I have no GCSE's, want to work towards a degree in Physics or computer science...

MyUserName_4

nocareer wrote: »

Realistically, I think a Degree in Physics is beyond you, your grades reflect this.

I disagree with this. Would you have said the same thing to Albert Einstein?

Most people can do anything they want to if they are prepared to work hard and have the time and dedication to do it.

OP, If you are thinking of future career prospects, computer science may be a better choice, because openings in the field of physics tend to be limited and the vast majority are underpaid.

I do think nocareer's advice on vocational courses is sound. Degrees aren't essential and people can do just as well (get far) without them. You may want to assess whether or not your current commitments (child, earnings etc.) will allow you to take time out to study for a degree?

I have another suggestion, considering you appear to enjoy maths, have you considered training to become an accountant? I think it's possible to work your way up from a junior role within a company.

The quote below is from the bbc:
www(dot)bbc(dot)co(dot)uk/schools/studentlife/careersandchoices/dreamjobs/citycareers/accountant(dot)shtml

(Cannot post links, replace (dot) with . )

<H3>Qualifications for an accountant:

Degree, preferably in maths, accountancy, business studies, economics or finance. However, it is possible to become an accountant with lower school qualifications. Without A Levels it is possible to acquire the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification, which is fully recognised in the trade. Office juniors can work up to accountant level, but you have to have GCSEs and preferably A Levels to begin with. Then, if you find yourself in a company that is willing to train you, you can acquire the necessary AAT, CAT or CIMA.

</H3>Hope this helps. Good luck!

Oldernotwiser

MyUserName wrote: »

Most people can do anything they want to if they are prepared to work hard and have the time and dedication to do it.
!

I disagree. Some people are capable of degree level study - some are not. It isn't as simple as just working hard and being determined.

Whether the OP is capable of it I don't know but he'll only find out by starting at a lower level and seeing how he gets on.

Access courses are excellent (although unnecessary for OU study) but they'll normally require students to do a pre Access or a couple of GCSEs to bring students up to the level where they can cope with this intensity of study.

KiKi

Hi OP

As flossy has said, I think you need to look at what *job* you want to do first, then research what you need in order to get that job. Otherwise you may end up doing a degree which doesn't make you more employable. My niece spent ages doing a course in childcare, but it wasn't a course that nurseries or pre-schools recognised, so she wasted money and a year of her life doing something she now won't benefit from. She didn't bother researching it first, but jumped headlong into a course!

Have a think about what you want to do then work backwards to what qualifications you need for the job. If you don't know what you want to do, no-one can advise you on what the qualifications will do for you.

HTH
KiKi

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK

My son has just completed an honours degree in multi media and website development.

He left school with results of one C three E and one F. He has bee 'fiddling with computers since he was 11 - he is 26 now.

Go for it, he said do computer science.

he does have a photographic memory though, but like yourself messed about at school.

hellokitty08

How about considering an Apprenticeship? Right now we can fund people of your age and I am currently advertising three IT Technician Apprenticeship vacancies. It might be worth you going to www.apprenticeships.org.uk and registering with their vacancy service. Many employers taking people on in these roles will be happy to fund futher training up to degree level.

I dont know what the likelyhood is of their being any opportunities available in your area, but worth a try?

ste_coxy

0800 100 900 <---- Careers Advice Service - part of the Next Step organisation. They are a great at giving information and advice on careers and courses.