To re-start my physics degree?

I'm studying part time with the OU (not physics) and already completing my third year....the time is flying in! It doesn't take long. And there's support online with cluster group and personal tutor support.

University of Lancashire are offering a BSc in Astronomy by distance learning

See:
https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/astronomy-bsc-distance-learning

And they also have certificates of higher education in various related fields:
https://www.studyastronomy.com/

This makes me smile OP. Go for it - follow your dreams.

disappointing there’s people putting “practical” and “moral” arguments forward to dissuade you - never too late to chase your dreams.

I also love the stars! 6 yr old me was going to be an astronaut - definitely a pipe dream 40 yrs later with no relevant experience or relevant education - but if there was a credible looking way I’d at least really look into it to see how possible it really is. Good luck!

Birkbeck offer a BSc Planetary Science with Astronomy degree through online learning, and it is on the list of courses which are eligible for student funding for second degree holders.

www.bbk.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/planetary-science-with-astronomy

Lots of unis have access courses to brush up on a-level maths and physics. And they are very encouraging to mature students to apply.

First post on here but I'd say definitely go for it! I'm the same, looking at studying astronomy through the OU this year. Maybe we should cheer each other on!

I think it's a great idea if you can afford it. You can usually get tuition fee loan funding for a second ug degree in a science subject.

https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding/equivalent-qualifications/

I don't think physics research /academia is in great shape in this country tbh so I'm not sure about pursuing a career in it, but my first degree was in physics and it was very satisfying for itself, and I think you'd enjoy it. (I'm doing my third UG now, this one with the OU and I like the flexibility and don't find it lonely though I'm not very sociable anyway).

Ditto!

Go for it! I did this - I started in medicine, and after series of unfortunate events and bad decisions ended up with a business degree. But I always wanted to be a scientist at heart - one of my degree modules was actually an introduction to astronomy! I worked miserably for a few years, then in my late 20s started Birkbeck evening classes to do physics and further maths, did physics at uni, got a first and have started a phD. :)

I don’t want to discourage you though as I have an English Lit BA and MA and am back at university doing a science right now. So if you want to do it then do!

I am much, much more studious this time around and my grades are very high thanks to actually doing it properly 😂 Maturity really does help at uni.

Is that 6 year olds dream worth £28,500 of cash to you? Because that’s the tuition fees you’ll need to find (second degree funding is generally for healthcare degrees only).

I did a physics degree 23 years ago and if I were to do it again I would absolutely need to brush up on maths. Perhaps you have forgotten that it’s essentially an applied maths degree!!!!

Also, have you thought about online short courses run by universities / institutes?

I was just coming on to reference the great Dr Sir Brian May!

It sounds like you can afford it, have the time, have a passion and enjoy studying - so in that case I'd say go for it. But with a couple of caveats to make sure it's right for you - have you looked closely at the OU degrees and modules? They might not fit with what you want as you sound pretty exact. Also, just because you do this degree, it doesn't mean that you'll be able to work in the field, I imagine it's pretty niche and would require further study. How would you feel about that? Have you considered other routes eg a local astronomy club, a local observatory, a local dark park/spaces etc? Maybe it's not what you want or there's not the opportunity but think about it. It says 16 hours part time, but you'll need to put in more time around assessments or exams - have you got the annual leave flexibility to do this? Are there any requirements to attend labs or exams in person sometimes? Go in with your eyes wide open and realistic about what you'll get out of it. If you're then still keen, go for it.

If you started your first degree 22 years ago, I guess you are in your early 40s. If so, you may well have another 25+ years worth of paid employment ahead of you after this next degree and that's plenty of time to establish yourself in a new field of work.

In terms of the money, there are plenty of people who choose to spend £5-6K a year on new car finance, beach holidays, clothes and/or entertaining etc. There is absolutely nothing wrong in putting your money into education and something that may give you lots of joy even if you choose to stick to your existing area of work. It's your money.

NB. Get hold of some A level maths text books and mug up on the calculus/trig from those before the autumn - there's still time!

Brian May went back to finish his PhD in astronomy after twenty years away being a member of one of the most successful rock groups of all time, Queen, so yes, absolutely you should 🙂

Have you kept up the mathematical side of physics in the intervening years? If not, you might want to start at a lower level before starting the degree. I tried to take a Maths degree about 15 years after my A level Maths, and I couldn't remember enough of what I had learnt at school to keep up with the degree level. If that wouldn't be an issue for you, then go for it!