is engineering right for me

If I do not enjoy physics a level is it a good idea to take engineering at univesity?

Depends on why you don't enjoy it. But at university, the material is going to be like physics, but a lot more mathematical, so bear that in mind.

Reply 2

TheAlevelMentor

If you're not into A-Level Physics, it's definitely worth thinking carefully about studying engineering at uni, since a lot of it relies on physics concepts—especially in areas like mechanical or electrical engineering. That said, engineering is way more hands-on and applied than A-Level Physics, with lots of problem-solving and design work, which some people enjoy a lot more.

Maybe try looking at a few intro engineering videos or short courses online to see if that approach grabs you more than school physics does. Chatting with engineering students or going to a uni open day could also give you a better idea. If you like the idea of creating and solving real-world problems, it still might be a good path.

Reply 3

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

Engineering is essentially applied physics, so if you don’t enjoy physics this will probably be an issue.

That said physics A-level tends to not be a great representation of physics in general, as in reality physics is applied mathematics. So if you enjoy A-level maths and you enjoy thinking about the physics of how different types of technology works you’ll probably do well with engineering. If you fundamentally dislike physics maybe engineering isn’t for you.

A previous commenter said engineering was more hands on, Id disagree with this. Engineering is applied physics so it has more practical applications but most of the work is very much desk-office stuff and whilst there is laboratories and physical testing, typically the engineers job is to commission test, extract meaningful data and analyse them (all of this is true for Physics as well - particle colliders/telescopes etc. are physical experiments), and typically you have technicians and the “engineer” is rarely the person physically manufacturing or assembling experimental equipment.

Reply 4

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

Original post by awwsim1

If I do not enjoy physics a level is it a good idea to take engineering at univesity?

As other have said, it depends on why you’re not enjoying it. My advice would be to do an online course and see if the subject interests you, or attend some events, or do some work experiences or something so you can see if it’s right for you. If you decide that it isnt then at least you know before signing up for a career in the field. If it does suit you and its your passion then doing the above things could be included on your personal statement 🙂

Reply 5

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by awwsim1

If I do not enjoy physics a level is it a good idea to take engineering at univesity?

Hey there , I agree with what everyone else has said above. If you are not a fan of physics in any way or form then I would rethink engineering. Almost all engineering degrees involve physics in some form because physics provides the foundational principles that explain how things work in the natural world. Engineering applies these principles to design, analyze, and build practical solutions. If you prefer math instead maybe consider actuarial science , data science , statistics or just applied mathematics and if you are more of a problem solving person I would say consider computer science degree. I hope this helps .
Cece🙂
Energy Engineering
De Montfort University