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Civil engineering at a russel group university

I currently in year 12 studying maths, physics fm and economics, however the work load is too much at the moment so dropping further maths might be the only way i can ensure a top grade in the other 3, especially physics. I am not looking to get into oxbridge, my dream destination is manchester uni or leeds for civil engineering. Will dropping further maths hinder my chances of getting into a uni like manchester?
Hey!

I completely understand if the workload is challenging that you'd want to drop further maths - making sure you get the best possible grades in three A-levels will be more beneficial than lower grades in four A-levels.

Manchester are looking for 3 A's including Maths, Physics, and one other subject, so you'd meet the subject requirements even if you dropped FM - https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2026/03343/beng-civil-engineering/#entry-requirements

Leeds are looking for AAA including Mathematics, and say where an A-Level Science subject is taken, they require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade. Again, you would meet the subject requirements here - https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/i445/civil-engineering-meng-beng#entry

I think you're making the right choice to focus in on three A-levels, but always make sure to check entry requirements to any universities you're thinking of applying to before dropping any subjects just in case. Often, FM is looked upon favourably, but if it not an entry requirement it won't make up any conditions of your offer - so as I said you're better off sticking with three and making sure you get the best grades you can on those.

Good luck with your Y12 year! How are you feeling about it all? You can chat to other Y12's in our chat thread here :smile:
Original post
by Bubsjungy
I currently in year 12 studying maths, physics fm and economics, however the work load is too much at the moment so dropping further maths might be the only way i can ensure a top grade in the other 3, especially physics. I am not looking to get into oxbridge, my dream destination is manchester uni or leeds for civil engineering. Will dropping further maths hinder my chances of getting into a uni like manchester?
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Unless a Uni specifically states that FM is an essential entry requirement, then you will not be disadvantaged if you are not taking it. Unis have to be entirely upfront and honest about this - there is no secret information that only some people know.

Civil Engineering | School of Engineering | Newcastle University - flexible first year allows you to explore several engineering disciplines in year one - Civil, Electrical & Electronic and Mechanical Engineering. ABB including Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Our courses | School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering | Loughborough University optional paid placement year - ABB including Maths.

Civil Engineering with Integrated Master's - Keele University - optional placement year or international year - BBC including minimum C in Maths or Physics.

Reply 3

Original post
by Bubsjungy
I currently in year 12 studying maths, physics fm and economics, however the work load is too much at the moment so dropping further maths might be the only way i can ensure a top grade in the other 3, especially physics. I am not looking to get into oxbridge, my dream destination is manchester uni or leeds for civil engineering. Will dropping further maths hinder my chances of getting into a uni like manchester?

Hii,
For manchester they don't mention wanting further maths at all so I don't think it should make a difference? They just want AAA in maths, physics and one other (so econ).

I'm also y12 and doing the exact same subjects as you and also want to go into engineering. Your so right about the workload its a bit insane rn, at my school we have to wait till december to drop a subject tho, so ill figure it out then. I need to start thinking about unis too, why are you choosing manchester? And what other ones are you considering too for the 5 choices?

Reply 4

Original post
by mountainous-tril
Hii,
For manchester they don't mention wanting further maths at all so I don't think it should make a difference? They just want AAA in maths, physics and one other (so econ).
I'm also y12 and doing the exact same subjects as you and also want to go into engineering. Your so right about the workload its a bit insane rn, at my school we have to wait till december to drop a subject tho, so ill figure it out then. I need to start thinking about unis too, why are you choosing manchester? And what other ones are you considering too for the 5 choices?


I am choosing manchester firstly because it is in my home city, so local to me, secondly they are a russel group university with good facilities and prestigious in the UK. I am also thinking about leeds, and nottingham for the same reasons, but not too sure about any others? i haven’t done my research on unis in depth as of yet, im just trying to focus on my subjects at the minute

I also had a talk with a civil engineer(who lectures at salford university) and he said that further maths is not required at all if not wanting to go to oxbridge or imperial , instead gaining valuable work experience through volunteering, extra curriculars etc is the best thing to do. Also dropping further maths gives me more time to focus on other subjects to get the grades i need

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