Path to a Degree in Astrophysics - mature student

khublaikhan

OK,

I have no qualifications and wish to embark on a road that will lead me to attaining a place as a degree student of Astrophysics - which GCSE's, A Levels or qualifications will get me there is my question? It is a lifelong dream.

Note: I have approached a couple of Universities for advice but I am not too happy with the inconsistent advice given - they are much better at giving advice about the Astrophysics course itself but not so good about the entry reuirements for a mature student.

Any suggestions from the good people here?

Thanks in advance

Lokolo

You would need (imo):

Good A*-C GCSEs in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. English Language is a plus.

A Levels in Maths and Physics, Further Maths is a plus.

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For a Mature student is maybe better to do an Access Course.

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edit: you are most probably asking the wrong people if you are getting info back about the course. You would need to talk to Admissions rather than the lecturers.

Lokolo

Also if you want to do a degree with the Open University:

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/b27.htm

You can do the general degree here, but be focus on Astrophysics, which will have the modules below.

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/routes/b27-2.htm

Alcmene

You could claim APL. What experience have you got? How old are you? Which University are you wishing to go to? I can advise but I need more details.

khublaikhan

40 yrs oldish - I do have a degree in IT but no relevant qualifications to Astrophysics - I am open to suggestions in regard to which University as I was hoping that I would be able to do the course via distance learning, or maybe part-time - it is dependant on my employment status.

I have looked at GCSE books but am completely stumped about the "key stages" and so many different exam boards - in my day you just went to a shop and picked a "maths GCSE" book - nowadays you need a few GCSE's just to understand which books to purchase?? lol

Lokolo

Given you have a degree already and you want to do it part time you are unlikely to get any financial support.

If you are wanting to do it distance learning as well I suspect the OU would be best suited for your needs.

There is a careers advisor who roams the boards to wait til she appears with some advice

Alcmene

Lokolo wrote: »

Given you have a degree already and you want to do it part time you are unlikely to get any financial support.

If you are wanting to do it distance learning as well I suspect the OU would be best suited for your needs.

There is a careers advisor who roams the boards to wait til she appears with some advice

This is good advice!

http://www.studyastronomy.com/ is a good place to look at what kind of academic endeavours you will need to undertake. I am not very experienced in terms of funding but can help on the academic side of things. With a degree in IT and life experience you will most likely meet entry requirements for any undergraduate course.

Here is some guidance for entry points:
http://www.studyastronomy.com/entry-points.php

khublaikhan

Alcmene wrote: »

This is good advice!

http://www.studyastronomy.com/ is a good place to look at what kind of academic endeavours you will need to undertake. I am not very experienced in terms of funding but can help on the academic side of things. With a degree in IT and life experience you will most likely meet entry requirements for any undergraduate course.

Here is some guidance for entry points:
http://www.studyastronomy.com/entry-points.php

Thanks Alcmene - those links are fantastic!

Many thanks

CLAPTON

what qualifications do you currently have (A/Ls, GCSE etc)

Alcmene

CLAPTON wrote: »

what qualifications do you currently have (A/Ls, GCSE etc)

Are you asking me?

khublaikhan

CLAPTON wrote: »

what qualifications do you currently have (A/Ls, GCSE etc)

I do have 5 GCSE's attained in the 80's - a diploma and a degree (which I took few years ago). No A levels.