How to Become an Engineer: Start with the Right A-Levels
Becoming an engineer is an exciting journey that starts with choosing the right A-Level subjects. Depending on which university you’d like to attend, you’ll need to study A-Level Physics and Maths as a minimum. For the most competitive courses, taking Further Maths is expected so check with the Universities.
Aged 16: Laying the Foundations
If you’ve started your journey by selecting Maths (and perhaps Further Maths) along with Physics at A-Level, you’re off to a great start. But what’s next?
Aged 17: Lower Sixth (Year 12)
In Year 12, it’s crucial to hit the ground running. Bridging the gap from GCSEs to A-Levels is no small task, and aiming to do so before the Christmas holidays will set you up for success. Completing just an hour or two of homework each week won’t be enough to secure top grades—you need to consistently consolidate your learning.
Your teachers will assess both your aptitude and attitude, and these insights will influence your predicted A-Level grades. These predictions are vital when applying to university, as many engineering courses have specific grade requirements. For example, if a course requires AAB and your predicted grades are lower then it is unlikely that you will receive an offer for that university course.
Now is the perfect time to research university engineering courses. Search for their 'entry requirements' to understand the A-Level grades needed. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to call the university admissions team—they’ll be more than happy to help.
Entry Requirements for Engineering
Imperial expects A* A* A
Bristol A* A A
Cardiff AAB - BBB
UCL Foundation 100 Tariiff Points = BCC
Aged 18: Upper Sixth (Year 13)
By now, you will have applied for up to five university engineering courses and might have received offers with specific grade requirements. This is a good time to reflect on your progress. Are you on track to meet these offers, or do you need to step up your efforts?
When the time comes, you’ll need to narrow your choices down to two universities: your firm choice and an insurance choice. The insurance offer should ideally have lower grade requirements, giving you a safety net if your exams don’t go as planned.
A-Level Results Day
Results day should be a time of celebration! If you’ve met the grades for your firm or insurance offer, it’s time to pack your bags and get ready for university. But if your results aren’t what you’d hoped for, take a moment to breathe—there are still options.
UCAS Clearing is an exciting opportunity to find places on courses you may not have considered before. Many universities also offer foundation engineering courses, which provide an additional year to build your knowledge before moving into the standard degree programme. This can be a fantastic way to get back on track.
Final Thoughts
No matter what happens on results day, stay positive. The path to becoming an engineer is filled with opportunities. Good luck with your studies and your exciting journey ahead!
