Mr

[KB72]

My son has predicted 4 A* (Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry). 5 9s and 4 8s in GCSE. Physics and Chem gold medalist at Olympiads and other things. He applied for Mechanical Engg at Bristol university got an alternative offer for Civil which is totally not related to Mechanical Engg. What is expected out of a child? He is distraught and wants to take a gap year but what is the guarantee. Need some advice.
Thanks

We had lots of guidance on that!

@KB72 Did he only apply to these two? For Engineering (General) Bristol ranks higher in the CUG. For some reason, Durham isn’t ranked at all for Mechanical. Bristol is 4th for Civils and is certainly better than Oxford (2nd) from many employers’ point of view!

Has DC looked at civil engineering at all before ruling it out? Believe it or not, starting salaries are higher. Plus both these universities have many engineering grads don’t go into engineering at all. Does he want to be an engineer or is the degree a route to something else?

Civils and mechanical is the same first year at Bristol. Personally I cannot see the advantage of a year out either. I think Bristol have such a generous contextual offer that they seem to throw out perfect candidates from the other side of the tracks. Most young people would have expected an offer based on what he’s predicted and I can see why he’s disappointed. Bristol is highly sought after though. I’d say look at civils at Bristol. All engineering there is great and it’s a bigger department with a broader engineering offering.

@TizerorFizz- Durham presumably isn’t ranked for mech eng because it only offers a General Engineering degree, albeit they specialise after the first two years.

Has he considered Engineering Mathematics at Bristol? It might be more his thing, year one modules are common with mech eng and it's more mathematical/coding/data oriented.

No idea whether this will appeal ro OP’s DS. But it looks like an interesting and highly employable degree in line with current thinking

@ErrolTheDragon Yes that’s almost certainly correct but the DS wanted mechanical engineering and Durham isn’t really the best for that.

The civils/mechanical course is the same for the first year at Bristol. DH always thought the over emphasis of maths in Engineering pidgeonholes dc a bit. Tends to be maths first, engineering second. For some employers that’s the wrong way round.

Fair comment, @TizerorFizz . At this point I think it is a question of what the DS prioritises.

@poetryandwine Totally agree. However civils is worth a look if he’s been offered it. Hardly a shortage of work!

Hello,
Late to reply but the same happened to my son’s friend. My son got 12 9s as did his friend, all the Olympiads in Maths, Physics etc and both predicted 4 As. My son was offered the course he wanted his friend was offered an alternative course. No idea why.

@Mr what did your son decide in the end?

Hope all is going well for him whatever he decided.

(I'm a bit invested as our kids considering similar course & Uni's year before and after your DS). Thanks

@KB72what did your DS decide in the end?

Thank you!

Only now spotting I tagged the wrong Name

No problem