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Can I do chemical engineering without a level maths

I currently do biology, chemistry and psychology for a levels as at the start I wanted to go into med but I have changed my mind and want to go into chemical engineering. It’s too late now to change subjects so I’m not sure what to do.
I’ve done some research on foundation year courses at Sheffield university and Loughborough university.
They both have requirements of BBB for the foundation year course leading upto the chemical engineering course but is there anything else I should be worried about such as work experience or anything that could increase my chance into getting in.Or even if there’s a possibility I can do chemical engineering without a level maths.

Ps. Sorry if this dosent make sense, it’s 1am and I’m stressing about future career choices
Original post by Joshkev181
I currently do biology, chemistry and psychology for a levels as at the start I wanted to go into med but I have changed my mind and want to go into chemical engineering. It’s too late now to change subjects so I’m not sure what to do.
I’ve done some research on foundation year courses at Sheffield university and Loughborough university.
They both have requirements of BBB for the foundation year course leading upto the chemical engineering course but is there anything else I should be worried about such as work experience or anything that could increase my chance into getting in.Or even if there’s a possibility I can do chemical engineering without a level maths.
Ps. Sorry if this dosent make sense, it’s 1am and I’m stressing about future career choices

Is there a reason why you changed specifically to chemical engineering? Is it possible that you could change your mind again? Without Maths and Physics, you could struggle with a chem eng course.

I suggest that you put your subjects in this A level explorer to see your career options: https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/a-level-explorer

All the best.
Original post by Joshkev181
I currently do biology, chemistry and psychology for a levels as at the start I wanted to go into med but I have changed my mind and want to go into chemical engineering. It’s too late now to change subjects so I’m not sure what to do.
I’ve done some research on foundation year courses at Sheffield university and Loughborough university.
They both have requirements of BBB for the foundation year course leading upto the chemical engineering course but is there anything else I should be worried about such as work experience or anything that could increase my chance into getting in.Or even if there’s a possibility I can do chemical engineering without a level maths.
Ps. Sorry if this dosent make sense, it’s 1am and I’m stressing about future career choices

Hi Josh

Unfortunately, most Chemical Engineering courses will require Maths. At the University of Nottingham we require AAA at A-Level, including A in Maths and A in either Chemistry or Physics.

However, we do offer a Foundation Engineering and Physical Sciences course (UCAS code H100). For this programme, we require BBB in any subjects. Once you have successfully completed the foundation, you can progress onto the engineering degree of your choice - without the need for Maths A-Level.

I wouldn't worry to much about work experience. Our Admissions team understand that it's very difficult to find and inaccessible to a lot of applicants. However, it might be a good option if you're looking for clarity on careers. Work experience would certainly give you a taste of what a job would look like in engineering.

Hope this helps.

Ella (UoN Official Rep)
Original post by Joshkev181
I currently do biology, chemistry and psychology for a levels as at the start I wanted to go into med but I have changed my mind and want to go into chemical engineering. It’s too late now to change subjects so I’m not sure what to do.
I’ve done some research on foundation year courses at Sheffield university and Loughborough university.
They both have requirements of BBB for the foundation year course leading upto the chemical engineering course but is there anything else I should be worried about such as work experience or anything that could increase my chance into getting in.Or even if there’s a possibility I can do chemical engineering without a level maths.

Ps. Sorry if this dosent make sense, it’s 1am and I’m stressing about future career choices


For a degree in engineering mathematics is the most important subject, even if you can find a university which doesn’t require it, imo it wouldn’t be well advised.
This really gives you two routes:
- take A-level maths (either through re-starting or trying to do it in one year, which is generally a lot to manage)
- take a foundation year degree
If you’re in year 12 now, it really makes no difference time wise, but an extra year at university will obviously affect how much you pay (or borrow)

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