Physics

University of Oxford.

I took Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Chemistry at A level. Also, I did Biology at AS level.

I have always had an interest in understanding how the world works at the most fundamental level. Physics is the closest you can come to predicting the future, which to me is incredible. 

An average day outside the lab includes 2-3 hours of lectures, followed by independent study for the rest of the day or small group teaching. Lab days are a full day of practical work in the lab. I typically spent my evenings doing extracurriculars such as karate, singing and running, though there is a huge range of these available.

The opportunity to really dig into the subject content and explore it in depth. This is through discussions with other students, working (and getting stuck) on problem sheets, and in small group teaching with academics.

Adapting to the university style of working, particularly in problem sheets. Set work at this level is typically hard to complete. Adjusting to the increased difficulty from school, and the increased workload required as a result, took some effort.

I have moved onto further study doing a PhD. In future, I would hope either to stay in academia or alternatively move into industry using the quantitative skills I have acquired from my degree.

Be aware of the mathematical nature of the degree – this aspect of the degree is not much like A-Level so it pays to push your Maths skills to the next level.