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Should I study English or Physics?

I am torn between these two subjects. I have loved English since Reception when we started it, I have always been a bookworm (although I have read less since Secondary school- I'm working on it), and I absolutely adore the subject and am so passionate about it. However, I'm not sure about the job prospects- with a degree in English, I would go into either sales or journalism (maybe teaching, though that is less likely).

On the other hand, I also love physics, and have done since Year 9. I explored physics further by reading into astrophysics, attending a summer school, applying for physics work experience and teaching myself astronomy GCSE. I am fascinated by topics such as nuclear physics and astrophysics, as well as many more topics. I would also love to study this in university, and I feel like the job prospects following a physics degree are more straightforward and probably higher paying. I would enjoy a job in research or something similar.
I had my heart set on Physics in Year 9, but English always comes creeping back to me- as though it is my soul calling! I feel like I could not leave English behind, as it is a strong part of me, but I also feel that I would love physics and not doing it would mean I can never return to it.

What I want from a career is a job that I enjoy, where I can be friends with my co-workers, make progress in my job, have free time for family and friends, and have enough time and money to travel the world.

I am good at science and maths, I consistently get 100% in my maths tests, top scores in all my science tests and predicted 9s for all. I also do further maths GCSE and I'm in top set maths. I am also good at English- the writing flows out naturally for me, I get high grades (although it has slipped to slightly below my desired standard, but I do not doubt I can get it back up), 9s in both lit and lang. in my last exams. My creative writing and other written pieces of work are consistently good and again the writing comes naturally to me- it flows out without much conscious thought on my part- and I love to read. So the issue isn't in my skill, only in my desires.

What subject do I choose? I feel like English is calling me, but I also don't feel 100% on board with the idea of dropping physics. Since the subjects are so wildly different, I need to decide ideally before choosing my A-levels.

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Original post by claraaa375
I am torn between these two subjects. I have loved English since Reception when we started it, I have always been a bookworm (although I have read less since Secondary school- I'm working on it), and I absolutely adore the subject and am so passionate about it. However, I'm not sure about the job prospects- with a degree in English, I would go into either sales or journalism (maybe teaching, though that is less likely).
On the other hand, I also love physics, and have done since Year 9. I explored physics further by reading into astrophysics, attending a summer school, applying for physics work experience and teaching myself astronomy GCSE. I am fascinated by topics such as nuclear physics and astrophysics, as well as many more topics. I would also love to study this in university, and I feel like the job prospects following a physics degree are more straightforward and probably higher paying. I would enjoy a job in research or something similar.
I had my heart set on Physics in Year 9, but English always comes creeping back to me- as though it is my soul calling! I feel like I could not leave English behind, as it is a strong part of me, but I also feel that I would love physics and not doing it would mean I can never return to it.
What I want from a career is a job that I enjoy, where I can be friends with my co-workers, make progress in my job, have free time for family and friends, and have enough time and money to travel the world.
I am good at science and maths, I consistently get 100% in my maths tests, top scores in all my science tests and predicted 9s for all. I also do further maths GCSE and I'm in top set maths. I am also good at English- the writing flows out naturally for me, I get high grades (although it has slipped to slightly below my desired standard, but I do not doubt I can get it back up), 9s in both lit and lang. in my last exams. My creative writing and other written pieces of work are consistently good and again the writing comes naturally to me- it flows out without much conscious thought on my part- and I love to read. So the issue isn't in my skill, only in my desires.
What subject do I choose? I feel like English is calling me, but I also don't feel 100% on board with the idea of dropping physics. Since the subjects are so wildly different, I need to decide ideally before choosing my A-levels.


You could do a joint honors / natural sciences. E.g. you could apply for physics and philosophy. I know philosophy isn’t the same as English, but it’s a way to keep some sort of Englishy topic whilst still have the good job prospects of physics
Reply 2
Original post by low-key-amnesty
You could do a joint honors / natural sciences. E.g. you could apply for physics and philosophy. I know philosophy isn’t the same as English, but it’s a way to keep some sort of Englishy topic whilst still have the good job prospects of physics

I was considering Physics and Philosophy! However like you say, it is not the same as English and doesn't really solve my problem- I would definitely enjoy it more than straight Physics, but at the end of the day it is still physics and not English! Thank you though you make a good point ☺️
You're talking about choosing your A Levels, yes? So why not do both English and Maths? Why do you feel you have to ditch one of them?
Reply 4
Original post by PinkMobilePhone
You're talking about choosing your A Levels, yes? So why not do both English and Maths? Why do you feel you have to ditch one of them?

Well it is between English and Physics. For Physics to get the best chances of getting into Oxford, I would have to do Physics, Maths, Further Maths (and then English). For the best chances at English, I would do English and another essay-based subject such as History or Philosophy. I can only choose 4 A-levels. So to keep both options open I would do Physics, Maths, Further Maths and English, but I need to decide eventually anyway and if I end up coming to choose English, an essay-based subject would serve me better than Further Maths.
Reply 5
Original post by claraaa375
Well it is between English and Physics. For Physics to get the best chances of getting into Oxford, I would have to do Physics, Maths, Further Maths (and then English). For the best chances at English, I would do English and another essay-based subject such as History or Philosophy. I can only choose 4 A-levels. So to keep both options open I would do Physics, Maths, Further Maths and English, but I need to decide eventually anyway and if I end up coming to choose English, an essay-based subject would serve me better than Further Maths.


Have you considered IB?
Reply 6
I think focussing that hard on Oxbridge subject combinations is a dangerous route. Double maths, physics and Eng Lit should leave you with loads of great options as you learn more about what you enjoy at A level.
Reply 7
Original post by Liv.O
Have you considered IB?

My school doesn't offer it
Reply 8
Original post by claraaa375
Well it is between English and Physics. For Physics to get the best chances of getting into Oxford, I would have to do Physics, Maths, Further Maths (and then English). For the best chances at English, I would do English and another essay-based subject such as History or Philosophy. I can only choose 4 A-levels. So to keep both options open I would do Physics, Maths, Further Maths and English, but I need to decide eventually anyway and if I end up coming to choose English, an essay-based subject would serve me better than Further Maths.
Further maths might quite often be taken by Oxbridge applicants who are going to continue on with all four a levels, would you consider sticking with all four of those subjects?
Gosh, I really feel for your dilemma! But, I’ll be completely honest with you…you’re not going to find the answer on TSR! Instead, you should really do some soul searching to come to a conclusion! :biggrin:

But, if I can give you my perspective, here is some advice.

Option 1: Take Maths, Physics and English lit.

Sticking to 3 A-levels is often the best choice, even for high achieving students such as yourself. With this combo, you’ll be able to apply to all the courses you are interested in.

But, if you are keen on taking 4 A-levels…

Option 2: Take Physics, Maths, FM and English lit if you decide to take physics at uni.

FM can open lots of doors to certain physics courses! And, considering your maths ability, it’s defiantly worth considering! :smile:

Alternatively, if you decide to take English lit, you could…

Option 3: Take Physics, English and history/Philosophy.

This way, you can keep doing physics out of interest, whilst also having another essay subject to prepare you for an English lit course.

You could also take maths as a fourth if you wanted, but if it feels like too much, you could always drop it later.

Another option, and I know this may sound crazy, is to actually start off doing 5 A-levels.

Option 4: take physics, maths, FM, English lit and history/philosophy.

I had a friend who started off with 5 (bio,chem,maths, FM and psych) and eventually dropped psych since she didn’t like it.

This may not be an option for you since some sixth forms wouldn’t allow this (which is understandable). But, if you do have this option it might help you decide, since you’ll get a feel for lots of subjects and can drop to 4 or 3 in the first few weeks/months. You might find you’ll have more clarity once you start studying your A-levels. :smile:

Ultimately, this is just my perspective—choose whatever feels right for you! But, the most important thing is that It’s your degree/ A-levels, so study what feels right for you! Don’t let people sway you, because you know what is right for you.
Original post by claraaa375
I am torn between these two subjects. I have loved English since Reception when we started it, I have always been a bookworm (although I have read less since Secondary school- I'm working on it), and I absolutely adore the subject and am so passionate about it. However, I'm not sure about the job prospects- with a degree in English, I would go into either sales or journalism (maybe teaching, though that is less likely).
On the other hand, I also love physics, and have done since Year 9. I explored physics further by reading into astrophysics, attending a summer school, applying for physics work experience and teaching myself astronomy GCSE. I am fascinated by topics such as nuclear physics and astrophysics, as well as many more topics. I would also love to study this in university, and I feel like the job prospects following a physics degree are more straightforward and probably higher paying. I would enjoy a job in research or something similar.
I had my heart set on Physics in Year 9, but English always comes creeping back to me- as though it is my soul calling! I feel like I could not leave English behind, as it is a strong part of me, but I also feel that I would love physics and not doing it would mean I can never return to it.
What I want from a career is a job that I enjoy, where I can be friends with my co-workers, make progress in my job, have free time for family and friends, and have enough time and money to travel the world.
I am good at science and maths, I consistently get 100% in my maths tests, top scores in all my science tests and predicted 9s for all. I also do further maths GCSE and I'm in top set maths. I am also good at English- the writing flows out naturally for me, I get high grades (although it has slipped to slightly below my desired standard, but I do not doubt I can get it back up), 9s in both lit and lang. in my last exams. My creative writing and other written pieces of work are consistently good and again the writing comes naturally to me- it flows out without much conscious thought on my part- and I love to read. So the issue isn't in my skill, only in my desires.
What subject do I choose? I feel like English is calling me, but I also don't feel 100% on board with the idea of dropping physics. Since the subjects are so wildly different, I need to decide ideally before choosing my A-levels.

I do both. Is that an option for you?
Reply 11
Original post by OwenWa
Further maths might quite often be taken by Oxbridge applicants who are going to continue on with all four a levels, would you consider sticking with all four of those subjects?

I would consider taking Physics, Maths, Further Maths and English if I want to keep the option for physics open but I'm feeling more like I want to do English
Reply 12
Original post by sound-famous-
I do both. Is that an option for you?

How? That would be amazing
Reply 13
Original post by Daisy._.7777
Gosh, I really feel for your dilemma! But, I’ll be completely honest with you…you’re not going to find the answer on TSR! Instead, you should really do some soul searching to come to a conclusion! :biggrin:
But, if I can give you my perspective, here is some advice.
Option 1: Take Maths, Physics and English lit.
Sticking to 3 A-levels is often the best choice, even for high achieving students such as yourself. With this combo, you’ll be able to apply to all the courses you are interested in.
But, if you are keen on taking 4 A-levels…
Option 2: Take Physics, Maths, FM and English lit if you decide to take physics at uni.
FM can open lots of doors to certain physics courses! And, considering your maths ability, it’s defiantly worth considering! :smile:
Alternatively, if you decide to take English lit, you could…
Option 3: Take Physics, English and history/Philosophy.
This way, you can keep doing physics out of interest, whilst also having another essay subject to prepare you for an English lit course.
You could also take maths as a fourth if you wanted, but if it feels like too much, you could always drop it later.
Another option, and I know this may sound crazy, is to actually start off doing 5 A-levels.
Option 4: take physics, maths, FM, English lit and history/philosophy.
I had a friend who started off with 5 (bio,chem,maths, FM and psych) and eventually dropped psych since she didn’t like it.
This may not be an option for you since some sixth forms wouldn’t allow this (which is understandable). But, if you do have this option it might help you decide, since you’ll get a feel for lots of subjects and can drop to 4 or 3 in the first few weeks/months. You might find you’ll have more clarity once you start studying your A-levels. :smile:
Ultimately, this is just my perspective—choose whatever feels right for you! But, the most important thing is that It’s your degree/ A-levels, so study what feels right for you! Don’t let people sway you, because you know what is right for you.

Unfortunately my school won't let me do 5 A-levels (four is already a stretch!). But your advice is helpful thank you so much. You're right, I probably won't find the answer on TSR but I am feeling more and more inclined towards English every day!
Original post by claraaa375
How? That would be amazing

I do four A levels: Maths, Further Maths, Physics and English lit. Why can't you do something similar?

EDIT: sorry I meant i do both for A level. If you take a similar subject choice to mine you should be decently equipped to go down either route at university. Cambridge and Oxford for example only require English Lit as an A level for doing English at uni. If you want to do both subjects at university, maybe look at Scottish universities because I think you get more freedom with picking an extra subject in a degree there.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by sound-famous-
What do you mean by how? I do four A levels: Maths, Further Maths, Physics and English lit. Why can't you do something similar?

Id guess to do physics at oxbridge++ the op would need m/fm/phy, and to do ~english at oxbridge++ theyd need eng/hist?/... so another essay type subject. So its not possible to keep both options open with 4 a levels.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 16
Original post by claraaa375
I would consider taking Physics, Maths, Further Maths and English if I want to keep the option for physics open but I'm feeling more like I want to do English


If I was you I would consider keeping your options open by taking all four, it sounds like right now you want to do English, so you should, but also it won't hurt to keep your options open with physics, especially when you're taking both further maths and maths. If you decide later on in y12 that you don't wish to carry on with one of them, you can drop it !! I'd say it's best to give them all a try throughout y12 at least, because then you'll be certain of what you want to drop, if any at all!! 😋😋
Reply 17
Original post by mqb2766
Id guess to do physics at oxbridge++ the op would need m/fm/phy, and to do ~english at oxbridge++ theyd need eng/hist?/... so another essay type subject. So its not possible to keep both options open with 4 a levels.


English language or literature are listed as required subjects for English at Oxford, other essay subjects are just listed as helpful not necessary, so I think it's still very possible to do with the right amount of passion!! Though obviously more essay subjects would be preferable
Original post by OwenWa
English language or literature are listed as required subjects for English at Oxford, other essay subjects are just listed as helpful not necessary, so I think it's still very possible to do with the right amount of passion!! Though obviously more essay subjects would be preferable

I agree and strictly speaking fm isnt essential for oxbridge++ physics, but in practice it pretty much is. No real knowledge of english/oxbridge++ applications, but Id guess the ops application would be ranked as weak with just one relevant a level.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 19
Original post by mqb2766
I agree and strictly speaking fm isnt essential for oxbridge physics, but in practice it pretty much is. No real knowledge of english/oxbridge++ applications, but Id guess the ops application would be ranked as weak with just one relevant a level.


Completely agree I'm not well versed in Oxbridge applications either, but you're right the application would probably be deemed weak, unless they had like a ridiculous level of extra and super curriculars 😞 Still worth going through with all four though id say, they clearly have passion for English and want to continue with it, even if it doesn't fit as cohesively within their set of A-levels. Still a respected alevel though which can create excellent written communication skills which will be useful at any university (particularly Oxford id imagine?)

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