I’m doing 3 years in college ( uk ) I feel left behind

Original post by Azzz128

I’m basically doing btec , trying my best but maths is my least best option which made me fail and I have to redo to redo it I have to do 3 years . When I see everyone doing 2 years and going uni at 18 and I’m going at 19 I don’t know what to think I feel awful

Many, many students join university at 19 rather than 18. This might be because they had to retake some exams, because they changed their mind about the subjects they wanted to study at college and so started again, because they opted to take a break from college before starting uni, or for a variety of other reasons. There's absolutely no reason to feel like you're being left behind.

Which BTEC are you doing? Do you know what you might like to study at uni?

Reply 2

OP

Original post by DataVenia

Many, many students join university at 19 rather than 18. This might be because they had to retake some exams, because they changed their mind about the subjects they wanted to study at college and so started again, because they opted to take a break from college before starting uni, or for a variety of other reasons. There's absolutely no reason to feel like you're being left behind.
Which BTEC are you doing? Do you know what you might like to study at uni?

I’m studying applied science and want to study optometry in university hopefully if I get distinctions a lot !!

Reply 3

Original post by Azzz128

I’m studying applied science and want to study optometry in university hopefully if I get distinctions a lot !!

Excellent. And do you have any target universities in mind? The reason I ask is that several ask for a science/maths A level in addition to a BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science. (In fact the first three hits on Google - Bradford, City, and Huddersfield - all do.)

Reply 4

BradfordRep

Official Rep

11

Original post by DataVenia

Excellent. And do you have any target universities in mind? The reason I ask is that several ask for a science/maths A level in addition to a BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science. (In fact the first three hits on Google - Bradford, City, and Huddersfield - all do.)

Hi @Azzz128 ,

As @DataVenia has stated above, we at the University of Bradford do indeed offer a Master of Optometry course which is for 4 years. If you are wanting to progress to this after Sixth Form, it would be required that you gain an A-Level in Science too as well as the BTEC qualification.

As for being a year behind - although it may feel that way, remind yourself that not everybody has to follow a traditionally timed route after sixth form/college. Some individuals may choose to even not go down the University route and instead head straight into a job - and that's okay!

In University not everyone will be young - and age doesn't matter. You'll have people in your class who are maybe 30+ and possibly even older - eventually it doesn't feel any different but in the moment I can understand it feels almost defeating. Don't put yourself down and remember that you are capable and can complete the degree at any time!

~Zaynab
University of Bradford

Reply 5

OP

Original post by DataVenia

Excellent. And do you have any target universities in mind? The reason I ask is that several ask for a science/maths A level in addition to a BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science. (In fact the first three hits on Google - Bradford, City, and Huddersfield - all do.)

No I want to go Huddersfield university , and for btec they just have an extra science foundation year I just need to pass maths and English which I have passed English just need to pass maths this year

Reply 6

Original post by Azzz128

No I want to go Huddersfield university , and for btec they just have an extra science foundation year I just need to pass maths and English which I have passed English just need to pass maths this year

OK - I just wanted to make sure you were aware of the requirement for an A level Maths/Science subject at many places too. If you're going to do a foundation year, then that's a different story. :smile:

Note, by the way, that going down the Science Extended Degree route at Huddersfield won't be a walk in the park. They say on this page that, "Progression onto Optometry and Pharmacy is dependent on meeting stringent performance levels in the Science Extended Degree. You must pass all modules with an overall pass mark of at least 70 per cent. Plus at least 70 per cent in the Chemistry module and 70 per cent in the Maths and Physics module. You may also undertake an interview with the Optometry or Pharmacy admissions staff." Yikes!

Reply 7

OP

Original post by DataVenia

OK - I just wanted to make sure you were aware of the requirement for an A level Maths/Science subject at many places too. If you're going to do a foundation year, then that's a different story. :smile:

Note, by the way, that going down the Science Extended Degree route at Huddersfield won't be a walk in the park. They say on this page that, "Progression onto Optometry and Pharmacy is dependent on meeting stringent performance levels in the Science Extended Degree. You must pass all modules with an overall pass mark of at least 70 per cent. Plus at least 70 per cent in the Chemistry module and 70 per cent in the Maths and Physics module. You may also undertake an interview with the Optometry or Pharmacy admissions staff." Yikes!

Thankyou so much ! I really appreciate the research you did for me . But like you said nothing is a walk in the park and if I really try hard for the modules and the interview I think I can get pass . Do you have any tips ? And also why do you think it’s hard ? As you said ‘ yikes ‘ with the interview . Is there something I should be knowing more ?

Reply 8

Original post by Azzz128

Thankyou so much ! I really appreciate the research you did for me . But like you said nothing is a walk in the park and if I really try hard for the modules and the interview I think I can get pass . Do you have any tips ? And also why do you think it’s hard ? As you said ‘ yikes ‘ with the interview . Is there something I should be knowing more ?

I wasn't really saying "Yikes!" to the interview itself, but to the requirements generally to proceed from the first year of the Science Extended Degree (effectively a foundation year) onto the first year of the Optometry degree.

By contrast, for most degrees to be able to proceed from year 1 to year 2, and from year 2 to year 3, you simply need to obtain at least a pass (40%) in each module. So the 70% threshold just seems a tad excessive. Admittedly, I've no idea of the way the foundation year is assessed. It may be that most people hit 70% without trying too hard - but somehow I doubt it. :smile:

Reply 9

MillieeM2

12

A lot of people at college do 3 years. Especially for business and there’s a lot of international students who are resitting or doing their GCSEs. It’s very common. Even adults go to college. There’s nothing embarrassing about going to uni at 19 or being in college for 3 years because atleast you are trying

Reply 10

OP

Original post by DataVenia

I wasn't really saying "Yikes!" to the interview itself, but to the requirements generally to proceed from the first year of the Science Extended Degree (effectively a foundation year) onto the first year of the Optometry degree.
By contrast, for most degrees to be able to proceed from year 1 to year 2, and from year 2 to year 3, you simply need to obtain at least a pass (40%) in each module. So the 70% threshold just seems a tad excessive. Admittedly, I've no idea of the way the foundation year is assessed. It may be that most people hit 70% without trying too hard - but somehow I doubt it. :smile:

I get it’s excessive but not impossible hopefully I can reach 70% with my hard work I believe in my self !

Reply 11