A Levels for Engineering

[Northerner7777]

Hi all,
My Ds wants to become an engineer after sixth form but is unsure which A Levels would be the best to take. Ds is definitely taking Maths and Physics but is undecided between;

Ones he likes; Further Maths, History, Philosophy
Ones people say are useful; Chemistry, Design Technology, Geography

I was just wondering is anyone has had a dc choose A Levels for engineering and what they chose. Or any advice off people who are engineers.


Thank you

[BasicallyaGod]

Seimum, M2 would be the best option. Decision maths isn't usually favoured by universities [it's considered to be too easy] and M2 for Edexcel isn't much of a step up from M1 either. The reason being that mechanics applies the knowledge learnt in core modules and decision maths and statistics doesn't.
I'd recommend picking up 3 extra modules for another AS if you think i will help his uni application for engineering. M3, FP1 and FP2 would be a good set.

[captainbarnacle]

Geology. I am teaching Geology at a 6th form college and the course is 1/3 engineering issues.

[seimum]

Thanks Milly and Why.

DS thoughts are currently either computer science, electronic engineering or chemical engineering. He will be dropping the German after AS, so I will get him to enquire at school whether he can do more maths modules.

[Whyjustwhyagain]

Seimum, I think M2 is a great fit fit engineering, specially as your DS is also studying Physics.
However, if he is considering computer science, then D1 or S1 might be more appropriate.
Sorry that's not more helpful!
If your DS iS planning to drop down to 3 subjects at A2, then perhaps he could sit in on one of the other maths options, timetable permitting. Even if he doesn't take the exam, the extra knowledge would certainly be helpful.

[MillyMollyMama]

I also meant to say that it is best to contact the information pages of the "Engineering" faculty at suitable universities because it will depend on what type of "Engineering" he is considering. You have to narrow it down and then you can make a sensible decision. Bath, for example now likes 4 A2 subjects for Civil Engineering and Architecture. Often Universities will highly recommend Further Maths, so you really need to do your homework regarding likely offers, eg Bath AAAA, and whether you are looking for BEng or MEng. MEng is best but he may find he has to do extra classes without FM. As in most subjects, there is a pecking order of universities, so take out the ones wanting FM, eg Imperial, and see what their recommendations are regarding modules. You can always contact the faculties and go to open days. I assume you are doing this because this will inform his choices.

[MillyMollyMama]

The University of Bath strongly recommends decision maths for computer science. German A level is a bit superfluous for Engineering as you can take language classes at University to allow students to do a year abroad at a German University. GCSE is good enough for this.

[seimum]

Could I get advice on a related question?

My DS also wants to do engineering (or possibly computer science). He is currently in year 12 studying Maths, Physics, Chemistry & German, but not Further Maths.
He is doing Mechanics M1 as his option AS module , but what modules would you recommend for his A2 options? More mechanics, or would statistic or decision maths be more appropriate?

Thanks

[morethanpotatoprints]

Hello OP

My dad was an engineer, the old type that followed from draughtsman.
He was always going on a design/technology course through work, but this may be because computers were just coming in after technical drawing.
Although, there is a new 14 -19 engineering college opened in our street and along with engineering you are expected to take maths and D&T.
I don't know why, and have no dc doing it, but can ask for you if you like. I pass every day and its no problem.

[TalkinPeace]

He'll be fine.
Its a good faculty.

[bruffin]

[Grin]
TalkinPeace

He now has to get the results.

[TalkinPeace]

Bruffin
I'll try not to run him over when driving around the campus!

[bruffin]

Ds has offer Mech eng from Southampton with Maths,Further Maths and Physics.He also did philosophy for AS.

[BasicallyaGod]

Mechanical Engineering - maths, further maths and physics
Electrical engineering - see above
Chemical engineering - maths, physics, chemistry/maths, chemistry biology/maths, further maths and chemistry. Some courses don't even require chemistry for chemical engineering.
Civil Engineering - maths, further maths and physics.

[sassysally]

Ds is doing MechEng, although all the engineering disciplines have a common first year.He has said chemistry has helped a bit with the 'materials' module.

[tricot39]

Op - have you got an apprenticeship employer in mind? There are not masses of them about so maybe they could advise on subject choice?

[BackforGood]

Can't believe I somehow missed that reply! thanks Bruffin for the link. We're looking into it.

[bruffin]

Backforgood

If your dd wants to be an engineer get her to apply for an an arkwright scholarship. RAF are one of the sponsors i think. Unfortunately its too late for current year 11s so probably to late for OP's DS.

[MillyMollyMama]

I think though, that to make sensible choices you do have to have some idea of what type of Engineering. Further Maths, Maths and Physics are vital but Geography is useful if you want to link Environmental Engineering with Civil Engineering. I don't think Geography will make much difference to being a Civil Engineer or Structural Engineer though, and I write as someone who is married to a Fellow of Civils, Structural and Transport Engineering Institutions. Chemistry keeps more options open and is good for Mechanical Engineering.

When the time comes, your DS must choose a course that is recognised by the Council of Engineering Institutions that leads to Chartered Engineer status. These are normally MEng courses. Courses that lead to Incorporated Engineer status are less well thought of and getting to be a Chartered Engineer can take a lot longer with an employer or he will need a Masters Degree. The CEI website has a comprehensive list of current courses that they recognise. Apprenticeship courses are unlikely to lead to Chartered status because of their lower, non MEng, status. Chartered Engineer is the highest qualification but with lesser qualifications, prospects for career progression will be limited.

[Northerner7777]

Thanks for the links. They've really helped ds make up his mind. He thinks he would like to do Geography but knowing him he`ll change his mind in September. That's fine though because all the subjects are in different blocks so he can make his final decision then.
Im glad that this has helped others as well, that's what mumsnets for :)
Thank you everyone for your advice.

[Northerner7777]

Tha

[Megrim]

Just to add, although I did English at A level, with hindsight I wished I had dropped it and done Economics instead. My first degree was in Geology and I went on to do a Masters in Engineering Geology - I struggled a bit with some of the maths (rock mechanics!!!) but most of it was fine.

[BackforGood]

This is really interesting - thanks for the links and sites to look up.
My dd is in Yr10 and got as far as knowing she wants to do maths and physics but not what to go with it. I don't know enough about engineering to know what all the different sorts are and what that means once into careers (she really wants to learn to fly, with the RAF ). Always good to have options though.

[Bonkerssometimes]

I don't mean to hijack but we have a similar dilemma.

How do the uni look at Maths, Further Maths, Physics and French?

DS's grammar does not allow 5 A levels because of timetabling. They say we can arrange that privately, but obviously this will not be possible. They also timetable that 4 AS should become 3 A2 in year 13.

Are 3 A2 and 1 AS OK?

[Whyjustwhy]

For anyone interested in engineering 2 good courses are those by the Smallpeice Trust and Headstart.
The Awkwright Trust also offer scholarships to 6th formers.

[WoodBurnerBabe]

Also look at the Year In Industry programme, if it's still running. I worked in industry for a year before going to Uni and it remains one of the best choices I ever made.