Should I take DT or chemistry for A levels?

0

I’m currently in Y11 and it’s the time when I’m supposed to start thinking even more and decide on which A level I’m going to take. I want to do engineering for uni (aerospace or mechanical) and I’m not sure which one will be more useful for it. I already decided on taking maths, FM, physics and it’s just between the two. Right now I find chemistry pretty easy for gcse (9 without even studying) but I think there might not be that much of a connection, and therefore not as relevant for engineering, so I see it as more of an extra choise I have for uni. I didn’t do DT for gcse but I asked my teacher and they said that I’ll be allowed to study it, I’m not really sure exactly what the course covers but I feel like it’s going to be more practical with studying stuff related to materials and carrying out projects and using machinery by myself, so therefore more useful for engineering? But I have no idea how hard it’s going to be for me since I’ll have to catch up on quite a lot and I have no idea on what skills it’s testing, but I’m pretty confident in my abilities.

Reply 1

McGinger

20

Which subject would give you more options if you changed your mind about the degree you wanted to study?
Have you looked at the course materials for each A level? Ask the relevant teacher.

Reply 2

TypicalNerd

18

Original post by kiyonari

I’m currently in Y11 and it’s the time when I’m supposed to start thinking even more and decide on which A level I’m going to take. I want to do engineering for uni (aerospace or mechanical) and I’m not sure which one will be more useful for it. I already decided on taking maths, FM, physics and it’s just between the two. Right now I find chemistry pretty easy for gcse (9 without even studying) but I think there might not be that much of a connection, and therefore not as relevant for engineering, so I see it as more of an extra choise I have for uni. I didn’t do DT for gcse but I asked my teacher and they said that I’ll be allowed to study it, I’m not really sure exactly what the course covers but I feel like it’s going to be more practical with studying stuff related to materials and carrying out projects and using machinery by myself, so therefore more useful for engineering? But I have no idea how hard it’s going to be for me since I’ll have to catch up on quite a lot and I have no idea on what skills it’s testing, but I’m pretty confident in my abilities.

In light of the excellent advice above, with maths, further maths and physics already, I am sure you have a lot of options in the event you decide against going into engineering. I guess adding chemistry to the mix would probably give you the most extra options, but whether those extra options are worth considering for whatever reason is up to you to decide.

You only need 3 A levels for a uni application, so if it is at all possible, I’d recommend avoiding taking a fourth subject (though I appreciate some sixth forms expect their students to take up a fourth).

If you are expected to take a fourth, look at the sixth form prospectus and identify which exam boards you would be with for both subjects. After doing this, find the specifications and some other course materials for each and decide which one seems more interesting to you.

I personally did chemistry, maths and physics A levels (with A level FM and AS biology taken in my gap year) and so I can give you some insights into what chemistry entails if you’d like.

Reply 3

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

18

Original post by kiyonari

I’m currently in Y11 and it’s the time when I’m supposed to start thinking even more and decide on which A level I’m going to take. I want to do engineering for uni (aerospace or mechanical) and I’m not sure which one will be more useful for it. I already decided on taking maths, FM, physics and it’s just between the two. Right now I find chemistry pretty easy for gcse (9 without even studying) but I think there might not be that much of a connection, and therefore not as relevant for engineering, so I see it as more of an extra choise I have for uni. I didn’t do DT for gcse but I asked my teacher and they said that I’ll be allowed to study it, I’m not really sure exactly what the course covers but I feel like it’s going to be more practical with studying stuff related to materials and carrying out projects and using machinery by myself, so therefore more useful for engineering? But I have no idea how hard it’s going to be for me since I’ll have to catch up on quite a lot and I have no idea on what skills it’s testing, but I’m pretty confident in my abilities.

Hi Kiyonari!

I currently study mechanical engineering at Coventry and picked Psychology for my fourth subject because I thought I would enjoy it and did, even though it wasn't related to engineering at all!

It seems that you already want to study the core subjects needed for the degree choices you are looking into, so I would say pick whichever subject (DT or Chemistry) you would enjoy doing and like for A-Levels!
Hope this helps,

Kind regards,

-Wanita

Should I take DT or chemistry for A levels?

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