Physics vs engineering - dd starting to think about uni courses & would welcome thoughts

[Sadik]

DD's just in year 12, so plenty of time, but is starting to think about what direction she wants to go post A levels. Previously she was looking at physics, but is wondering whether engineering might suit her better, and I said I'd ask the MN massive for any thoughts.

She's very keen on science /maths generally, good solid GCSEs (7x A* 3xA - we're in Wales so still letter grades). Taking Maths/ FM/ Physics/ Chemistry & very much enjoying them all to date. As I say she chose her A levels thinking probably physics, but she's now wondering if she'd prefer a more practical subject.

I'd say she's not a 'natural engineer' of the always taking things apart and fixing them type, but good at creative thinking and problem solving, so I can see why it appeals. (But she's certainly not at the 'I want to do mechanical / electronic / aeronautical engineering' stage.)

We've booked to go to open days at Cardiff & Swansea uni shortly & she's planning to look at both departments, so I guess right now she's looking for any ideas / things she might be missing / questions to ask. (She's also hoping to get on an extracurricular thing at college where they have a 'real engineer' (dd's description) and a real-world problem to work on.)

Chemical Engineering degree here.

It is a fantastic degree and prepares you for many jobs. It combines Science, environment, economics, industrial management. You also learn good communication skills and teamwork.

I recommend a course with a Common first year giving an insight into mechanical, civil and electrical engineering too.

Warwick General Engineering gives you the chance to learn about all the branches then specialise from second year.

I think they only appear on the various uni ranking tables as general engineering despite offering mech, electrical, manufacturing etc as the numbers on each are fairly small, so they appear as GE representing the whole engineering cohort.

My DS graduated from there this summer but is 1 of only 4 students with his particular style of mech eng degree. So is far too small a group to get their own ranking!