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

[magnaconcordia]

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.

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

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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

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 - 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

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.

Ah, thank you, Redsky. I'll have a good look.

The Imperial/RCM 4 year degree might suit him then as he would get the performance element of the RCM BMus degree as well as a physics degree and really keep his options open

DH is Chem Eng. He, plus most of his course mates, are generally in industry, working as chemical engineers, process engineers or process safety engineers.
Me, who did Chemistry, is currently a SAHM. But previously I was in the research labs for a massive company you've probably never heard of - we made raw materials for other companies to use. Several went into accounting or financial fields. Several did some years in the lab and moved into project management. Others did PhDs and now are uni researchers or working in drug research.

IMO engineers go into engineering jobs. Straight scientists go into a broader range of jobs -but that might just be my experience, and not a general picture.

I dont think maths, phys, music would be too limiting. I think maths, chemistry music could be constraining.

I'm surprised that he can't take physics instead of chemistry at his current school. Is it a very small school?

According to maths teacher friend it makes a lot of sense to do maths and physics a levels together due to there being a crossover in both subjects. She said that its basically easier and equivalent (in terms of how much learning/revision they have to do) of achieving 2 A levels for doing the work of less than 2. I think she said 25% of the physics course is also covered in maths.

I truly believe that doing the A levels your child is interested in and wants to do is more important than anything, particularly if there's no specific and definite career aim

CMOTDibbler, yes I looked into the course before. My memory is vague but apparently it doesn't cover full content so you end up covering 70% or so of each degree? It can keep options open and should work well for suitable students but I'm not sure if it's for DS.

KittenVsXmastree, interesting to hear that you know someone who went into accounting or financial fields after studying Chemistry. I was actually thinking DS may be interested in going into financial fields - he likes Maths, statistics, and enjoys reading The Economist. My husband is very much business-minded and once said DS should do MBA if he chooses to go to a conservatoire. The skills would be vital and useful for a freelance musician but also could apply for many other opportunities.

It's a tiny school, Hoghgyni.

Luzina, I totally agree with you. I believe DS should study what he's interested. He says he's happy to do Maths, Chemistry and Music although he may consider Physics if it's available. I thought he could do what he could do and want to do at the current school. But the limitation of Maths, Chemistry and music combo is a real concern.

Very few people these days have an accounting or management degree who go onto train as accountants. I know of recent graduates working for the Big 4 with degrees in history, aeronautical engineering, physics, maths, economics, theology....the list is endless.

My DD is taking maths alongside humanity subjects at A level. She has found some aspects of the course harder than others because she isn't taking physics or FM and there is a general assumption that you will be taking one or the other of these.

My advice would be to apply to both 6th forms, then decide after GCSE. A lot may change over the next few months and your DS may prefer to keep his options open.

My dd is currently doing A levels in Maths, Chemistry, Music and French. She's enjoying them all but finds Music the easiest (predicted A star), so if your ds loves music and composing, it would be a good option.

However if he is considering Engineering I would strongly encourage Maths, Further Maths, Physics and possibly Chemistry or Computer Science.

I'm not a fan of A levels for that reason- 16 is too young to specialise imo.

Sound advice, Hoghgyni. Probably that's what we should do. To make the move really worthwhile, I think the 6th forms DS applies to should be reasonably academic and be strong in Maths and Science. Lots of research and visiting would be needed... DS is happy at the current school so we need to treat changing school very carefully.

Poppydaisys, could I ask you what your DD's plan after A-levels? Her choice of A-level subjects would be DS's if he stays at the current school (he may also add a language as he's bilingual).

@magnaconcordia There's lot of good advice about this online. It's a tough decision, but worth thinking about.

www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/a-levels-and-highers/choosing-a-levels/which-subjects-should-i-choose

Try this. I hope it helps!

My dd wants to study Economics, but with her A levels she could have done lots of subjects actually.

Thanks Poppydaisys. So contrary to PPs, you are saying Maths/Chemistry/Music have broader choices for what to study at university? Like Physics?

woodj, that's a great source of information. Thank you!

He does need to look at the various branches of engineering. Maths and Chemistry only leads to chemical engineering. Mechanical, electronic, civil, automotive, aeronautical, marine will require maths and physics. I can also assure you many top grade engineering grads (MEng) get city jobs in finance and similar. They certainly don’t all stay in engineering these days.

If he wants Chemistry and Maths he’s a bit more limited but Economics, Maths, Chemistry and other hybrid degrees are possible. Also psychology and similar. He could look at PPE if he had History instead of music (ideally but not necessary). With an essay subject Law would be possible. So lots of doors would be open but not much in the engineering sector.

Many universities have very many opportunities to get involved in music. Would this be an option?