Physics A Level - without Maths?

[ilovemydogandmrobama2]

DD1 is Y11 but is struggling somewhat with A level choices.

She still doesn't really know what she wants to do career wise so she is basing A levels off of what subjects she enjoys, which I think is probably best.

She loves physics and does reasonably well, but really doesn't want to do Maths A level. Her teacher says that it's possible to do Physics without it, but am wondering if this would limit any university choices?

Thoughts?

ilovemydogandmrobama2 that’s funny and great news. Best of luck to her.

That's a smashing update and nice mix of subject/extra curricular life! I'm sure she'll have some unusual doors open to her from that combo as well as the more obvious ones 🙂

Good update

Teens only take advice from their peers, you see, not their well meaning parents

I did physics A level but only AS maths. I don’t think any of the maths was needed for the A level, and physics was my highest overall mark.

But without maths you are seriously limiting the choice when it comes to university. Physics itself and anything engineering are out. I did chemistry but had to cover a lot of A level content in first year.

So for me the question is more about what is she going to do after? Will physics help? Is it going to be a barrier not having the maths? Will she end up needing to cover it later?

Oh I’ve seen the update. So that’s good about maths and physics, but I’m not sure where the politics comes in in terms of next steps. Does she know what she wants to do next? The maths and physics will line up well for the very hard STEM subjects, but will exclude the less hard STEM (chemistry, bio, geology perhaps).

The politics is a great subject, but on its own might not give the university options she wants.

Really this decision needs to be about all of the things she might want to study at university and how can she have a good range of skills and subject knowledge to get there.

For the record, I’m all for a mixed A level palette (so sciences and humanities, great skills combination), but it can mean that students don’t quite have the skills some universities are looking for for the next step.

Disclaimer: background in university access and admissions

Glad she's made what looks like a good choice. I started Biology as an undergraduate but found my lack of maths skills really hampered my learning. I think maths and sciences go very well together once you're looking at University level stuff.

The maths and physics will line up well for the very hard STEM subjects, but will exclude the less hard STEM (chemistry, bio, geology perhaps).

Maths and physics would definitely get you onto earth science courses and also many environmental science / engineering courses.

Maths, physics and politics could be an interesting combination for urban planning / design degrees?

DS did Maths, Physics and Law which is a similar combination to OP's DD's and did a Physics degree at a RG university

That combination could get you on a law degree too. A girl in my year did biology, chemistry and German and did a law degree. As long as you have an essay subject.

I also think the Maths, physics and geography combination could open a few doors.