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.

Thank you, that’s so encouraging! My
parents would always tell me i would end up a secondary school teacher rather than word class researcher if that’s make sense. So to me it always felt like I had to show them
it make sense in “real life” if that makes sense .

Completely know what you mean! I had my first at 16 so everyone just wrote me off as another teen mum so I love proving them wrong!

If you do OU the courses won’t open again until october so you have some time to think/plan as appropriate

My exH (who’s a dean) told me about waiting for LLE but I think from a money POV I don’t think it matters. If

Putting the cost into context- you are talking about the cost of a brand new car, or a luxury (term time) family holiday each year.

If you can afford it, and you would rather spend the money on the degree than a car (I would) and it is something you will enjoy, rather than feeling it is a chore- go for it!

Without sanding like bragging, we’ve already paying for a luxury car (GLB) and we already go on expensive holidays (last year we went to LA/Disneyland) so in the grand scheme
of things the cost seems like small change.

Don’t be ridiculous. People retrain all the time. Are you also resenting people who go to uni in their 50s + for interest reasons?

@Givenup2026 go for it. I wish I had your brain!

My post was before OP added more info. And note, I said MIGHT. And if you read forward on the thread, you will see I reply in the affirmative to the OP when they made more details available.

I think my brain is quite rusty, and the bigger question if anything. Am I capable? But I think that’s just imposter syndrome kicking in.

Meh why not. I know people who have done multiple degrees abroad because it’s so much cheaper. One woman has 4 undergrad degrees and 2 masters because she did it in Germany. I think it’s like 1k a year or something in fees, maybe even less.

Exactly! My English degree was free ;)

Yanbu - do go for it if you want to and can afford it. NB a Bachelor degree may be very expensive as you already hold a Masters degree and you don't get the subsidised rate fee if you already have an equivalent level qualification.

However I was a child who dreamed of the stars and did a physics degree and found my astronomy module disappointing - a lot less interesting to study academically than the "wow" moments of kid-friendly science-spectacular outreach activities lead you to believe. Properly done academic astronomy is very mathsy and may not actually be enjoyable if you found Engineering too nerdy - for successful engagement with gaining an actual qualification in astronomy there may need to be no upper limit to the amount of nerdiness you can enjoy - whereas no such qualification is needed in order to spend a lot less money than University Fees costs on a fabulous telescope and spend your nights marvelling at the stars.

A lot of universities do a distance-learning introductory diploma which holds thr weight of the first year of the degree programme, and it's usually split into 2 sections so that you can do it across two years combining it with a paid job. I would suggest you find a course like this for physics and see how you go. If you find you really enjoy it then you should be able to gain admittance to the full degree programme starting as a 2nd year with your previous study giving you the first year's credit. Or you may find that you are satisfied with the diploma and as much amateur engagement with science within the public domain as you like without gaining the full qualification.

I did a physics degree 30+ years ago. Recently I found my first year textbooks. I really struggled with the maths, the concepts were fine but understanding the maths was hard.

Maybe do a refresher a-level course or two before embarking on the degree. It might ease you into it.

Pure physics is so maths intensive so it'll help.

Good luck in doing it. You're following a dream and that's to be applauded.

I enjoy the nerdiness of the subject, that was not the problem.

My real issue is that we went on a field trip to a big city, and instead of reading I don’t know random magazines/books (I was very much into Wired and Spin those days) they took something like “the 1000 unsolved mysteries in maths” or something like that. I could have lived with that, but on those field trip I remember it was Friday and Halloween and I tried to get someone to go with me to find some nightlife and they all refused because they preferred to stay and sleep.

Obviously with distance learning I don’t need a party scene so that’s ok!

In terms of academics and research, physics is a young person’s game. Do it for the delight in learning but not to expect anything else.

I just want it for myself, fulfill my lifelong dream, that’s all.

I think it'll also be absolutely thrilling intellectually to see that you CAN do it.

The brain high of doing hard intellectual work is better than sex, imo

Go for it! So exciting! :)

Thank you, and I know what you mean!

Ever since Eve, the world has been populated by highly intelligent women who have lived with intellectual frustration every day of their life. You don’t have to be one of them.

Go and do your degree, get the best you can and wallow/revel/luxuriate in every minute of it.