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Getting in to Marine Conservation

Hi, I hope someone can help.
I'm 23 years old and have been out of education since I was 15 due to being ill with Coeliacs.
I'd like to have a career in Marine Conservation, but at the moment, I only have my Maths GCSE. Regarding GCSEs, I need to do English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, and perhaps Computer Science.
I know Biology is essential for A-levels, and I think Chemistry is a close second. Do I do Geography as well? I'm just unsure.
I've looked at university courses to see their different requirements, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself yet.
The main thing I'm looking for guidance on is doing GCSEs as an adult. I've signed up to do GCSE English evening classes at my local college, but it's the sciences I'm worried most about. I've done a lot of research on online GCSE courses, but so many negative reviews are concerning. I do understand if being online is a must for someone in my position; however, if I could do some GCSEs in person, that would be my preference. I've seen Southwark College do a 1-year triple science course. I don't know in which direction I should go.
I would really appreciate any help or guidance on gaining GCSEs, suggestions on A levels, or anything else.
Thank you.

Reply 1

Original post
by Hippocampus14
Hi, I hope someone can help.
I'm 23 years old and have been out of education since I was 15 due to being ill with Coeliacs.
I'd like to have a career in Marine Conservation, but at the moment, I only have my Maths GCSE. Regarding GCSEs, I need to do English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, and perhaps Computer Science.
I know Biology is essential for A-levels, and I think Chemistry is a close second. Do I do Geography as well? I'm just unsure.
I've looked at university courses to see their different requirements, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself yet.
The main thing I'm looking for guidance on is doing GCSEs as an adult. I've signed up to do GCSE English evening classes at my local college, but it's the sciences I'm worried most about. I've done a lot of research on online GCSE courses, but so many negative reviews are concerning. I do understand if being online is a must for someone in my position; however, if I could do some GCSEs in person, that would be my preference. I've seen Southwark College do a 1-year triple science course. I don't know in which direction I should go.
I would really appreciate any help or guidance on gaining GCSEs, suggestions on A levels, or anything else.
Thank you.

You might want to approach some of the universities you’re interested in and see what requirements they accept from mature students. They may accept HE Access course on science. Access courses are the equivalent of 3 A levels.Some courses require an Access course plus 1 A level . Hopefully, you don’t have to do a whole range of GCEs and then 3 A levels. Anyway, good luck.

Reply 2

Original post
by Hippocampus14
Hi, I hope someone can help.
I'm 23 years old and have been out of education since I was 15 due to being ill with Coeliacs.
I'd like to have a career in Marine Conservation, but at the moment, I only have my Maths GCSE. Regarding GCSEs, I need to do English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, and perhaps Computer Science.
I know Biology is essential for A-levels, and I think Chemistry is a close second. Do I do Geography as well? I'm just unsure.
I've looked at university courses to see their different requirements, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself yet.
The main thing I'm looking for guidance on is doing GCSEs as an adult. I've signed up to do GCSE English evening classes at my local college, but it's the sciences I'm worried most about. I've done a lot of research on online GCSE courses, but so many negative reviews are concerning. I do understand if being online is a must for someone in my position; however, if I could do some GCSEs in person, that would be my preference. I've seen Southwark College do a 1-year triple science course. I don't know in which direction I should go.
I would really appreciate any help or guidance on gaining GCSEs, suggestions on A levels, or anything else.
Thank you.
You could do a accsess to HE science course, mabye even online ( contact the uni) , it's equivalent to 3 A levels in science, and is specifically for adult learners, they only have maths and english gcse requirements, most top unis accept it, check to make sure it's approved, most unis require a mix of distinctions and merits, along with those 2 gcses, it's unlikely your gonna find a collage that provides A levels for adults but it's worth checking. Cornwall collage uni center Newquay offers marine zoology bcs that you can reach with there gateway.

Reply 3

Original post
by Hippocampus14
Hi, I hope someone can help.
I'm 23 years old and have been out of education since I was 15 due to being ill with Coeliacs.
I'd like to have a career in Marine Conservation, but at the moment, I only have my Maths GCSE. Regarding GCSEs, I need to do English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, and perhaps Computer Science.
I know Biology is essential for A-levels, and I think Chemistry is a close second. Do I do Geography as well? I'm just unsure.
I've looked at university courses to see their different requirements, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself yet.
The main thing I'm looking for guidance on is doing GCSEs as an adult. I've signed up to do GCSE English evening classes at my local college, but it's the sciences I'm worried most about. I've done a lot of research on online GCSE courses, but so many negative reviews are concerning. I do understand if being online is a must for someone in my position; however, if I could do some GCSEs in person, that would be my preference. I've seen Southwark College do a 1-year triple science course. I don't know in which direction I should go.
I would really appreciate any help or guidance on gaining GCSEs, suggestions on A levels, or anything else.
Thank you.


Some universities have their own science foundation courses for people in your position and you can then go straight into their degree courses. Have a look at the universities you’re interested in and look at the options and requirements. Some universities are more mature friendly than others. Cambridge, Bristol, Kent, Royal Holloway , and York ,UCL, Exeter are all good quality universities who are very mature-student friendly. I’m sure there are others but those are the ones I know about from personal experience.

Reply 4

Hi there!

This is a bit of an older post but I saw it because of the recent comment- how are you getting on with this? I was in a similar position so may be able to offer advice if you still need it :smile:

Jas
UEA Rep

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