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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

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Original poster

DS changing career choice

14 replies

LoveMyKeeks · 15/04/2023 18:54

Hi, I'm wondering if there is anyone who works in admissions or has been in a similar position with their DC.

DS is just about to turn 19 and has done musical theatre for the last 7 years. Amazing singer and good actor but struggles wit h musical theatre acting. He's lost his spark for it and wants to change his career choice. He's currently in his final year at college, studying performing arts and he wants to go on to uni to study mechanical engineering. He got a 7 in Maths GCSE and 8'a in combined science GCSE so I know that if he'd have done these at ALevel, he would have done okay.

Does anyone know if he would be a good candidate for an engineering degree course, or would he be best to do the foundation first?

Thanks for any replies msg advice

OP posts:

Original poster

LoveMyKeeks · 15/04/2023 18:58

Sorry about all the typing mistakes!

Just want to add. He's always enjoyed science and tinkering and fixing and thought hard about doing his sciences at A-level so this isn't just a spare of the moment decision. I think he's just thought a lot about the future and what he wants his to look like.

OP posts:

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 15/04/2023 19:04

He would normally need a level maths and physics. He wouldn't be able to go straight onto a mechanical engineering course as he would be missing so much core knowledge.

The only way to find out about the foundation courses if to contact them - I think there will be quite a lot of variations.

Original poster

LoveMyKeeks · 15/04/2023 20:07

It says on the foundation course information that it's recommended to go this route if you have little or no knowledge or engineering and if you little or no knowledge of maths. A majority of the foundation year is maths and science so I think this will be his best route. Will nip to the next uni open day. Thank you!

OP posts:

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 16/04/2023 10:41

Good luck, it will probably be a tough first year but once he gets into it will get easier.

When is he looking to start? If this September he will need to act quickly as most universities have sent out offers (though a lot accept late applications and clearing opens in the summer).

I would advise using the summer to catch up a bit with physics and maths, as he will be rusty in both. This is a good site https://www.alevelphysicsonline.com/ (I use it a lot with my students). Then focus on maths for a-level physics, forces and mechanics (with the blue label)

A Level Physics Online

Full video explanations for all A Level Physics topics that will allow you to achieve the highest grades in your exams.

https://www.alevelphysicsonline.com/

Original poster

LoveMyKeeks · 16/04/2023 16:28

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 16/04/2023 10:41

Good luck, it will probably be a tough first year but once he gets into it will get easier.

When is he looking to start? If this September he will need to act quickly as most universities have sent out offers (though a lot accept late applications and clearing opens in the summer).

Thank you so much for this! Yes he is looking to start in September. He's hoping to get the application in over the next few days. Thanks again for the advice and links, it's a huge help.

OP posts:

Bunnyannesummers · 16/04/2023 18:19

He’d be better off doing an access course at a local FE college. This is a one year level 3 course, funded by an advanced learner loan to prepare students for uni. If they complete a degree the learner loan is wiped, so it works out better financially than doing a foundation year - less debt overall.

he can apply now and start in September, then submit a ucas application in jan for a mech eng course. The college will support with this.

TizerorFizz · 23/04/2023 17:37

He would need to check that Foundation courses accept DC with no A levels. Access course might not be accepted without maths A level as well. Mech Eng is academic.

Original poster

LoveMyKeeks · 26/04/2023 13:25

Just a little update.

He's been accepted at the local uni, starting at the foundation level. As long as he gets at least MMP on his BTEC, but he's predicted 3X D*.

Our local Access to HE courses are aimed at medical professions, and although the sciences are good, they don't include any A Level maths.

Thanks for all the info 😊

OP posts:

Comefromaway · 26/04/2023 15:24

He's also probably too young for an Access course.

Good luck to him.

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 26/04/2023 16:12

Very good news. Universities are used to students changing direction - they are still young, so will be flexible where they can be.

Bunnyannesummers · 30/04/2023 09:19

Comefromaway · 26/04/2023 15:24

He's also probably too young for an Access course.

Good luck to him.

Access courses are for 19+ and some colleges accept if the student will turn 19 in the first year, so plenty of students go into them in OPs sons situation

mondaytosunday · 16/05/2023 10:06

Great news @LoveMyKeeks! It's brave of him to acknowledge his change of focus and do something about it. Wishing him all the best.

TizerorFizz · 16/05/2023 11:55

@LoveMyKeeks Try and get him to do at least some maths A level work. Is he doing engineering post foundation?

poetryandwine · 18/05/2023 22:05

Congratulations to your DS, OP.

He should find out what the progrssion rate from FY onto his course is. At my uni it is only moderate, but those who progress are positioned for a strong start.

Like most pupils your DS may be justifiably looking forward to some relaxation after he finishes his exams. However he will feel much happier come the beginning of term if he has made a start on some topics in A level or FY maths. The latter may be available online. Feeling confident then can make a big difference. Most of his peers will have AL Maths, even if they didn’t get the A. (I am a STEM academic).

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