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Further education

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Original poster

Maths, Music and Chemistry/Physics - the possible impact on university/career choices...

35 replies

magnaconcordia · 05/01/2020 13:01

DS is thinking of Maths, Chemistry and Music for his A-level subjects. But he is also fascinated by Physics and is interested in engineering. He doesn't know what he likes to study for a degree, which university he likes to apply and no definite career plan yet. If he chooses Maths, Chemistry and Music, he can stay at his current school after GCSEs but if he likes to do Physics instead of Chemistry he has to move elsewhere.

Part of me thinks he could stay where he is and do Chemistry since he enjoys the subject anyway and as both Chemistry and Physics are the facilitating subjects, hopefully, won't cause a huge issue when he applies for university/work nevertheless which course/work he decides to pursue. I'm favouring this choice as it's less hustle. But part of me thinks he should have wider choices in case of change of mind and also am worried about the possible impact that may cause on his future choices. What if Physics would be needed for his chosen course/work?

What kind of courses/careers would favour or require Maths/Chemistry/Music and Maths/Physics/Music? It won't matter hugely as I am hoping or it could cause an issue?

Any advice would be appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
magnaconcordia · 05/01/2020 14:46

He has mentioned his interest in engineering but it's not a fixed plan yet. Though, Maths, Physics, Chemistry sounds the best combo for someone who doesn't know what he wants to do in future. He's under good teaching musically so composition, theory, performance etc are all covered well. Also, to add a bit of complication, his other option after A-level is going to a conservatoire, hence Music was a natural choice initially. But again, it's not a fixed plan yet, so Music A-level may not be a must after all.

OP posts:
RedskyAtnight · 05/01/2020 14:46

OP - have a look here (gives future possibilities based on A Level choices - though you should drill down and read the detail behind the highlights!):
university.which.co.uk/a-level-explorer

Original poster
magnaconcordia · 05/01/2020 14:34

Thanks for all the comments.

So there aren't many options to progress after doing Maths, Chemistry and Music combo? At least it seems a lot fewer opportunities/choices compared with Maths, Physics, Music. What kind of career straight Chem/Chem Engineering degrees would lead to in general?

Sounds like we should seriously consider moving him after GCSEs just to give him more time and choices. It would help a lot if he knew what he would like to do in future but he doesn't know yet.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 05/01/2020 14:32

If he’s thinking about engineering, he should do maths and physics, plus something else. Chemistry as well would open up chemical engineering courses.

KittenVsXmastree · 05/01/2020 14:28

I dont think many chem eng courses would take you without physics.
And agree with Redsky that looking at some engineering courses would be a good idea - I suspect Maths and physics would be required.
Maths, physics, music or maths, physics, chemistry with lots of extra curricular music would be my suggestion.

titchy · 05/01/2020 13:23

both Chemistry and Physics are the facilitating subjects, hopefully, won't cause a huge issue when he applies for university/work nevertheless which course/work he decides to pursue.

Errr that's really not what facilitating means, and one reason the RG stopped referring to subjects as such.

He should apply now to the place that offers Maths Music and Physics, then he has time to decide.

FWIW those three are ideal for Sound Engineering degrees. Not sure what swapping Phy for Chem would be good for specifically - nothing I can think of, although straight Chem or Chem Engineering degree would be options.

helpmum2003 · 05/01/2020 13:19

I think Physics will be important for engineering and you need to check whether only having 2 STEM A levels would affect entry to courses.

Does your DC have any intention of doing music at Uni? My understanding is that even if they do that it's all about audition not A level music?

RedskyAtnight · 05/01/2020 13:15

For a degree in engineering, I think universities will be looking for Physics A Level. I suggest you have a look at the entry requirements for some specific courses that might be be of interest.

Would taking physics/chemistry/maths A Levels and continuing to pursue music as an extra-curricular activity be a possibility?

BeyondMyWits · 05/01/2020 13:13

Is he an easily Grade A musician? Plays effortlessly alone and in ensemble? Composes with no problem at all?

Music is SO hard to get a good grade otherwise. DD worked hard, spending time on it that was needed on other subjects really... she enjoys music, many types, plays piano, guitar and a couple of other small instruments - but lacks that raw natural talent that people who take music at A level tend to have (it lifts the grade boundaries hugely) and got a D which she was disappointed with, and made her regret her choices.

Luckily she made the grade in her main subject and is going to her first choice uni in September after a gap year.

CMOTDibbler · 05/01/2020 13:04

Music and Physics go together really well - I did Physics at Cardiff where they do a Physics with Music degree, and friends on that went into careers like sound technology and also not directly related things like science communication as they were experienced performers from the music side of things