Taking gap year and changing the course (neuroscience -> (bio)engineering
I wasn’t really in to studies and also didn’t know what I want to do in the future. But as my parents recommended, I applied for neuroscience course and did get offers- but then I found out that I’m not really in to biology. As biology is big part in neuroscience, I don’t think I really want to do neuroscience anymore. So there are few questions. If I take a gap year for 2025-2026, am I applying to universities this september? Also I’m taking biology, chemistry and maths now, but as I don’t want to continue with biology anymore, I’m thinking of studying physics and furthermaths instead. As I haven’t studied furthermaths and physics before, how am I supposed to submit the predicted grades or etc Do I need to ask school for that?
As my grades from my gcses weren’t that bad for those subjects, I’m not that worried about getting bad grades for A-levels, but will I have any disadvantages within the application?
Thank youu
As my grades from my gcses weren’t that bad for those subjects, I’m not that worried about getting bad grades for A-levels, but will I have any disadvantages within the application?
Thank youu
Reply 1
20
How are you going to study these extra subjects - if at school, have you asked them if you can do this?
Talk to your Head of Sixth or similar as soon as possible about this. Studying independently is tough, especially for STEM subjects, and not recommended.
Unis would not have a problem with you doing this, and you school should still allow you to reapply through their UCAS portal and be able to add a reference/predicted grades. Again, ask the appropriate person at school.
You dont need to do anything about your current offer etc until August - once you have your results, do some careful thinking. Do you settle for what you have, go through Clearing to find something else, or take the extra A levels and reapply etc. If you then decide to take a gap year, you would then just cancel your 2035 application and reapply from September for 2026 entry.
Talk to your Head of Sixth or similar as soon as possible about this. Studying independently is tough, especially for STEM subjects, and not recommended.
Unis would not have a problem with you doing this, and you school should still allow you to reapply through their UCAS portal and be able to add a reference/predicted grades. Again, ask the appropriate person at school.
You dont need to do anything about your current offer etc until August - once you have your results, do some careful thinking. Do you settle for what you have, go through Clearing to find something else, or take the extra A levels and reapply etc. If you then decide to take a gap year, you would then just cancel your 2035 application and reapply from September for 2026 entry.
Reply 2
Hi @yprini,
Thank you for your message ☺️
Please know that it’s completely normal to feel unsure about your future! It sounds like you could be making the right decision in reconsidering neuroscience if biology isn’t a subject that interests you.
If you’re planning to start university in September 2026, you would typically apply during the UCAS cycle that opens in September 2025. This means you could take your new subjects and then submit a fresh UCAS application, giving you plenty of time to consider your options and feel more confident in your choice.
You could also keep your current offers for now and apply for an alternative course through Clearing. Clearing is a way to find courses that might better suit your interests and opens on 5 July 2025. You can contact institutions you’re interested in to see what courses they have available and whether they can make you an offer. There’s lots of useful information about Clearing on the UCAS website as well.
If you’re thinking of switching to Physics and Further Maths now, it’s important to speak to your school or college as soon as possible. They can advise whether it’s still possible to change subjects at this stage and how predicted grades will work.
You won’t necessarily be at a disadvantage, especially if you show strong interest and ability in your new subjects.
Universities consider your application as a whole, taking into account your personal statement, references, and predicted grades. Taking the time to explore your options can actually work in your favour if it helps you apply to a course you’re genuinely excited about.
Take your time with your decision, we wish you all the best! 🍀
Best wishes,
Clare
Admissions
Oxford Brookes University
Thank you for your message ☺️
Please know that it’s completely normal to feel unsure about your future! It sounds like you could be making the right decision in reconsidering neuroscience if biology isn’t a subject that interests you.
If you’re planning to start university in September 2026, you would typically apply during the UCAS cycle that opens in September 2025. This means you could take your new subjects and then submit a fresh UCAS application, giving you plenty of time to consider your options and feel more confident in your choice.
You could also keep your current offers for now and apply for an alternative course through Clearing. Clearing is a way to find courses that might better suit your interests and opens on 5 July 2025. You can contact institutions you’re interested in to see what courses they have available and whether they can make you an offer. There’s lots of useful information about Clearing on the UCAS website as well.
If you’re thinking of switching to Physics and Further Maths now, it’s important to speak to your school or college as soon as possible. They can advise whether it’s still possible to change subjects at this stage and how predicted grades will work.
You won’t necessarily be at a disadvantage, especially if you show strong interest and ability in your new subjects.
Universities consider your application as a whole, taking into account your personal statement, references, and predicted grades. Taking the time to explore your options can actually work in your favour if it helps you apply to a course you’re genuinely excited about.
Take your time with your decision, we wish you all the best! 🍀
Best wishes,
Clare
Admissions
Oxford Brookes University
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