Maths and physics are two of the most challenging subjects available at A Level. They both require logical thinking, decision making and problem solving.
They also both open up several exciting and rewarding career paths.
Regardless leading educators all give the same advice when it comes to choosing A Levels, whether you’re 16 or 60. You should ask yourself three simple questions:
Will you enjoy the subject?
Do you need it for the next stage of your studies or chosen career?
If you don’t need it, will it be useful for the next stage of your studies or chosen career?
Do you think you will get a good grade?
If the answer is yes to all of the above, then you should give real consideration to studying that subject at A Level.
Assuming you’re torn between the two, the decision boils down to how you feel about each subject. And where those qualifications can lead you academically and professionally.
Why Study Maths A Level?
Maths is a highly desirable qualification for many employers. Not necessarily because you’ll be directly applying the knowledge, but because it takes a calm and methodical mind.
During your studies you will have to grasp some highly advanced principles, understand them and then apply them.
Between the knowledge you’ll gain and the skills you’ll learn, you’ll find a number of career opportunities can open up once you’ve completed your studies:
Medicine or Scientific Research
It’s little surprise that maths dovetails so nicely with the sciences. An advanced grasp of maths is all but essential in scientific and medical research.
Maths can help you be a better physicist or help you to develop a ground-breaking new medical treatment.
Maths will also help you to become a doctor if that’s a career path of interest.
Teaching
Most A Levels can lead to a career in teaching. If you have a passion for sharing knowledge with others, then it’s an excellent career choice.
A Math degree isn’t a prerequisite of becoming a teacher, but most schools will expect you to have a degree in math if you wish to teach it at a secondary level.
Construction/Architecture
Strong mathematical skills are essential when it comes to the planning and creation of any building, be that a home or a skyscraper.
Studying A-Level Maths can open the door to several jobs in this field.
Games Development
No, really.
Maths can help to get you a career in the multi-billion-pound gaming industry. An A Level in maths will help you to get a job creating and developing new games.
Maths will give you a solid foundation to develop programming and coding skills as well as accurately balance the mechanics of the game. Such as weapon damage and progression systems.
Why Study Physics A Level?
It’s easy to assume that physicists pre-occupy themselves with why the universe exists and how it all works. And many do.
Studying an A Level in physics can obviously lead you in the direction of become a physicist. There are two main areas of physics – theoretical and experimental.
Theoretical physics employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalise, explain and predict natural phenomena.
Whereas experimental physics, which uses experimental tools to probe these theories and phenomena to prove their validity. Or not.
However, that’s not to say that studying physics doesn’t bring with it some interesting career opportunities.
Physics is a very useful subject for most STEM careers. Physicists can be found in several industries including transport, government, universities, the armed forces, the secret service, games companies, research labs and more.
Physics is especially useful in research into new technologies including avionics, space flight, space exploration, robotics, renewable energy, computer science, communications, games technology, research and nanotechnology.
And again, if you enjoy imparting wisdom, then teaching is a great career choice. Especially as there is a shortage of both maths and physics teachers across the UK.
Studying an A Level in physics can lead to a career that is more varied and exciting than most.
Of course, there is nothing stopping you from just focusing solely on the science, but it’s good to know the multitude of ways that science can lead.
The Benefits of Studying both
If you’re still struggling to choose between the two, a case can be made for studying both A Levels.
Physics and maths are subjects that naturally complement each other. Especially as physics has a heavy mathematical element for fairly obvious reasons.
If you’re considering other career paths such as the ones listed above, having both qualifications would make a much stronger candidate when it comes to applying for those kinds of jobs.
It also gives you considerably more freedom if you’re planning to go to university.
Most universities require at least two A Levels including one related to the areas of study.
So, having both qualifications will give you greater choice in terms of the courses available to you. Plus, the solid foundation both A Levels will give you will certainly give you an advantage as you get to grips with degree level learning.
Coupled with the career opportunities, qualifications in these areas open up and it’s easy to see the benefits of taking both A Levels in Physics and Maths.
Whatever your ambitions, studying A Levels will help you get there. They are an internationally recognised qualification that will get you into universities both in the UK and abroad.
You also have the advantage that you can tailor your courses either to meet academic requirements or your personal areas of interest.
If you are planning on using your A Levels to go to university, check with the universities you’re applying to what the course requirements are. This is to avoid disappointment further down the road.
Whichever A Level courses you opt for, Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help you in your studies. All you need to do is get in touch with a member of the sales team or enrol online. There are flexible payment terms available to help you spread the cost.
You will also have access to a dedicated tutor who will help you through the process. Check out our blog for useful tips on how to get the most out of your study experience.
Click below to check out our A Level courses and enrol today.
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