Should I self study A-Level Physics?

2

Hi
So, I'm in year 12 and I do: Mathematics, Computer science, Design Engineering and EPQ and I want to do something to do with engineering ( a bit of creativity) at uni.
The problem I have is that I didn't want to do computer science, I did it in year 7 and 8, completing forgetting it, while for physics I genuinely love it but didn't get the grade boundaries for it.
Basically I was thinking of doing A-Level Physics like studying outside of school and then doing the AS/A levels exams, since many unis need physics and mathematics for engineering but I'm still uncertain, like should I just do a foundation year for the engineering course I want, (because its a bit closer to mechanical, robotics, product design engineering)
Thank you!

Reply 1

Macclesfield

11

You don't currently do the EPQ, right? I'm not entirely sure, but I believe that would start in the summer. I think you're "planning" to do the EPQ, though I could be wrong!!

If you're not currently doing an EPQ, I'd drop it from your list and self-study Physics, assuming your school wouldnt let you take it as an actual subject. Don't get me wrong, an EPQ is lovely! But if Physics is required and an EPQ isn't, I feel like it would make more sense to take Physics formally, and just write reports on things you like as a supercurricular.

If you ARE currently doing an EPQ, be aware that you're essentially doing 4.5 subjects, when most people struggle to do 4 on their own! It's possible, especially considering you're in Year 12, but you've got to catch up on 4 months of the Physics A-Level + you've then got to get working at a regular pace, comparable to those who don't self-study. It's certainly possible! But you really gotta work for it.

It might also be worth it to look into making your EPQ Physics-focused, and seeing whether Universities would still consider your application? This is more applicable to Humanities/Arts degrees, but I contacted University of Manchester (Which for their Japanese BA, would require an Essay subject), and they were fine with me doing Maths + FM + Comp Sci + EPQ focusing on languages. Obviously it's a harder ask with Physics, but it's still worth contacting Universities!!

Regardless of what you do, contact your Physics Department and start asking about the feasibility of self-study. They'll know whats best, because that's their job. Good luck!!!

Reply 2

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by Rezra

Hi
So, I'm in year 12 and I do: Mathematics, Computer science, Design Engineering and EPQ and I want to do something to do with engineering ( a bit of creativity) at uni.
The problem I have is that I didn't want to do computer science, I did it in year 7 and 8, completing forgetting it, while for physics I genuinely love it but didn't get the grade boundaries for it.
Basically I was thinking of doing A-Level Physics like studying outside of school and then doing the AS/A levels exams, since many unis need physics and mathematics for engineering but I'm still uncertain, like should I just do a foundation year for the engineering course I want, (because its a bit closer to mechanical, robotics, product design engineering)
Thank you!

Not all engineering degrees require A-level Physics.

That said I would not consider engineering a creative degree. It's a degree in essentially applied mathematics and applied science (mostly physics).

Engineering design is not the same thing as creative design - it's a process where you use iterative approaches to modelling and planning engineered systems ("design" refers to this iterative process).

Reply 3

Kingston Vee

Official Rep

12

Original post

by Rezra

Hi
So, I'm in year 12 and I do: Mathematics, Computer science, Design Engineering and EPQ and I want to do something to do with engineering ( a bit of creativity) at uni.
The problem I have is that I didn't want to do computer science, I did it in year 7 and 8, completing forgetting it, while for physics I genuinely love it but didn't get the grade boundaries for it.
Basically I was thinking of doing A-Level Physics like studying outside of school and then doing the AS/A levels exams, since many unis need physics and mathematics for engineering but I'm still uncertain, like should I just do a foundation year for the engineering course I want, (because its a bit closer to mechanical, robotics, product design engineering)
Thank you!

its possible to speak to your college again about doing physics, now class sizes have been realised they might consider you swapping to it. It's not a guarantee but it's worth asking if you explain your reasons and future career path wishes. That being said, not every engineering degree requires physics so if you can't swap it's not going to stop you from studying engineering in the future. As for self teaching an a-level, I would advise against it as you are already doing 3 subjects plus EPQ which is a lot of work by itself. Its hard to self study for an a-level but even harder for a really difficult a-level like physics. Personally I think the added stress is unnecessary and would stick to what you're doing and focus on getting good grades in those subjects.

Hope that helps!

Vee (kingston rep)

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by Rezra

Hi
So, I'm in year 12 and I do: Mathematics, Computer science, Design Engineering and EPQ and I want to do something to do with engineering ( a bit of creativity) at uni.
The problem I have is that I didn't want to do computer science, I did it in year 7 and 8, completing forgetting it, while for physics I genuinely love it but didn't get the grade boundaries for it.
Basically I was thinking of doing A-Level Physics like studying outside of school and then doing the AS/A levels exams, since many unis need physics and mathematics for engineering but I'm still uncertain, like should I just do a foundation year for the engineering course I want, (because its a bit closer to mechanical, robotics, product design engineering)
Thank you!

Also just another point to consider: most unis require students to do the science endorsement (practicals) for any science A-levels they take. This is usually very expensive to do externally, so do consider how you can do that (or if you will be able to).

Reply 5

Rezra

OP

2

Original post

by Macclesfield

You don't currently do the EPQ, right? I'm not entirely sure, but I believe that would start in the summer. I think you're "planning" to do the EPQ, though I could be wrong!!
If you're not currently doing an EPQ, I'd drop it from your list and self-study Physics, assuming your school wouldnt let you take it as an actual subject. Don't get me wrong, an EPQ is lovely! But if Physics is required and an EPQ isn't, I feel like it would make more sense to take Physics formally, and just write reports on things you like as a supercurricular.
If you ARE currently doing an EPQ, be aware that you're essentially doing 4.5 subjects, when most people struggle to do 4 on their own! It's possible, especially considering you're in Year 12, but you've got to catch up on 4 months of the Physics A-Level + you've then got to get working at a regular pace, comparable to those who don't self-study. It's certainly possible! But you really gotta work for it.
It might also be worth it to look into making your EPQ Physics-focused, and seeing whether Universities would still consider your application? This is more applicable to Humanities/Arts degrees, but I contacted University of Manchester (Which for their Japanese BA, would require an Essay subject), and they were fine with me doing Maths + FM + Comp Sci + EPQ focusing on languages. Obviously it's a harder ask with Physics, but it's still worth contacting Universities!!
Regardless of what you do, contact your Physics Department and start asking about the feasibility of self-study. They'll know whats best, because that's their job. Good luck!!!

Thanks for the reply, and yeah I'll try talking to them. I choose EPQ because I wanted an artefact and make something which I thought it would help to lower entry requirements.
I will try and talk to my physics department to see if they can help me, but I already have some resources like the scheme of learning all that to use as well as tutoring in the near future if I do it

Reply 6

Rezra

OP

2

Original post

by artful_lounger

Not all engineering degrees require A-level Physics.
That said I would not consider engineering a creative degree. It's a degree in essentially applied mathematics and applied science (mostly physics).
Engineering design is not the same thing as creative design - it's a process where you use iterative approaches to modelling and planning engineered systems ("design" refers to this iterative process).

I understand but I'm somewhat in the middle, initially before A levels I was considering mechanical engineering, but it was only during a levels that I couldn't do physics that the option of maybe product design or industrial design engineering came up which is somewhat creative in a way

Reply 7

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by Rezra

I understand but I'm somewhat in the middle, initially before A levels I was considering mechanical engineering, but it was only during a levels that I couldn't do physics that the option of maybe product design or industrial design engineering came up which is somewhat creative in a way

If you're interested in the creative design side but also the technology aspect I think product design is probably a good fit for your interests (and more so than engineering, personally) :smile:

Maybe explore that a bit more too and look at the differences and see which seems to fit your interests best! :h:

Should I self study A-Level Physics?

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