A-level choices advice

1

Hi, im about to start y12 and I've applied to do physics, maths, biology, and chemistry. I am undecided between medicine and engineering. Medicine is my top pick however with the lack of training places id like to have a backup which would be engeneering. However, im not sure if this is too much. I am predicted an 8 in physics at gcse and a 9 is the other subjects (im also doing the further maths gcse). Ive changed my combination at the last moment to this from biology chemistry maths and further maths. Which combo is better? Is not having further maths a disadvantage for engineering? Is the workload too much? How difficult are these a levels?

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Original post

by Digger1digger2

Hi, im about to start y12 and I've applied to do physics, maths, biology, and chemistry. I am undecided between medicine and engineering. Medicine is my top pick however with the lack of training places id like to have a backup which would be engeneering. However, im not sure if this is too much. I am predicted an 8 in physics at gcse and a 9 is the other subjects (im also doing the further maths gcse). Ive changed my combination at the last moment to this from biology chemistry maths and further maths. Which combo is better? Is not having further maths a disadvantage for engineering? Is the workload too much? How difficult are these a levels?

Hi,

I’d recommend checking entry requirements for engineering at the universities you’re considering. Having Maths, Physics, and another A-level is usually what they look for, but it can differ between universities. I’m a pharmacy student and have studied A-level Biology and Chemistry, they’re challenging but manageable if you keep on top of your work and stay consistent with revision.

Hope this helps, good luck with your studies!

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 2

akashDTV

10

Original post

by Digger1digger2

Hi, im about to start y12 and I've applied to do physics, maths, biology, and chemistry. I am undecided between medicine and engineering. Medicine is my top pick however with the lack of training places id like to have a backup which would be engeneering. However, im not sure if this is too much. I am predicted an 8 in physics at gcse and a 9 is the other subjects (im also doing the further maths gcse). Ive changed my combination at the last moment to this from biology chemistry maths and further maths. Which combo is better? Is not having further maths a disadvantage for engineering? Is the workload too much? How difficult are these a levels?

If we are being realistic about things further maths would definitely help you if you want to pursue engineering. However from what ive seen in engineering open days and stuff, a lot of engineering is physics (while fm is only helpful bc it helps you learn the maths to communicate that physics) and if you dont do physics you are probably at more of a disadvantage, whereas with fm ive heard that unis (in the first year) often go over the things in further maths to get everyone on the same level. You can still put in a competitive engineering application without further maths, i cant say for certain the same thing would be true about applying without physics.

Reply 3

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

13

Original post

by Digger1digger2

Hi, im about to start y12 and I've applied to do physics, maths, biology, and chemistry. I am undecided between medicine and engineering. Medicine is my top pick however with the lack of training places id like to have a backup which would be engeneering. However, im not sure if this is too much. I am predicted an 8 in physics at gcse and a 9 is the other subjects (im also doing the further maths gcse). Ive changed my combination at the last moment to this from biology chemistry maths and further maths. Which combo is better? Is not having further maths a disadvantage for engineering? Is the workload too much? How difficult are these a levels?

Hi @Digger1digger2,

As mentioned above, it would be best to check the specific entry requirements for any universities you might be interested in.

As far as I'm aware, Physics, Maths, Biology and Chemistry should meet the A-Level requirements for the vast majority if not all Medicine courses and most engineering courses (albeit there will be some engineering courses which like students to have Further Maths). Having three science A-Levels and Maths can be challenging, but if you're a strong STEM student and have a good revision schedule, you should be able to manage your workload just fine.

Best of luck with your A-Levels,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 4

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post

by Digger1digger2

Hi, im about to start y12 and I've applied to do physics, maths, biology, and chemistry. I am undecided between medicine and engineering. Medicine is my top pick however with the lack of training places id like to have a backup which would be engeneering. However, im not sure if this is too much. I am predicted an 8 in physics at gcse and a 9 is the other subjects (im also doing the further maths gcse). Ive changed my combination at the last moment to this from biology chemistry maths and further maths. Which combo is better? Is not having further maths a disadvantage for engineering? Is the workload too much? How difficult are these a levels?

Realistically, all of these subjects are very difficult and both these fields are extremely competitive. Imo you should spend some time looking at both these pathways and seeing which suits you better- watch some documentaries, do a spotlight on Springpod, read some degree guides, look at some modules on uni websites, do an online course for each etc. Your best bet will be choosing 3 subjects that you enjoy the most and then see if you want to do a fourth for the first term with the plan of dropping a subject afterwards. For med you need bio and chem for the majority of unis to be available for you to apply to. For engineering youll need maths and physics for most unis. Further maths is often needed for a competitive engineering application to top unis.

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