To re-start my physics degree?

[Givenup2026]

I mean it’s technically not re-starting but more like starting from scratch… but ever since I was 6 I dreamt of becoming an astronomer. I did everything right, top of class, mathlete, etc…

but when I went to uni I made the unfortunate decision of studying engineering physics as opposed to pure physics. I also didn’t like my class/crowd I was too “bohemian/alternative” and they were too nerdy. I abandoned it and went on and studied sociology and even got an MSc eventually.

Not finishing my degree is my only regret in life, so AIBU in considering going back and finish it this time? I really want to honour that 6yo who dreamt of the stars.

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.

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

That’s the thing I don’t want to work in the field. My years of thinking I could unify all theories are in the past. At best I would like to bridge both field by getting a PhD on the atomic age, again all for self fulfilment and nothing else.

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

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!!!!

That I don’t forget! My “A levels” teacher was SO crap I knew my calculus was not up to scratch. Also, as I’ve grown old I’ve learned to love maths even more to the extend that I’ve pondered about an applied maths degree. I see the beauty in maths (always have) but 20 years later it’s even clearer to me.

i don’t know, I feel like being older and more mature as the missing link 22 years ago.

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 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.

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. :)

Ditto!

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).

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!

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.

Yes!!! I’ll DM you as definitely in the same boat

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

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!

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/

Thank you! The only thing that pulls me into a “pure” physics degree is that I also love nuclear physics (for a reason). I love the atomic era and would love to do my PhD from both a physics and a sociology POV.

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.

Thank you! And that was a pet peeve of mine when I was a lit girl. I didn’t want to be an astrologist nor an astronaut I wanted to study stars. Not from a practical POV nor from an esoterical one

I think it sounds great! Not the same level at all, but there is also now an Astronomy GCSE that is very popular with mature students. My son took it as part of an after school astronomy club and absolutely loved it (he now wants to do astrophysics at uni as a result). Perhaps it could be a little taster for you?!

Go for it. Why wouldn’t you? Good luck!

@tumbletoast

"Don't underestimate how lonely OU study is either. You're basically just sitting alone reading and writing for hours every week for years. It would be more than 16 hours per week when preparing for assessments too."

I have to disagree with this. When I retired, I did a BA and an MA with the OU. (Not physics). It wasn't lonely - the OU were very good at providing F2F tutorials, online forums for discussions, students also set up Facebook pages for more casual discussions, tutors arranged day trips, etc. Plus, if you're interested, the OU materials are, IME, wonderfully engaging.

Good luck OP - it sounds like a great ambition. (Mine currently is to review my O-Level mathematics and finally understand calculus.) Enjoy the Artemis II launch!

I just finished my degree in physics (after already having a degree in economics) last year, and I loved it! Did it part time, don’t regret it at all. I was like you, always loved it growing up and stupidly chose economics because I thought it would be more applicable to the real world. I did it part time too, and will now go on to do a masters in the next couple of years.

I did it at the same time as having two very young children and still managed to find the time so it’s not totally impossible. Go for it, 100%!

I did a second degree in law at 46. Cost me £20k plus I supppse lost earnings. I loved it! I got a first (2.1 first time).
I sn now tempted to do another degree with open university, though my dad is doing one part time and I am not impressed by lack of using other sources. It seems quite “use this textbook only” even at level 3!
Birbeck may be better in terms of actual lectures.