,B if I remember correctly. Exeter is A,A, A to A, B, B. She is predicted 4 A*s and thinks she will continue with all 4 A levels.

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 3

McGinger

For Bath, both Physics and Maths/Physics requires AAAB or A*ABB inc FM. And they mean it - both courses are very competitive and using this as an Insurance is probably too optimistic as they wont make concessions on Results Day. I'd suggest that she looks at including a much lower grade choice or one far more likely to accept missed grades, like Sussex or Liverpool.

Btw, does she realise she could apply to more than one course at any one Uni ?

Reply 4

A&B

I think as she’s aiming for four A*s then she thinks Bath would be a safer choice but I hear what you are saying. The scenario could be she gets the grades for Bath but not Birmingham or Durham. But if she’s put down Liverpool then she’d be dissapointed as she could have gone to Bath. If she doesn’t get the grades for Bath or Exeter I think she’d take a year out and reapply the following year. She could choose Loughborough as a lower choice option for Physics as would suit her sport.