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Calvin Asks: Is having Physics A-level a 'must have' to do an Engineering Degree?

My son wants to be an engineer when he grows up. He is doing his GCSE’s this year and getting ready to choose his A-Levels, but his school has a new physics teacher, whom he HATES! He is now adamant he won’t be choosing physics at A-Level, but I’m worried that he’ll struggle to get onto an engineering course at a good university without it.

He doesn’t want to change schools as all his friends are staying; it’s one of the best schools in the area and local too, so I don’t really want him to have to move either. So my question is, does he need a physics A-Level or can he get by without it?

A-Level dilemmas - Darlington

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0 Roy Bowdler over 5 years ago

An alternative would be finding an apprenticeship with qualifications included aligned to his ability, or studying at a College for a BTEC Diploma. Some employers still recruit at 16 and may offer progression opportunities, including up to degree level. Because this involves them paying a salary and college/university fees, they rightly expect a strong work ethic in return. A BTEC Diploma can also potentially open the door to a Degree Apprenticeship, or entry onto a full -time undergraduate degree.

https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/advice/students/apprenticeships-for-16-year-olds

https://www.oaklands.ac.uk/course-area/course/19_20-DP3EGA1F_1-BTEC-National-Foundation-Extended-Diploma-in-Engineering

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/understanding-our-qualifications/comparing-btec-to-other-qualifications/btec-ucas-points.html#tab-NewBTECNationalsRQF

If he is of high potential academically and hoping to compete for admission to one of the most selective universities, then he should understand their admission requirements and seek to meet them. This is likely to include A level Physics and good grades, although some may be flexible. If he isn’t ready to commit to a career direction, then A levels might also be more adaptable later, rather than the more vocational Diploma. If he chose the full-time college option intending to go onwards for a degree, then he is likely to find a warmer welcome at one of the post-92 universities, but check requirements to be sure. I have picked up on news of recent changes to admission requirements, as universities compete for students. If you look up the degree courses accredited by Institutions like the IET, there are plenty of post 92 Universities.

https://www.engc.org.uk/acad

Although some employers target their recruitment towards those graduates from the most academic courses, there are plenty of different employment options for engineers and technicians. Many employers focus on the specific skills that they need and the work relevant personal attributes that make someone more productive, rather than just academic attainment. Some engineers prefer to pursue technical specialism and other become managers as their careers progress. As with any investment decision it is difficult to predict the future, so mining engineers for example are far fewer now in the UK, than they were some decades ago, with new technologies coming on stream. Most engineers and technicians find their work satisfying and have skills that they can adapt to emerging opportunities.
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0 Roy Bowdler over 5 years ago

An alternative would be finding an apprenticeship with qualifications included aligned to his ability, or studying at a College for a BTEC Diploma. Some employers still recruit at 16 and may offer progression opportunities, including up to degree level. Because this involves them paying a salary and college/university fees, they rightly expect a strong work ethic in return. A BTEC Diploma can also potentially open the door to a Degree Apprenticeship, or entry onto a full -time undergraduate degree.

https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/advice/students/apprenticeships-for-16-year-olds

https://www.oaklands.ac.uk/course-area/course/19_20-DP3EGA1F_1-BTEC-National-Foundation-Extended-Diploma-in-Engineering

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/understanding-our-qualifications/comparing-btec-to-other-qualifications/btec-ucas-points.html#tab-NewBTECNationalsRQF

If he is of high potential academically and hoping to compete for admission to one of the most selective universities, then he should understand their admission requirements and seek to meet them. This is likely to include A level Physics and good grades, although some may be flexible. If he isn’t ready to commit to a career direction, then A levels might also be more adaptable later, rather than the more vocational Diploma. If he chose the full-time college option intending to go onwards for a degree, then he is likely to find a warmer welcome at one of the post-92 universities, but check requirements to be sure. I have picked up on news of recent changes to admission requirements, as universities compete for students. If you look up the degree courses accredited by Institutions like the IET, there are plenty of post 92 Universities.

https://www.engc.org.uk/acad

Although some employers target their recruitment towards those graduates from the most academic courses, there are plenty of different employment options for engineers and technicians. Many employers focus on the specific skills that they need and the work relevant personal attributes that make someone more productive, rather than just academic attainment. Some engineers prefer to pursue technical specialism and other become managers as their careers progress. As with any investment decision it is difficult to predict the future, so mining engineers for example are far fewer now in the UK, than they were some decades ago, with new technologies coming on stream. Most engineers and technicians find their work satisfying and have skills that they can adapt to emerging opportunities.
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Calvin Asks: Is having Physics A-level a 'must have' to do an Engineering Degree?

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