I have spent a year doing foundation (level 3) in Maths and Physics now I'm really finding these subjects hard and I have no interest in them, from September I'm meant to be studying Motorsport Technology at Derby, which a lot of the modules are physics based, while I know I'm not going to have any problem with the practical I don't think I'll be able to do the theoretical modules (which make up most of the course).

At school I was more an Arts pupil. I did well in languages, music and drama. But I didn't stay at school after GCSEs so don't have a lot to prove I am good at these subjects apart from music for which I have a Diploma, trouble is I don't want to study music as a single honours at anywhere but a conservatoire, nor do I want another year out to apply (as I'm obviously not guaranteed a play at a conservatoire), I'd be applying through extra and possibly clearing.

I can choose to stay at Derby and do a combined honours but again I don't think I want to do that, as they don't offer the subjects that I am interested in.

Would I ever be accepted to do an Arts based subject (Classics or Music and Drama Combined are my ideal choices) with my only qualifications above GCSE being Science based ones?

How about doing something with the Open University this coming year? This is generally less expensive than you'd pay for fees at a conventional uni, doesn't have entry qualifications (although some courses do have recommendations for previous study or experience) and could be used as evidence of appropraite study if you wished to apply for a full-time degree for the following year. A lot of places (but not all) have more flexibility in terms of entry requirements if you are old enough to count as a mature student.

Some universities will accept credit from OU courses towards their own degree - but this does vary between institutions and some places will accept the credits but count them at the pass mark only.

As you're interested in both music and classics then the Level 1 arts course (AA100) might suit you as this covers bits of all the different arts sujects and (like all the OU level 1 courses) has good study skills support. You might also be interested in the Level 2 music course (I think it might A214).

Nicia, why not ask at one or two universities? It's certainly unconventional to be admitted for an Arts degree with Science A-levels, but you never know, because some universities are very flexible. I'd start with Derby, since they've already offered you a place. You have nothing to lose by asking, and at least if several unis all say no way, you'll know where you stand.

I would also see if its possible for you to attend a few of the lectures at Derby in Motorsport Technology. Although you might not have a clue what is going on at times, it'd give you a chance to find out whether the material is as uninteresting to you as you currently fear. You could also chat with some of the current students and see what they have to say. Alternative get hold of a list of modules or a timetable and check what you'd actually be doing. I remember getting my first year timetable and being horrified to find I'd have to spend 3 hours a week doing computer programming for the first semester...

I've found studying chemical engineering to be quite varied (something of a cross between natural sciences and mechanical engineering). The variety keeps me interested, even though I'm not especially fond of mech eng stuff like fluid mechanics or pure maths. Engineering involves a certain degree of creativity that you might not have encountered while doing your foundation year, so its worth being certain that you're making the right decision one way or another.

I also agree with the advice to talk to some admissions tutors, and look into alternative degree options. How about something like music technology, combining science with music for example?

Thanks all so far

Flossie - the OU actually sounds rather interesting, I've looked into studying with them before but found the website confusing, I think having to pay course fees upfront could be difficult for me though.

Berkshire mum - thanks yes I do need to do that

Tamsin - I know I'd love the practical part of Motorsport Tech (also know I'd find it not too difficult), it's more the other parts that I think I would not beable to actually do, applied to motorsport I'll probably find topics interesting but if I find them too difficult (it will step up a level no doubt) and don't get desired marks it's not going to get me far. I've got a list of modules and a time table Also spoke with the lecturers who are really nice, not really spoken to any students as of yet, apart from one who was disappointed that practical was very little.

I don't find the "obvious" type of degree options interesting the slightest, I don't want to do any other type of engineering than motorsport (not even general automotive), physics is a big no, no - thats where my problems are, maths I'm not very good at pure maths, Music Tech is not my thing at all, I like performing infact for me to do a music degree it would have to be very performance based.

I've got nothing helpful to add sorry but just wanted to say Good Luck with your choices. This sort of decision is not easy at all but hopefully you'll find something just right for you.

Do you know what you'd like to do ultimately? Where you'd like to be in five years? Teaching? Banking? or whatever - there might be other routes to where you're going.
If you know, that it.
At least 80% of getting your own way is knowing what you wanted in the first place.

Hello from an OU Engineering student.

The web-site can be a bit confusing at times, but you can spread the cost of doing courses with a OU Budget Account.

With the OU you will not find a course related to Motorsports - we do a general engineering degree although mine is to with digital communications, but anybody can do any course so if you want to do an art or music one you can.

Good Luck in what ever you deside.

How applied are the physics and maths courses you need to take for the motorsports course?

I'm wondering if (based on your dislike of pure maths) you are a bit like me - can do the physics/maths once you can see the application but when presented as a dry contextless subject maintaining concentration/interest is hard.

I've been a bit reluctant to respond as I don't want to appear to be wanting to burst your bubble, but I think you might find life really tough taking an engineering degree (any engineering degree) without a reasonable grasp of applied maths and physics. I note one of the students was disappointed with the amount of practical content and indeed if you are studying engineering to degree level there is a huge amount of theoretical material. However, read on.

I studied Civil Engineering having found physics and applied maths OK to A level but struggling hugely with pure maths (the more esoteric end of calculus always remained a closed off area). I almost packed it in having badly failed my mock A level pure maths paper.

Much of the theoretical side of engineering is heavily linked with physics and applied maths and I note on the course in question are modules on Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics (closely linked to mass and momentum calcs, hence applied maths), Stress and Finite-Element Analysis and Advanced Analytical Methods (some horrid pure maths there). I did OK on the former (I loved fluid mechanics) but was always going to be poor on the latter, so I didn't choose structural engineering as my speciality. I still found having graduated that I had to grapple with "Laplace Transforms" (those words still strike terror in my heart). But you usually can pick options to suit your interests and talents.

If you can pass physics and maths to a good enough standard to be accepted onto the course I think you should make it through, even if you struggle a bit (I had to resit a pure maths paper one year). But, if you don't have a "feel" for physics and applied maths then maybe studying engineering to degree standard is not really for you. Although if you have a fascination with something like aerodynamics, you might find the physics and maths supporting that become more interesting and hence more approachable.

Whatever you do, don't lightly dismiss the possibility of taking the course. I know from your posts that you are keen on cars and motorsport and I'm sure it's a fascinating area to study and work in (I have often thought I should have gone into automotive engineering). Some really hard work now in what might seem really dry academic topics could lay a foundation to actually ENJOY some of those frightening sounding subjects.

Thanks all

I'm not actually sure what I want to do, I was hoping university may help me to decide to be honest. Currently I'm considering being a clarinet teacher full time or working with historic motor sport championships, setting up the cars etc.

My other interests are writing, at the moment I am currently writing a book and art / crafts, painting, customising clothes, card making, photography etc.!

PushPull - thankyou for an excellent response. Really is something to think about seriously