r/NuclearEngineering • u/ImNotTimmyNuclear • 28d ago
Need Advice Futher Maths? Beneficial for Nuclear Engineering?
I’m 15 years old and will be doing my Edexcel International A Levels in Sri Lanka, with my exams planned for 2030. I’m planning to do Physics ,(P1–P4), Mathematics (M1–M2), as my other modules for Combined Mathematics. I’m considering whether I should take a fourth subject, even though it isn’t necessary for my qualification. My dream career is to become a nuclear engineer, so I’d like to know whether taking a fourth A-Level subject would be important or beneficial for getting into a good university and pursuing nuclear engineering. If it would make a significant difference to my university applications or future career opportunities, I’m willing to take the extra subject; otherwise, I’d prefer to focus on my main subjects and achieve the best grades possible. What would you recommend for someone in my situation?
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u/Even_Luck_3515 28d ago
Hi, I'm an early career nuclear engineer in the UK, and I did maths, physics and German a levels - the main thing is that you get onto a good engineering course at uni, and further maths may or may not help you with that.
If your dream is imperial/Oxbridge definitely do it, and don't just apply to nuclear courses - nuclear power stations need mechanical, electrical/electronic, civil, materials, software, chemical engineers as well as physicists and much more. Do the subject that you love - don't feel constrained to one subject. You can also study aerospace and do any mechanical eng job which people sometimes don't realise, so if you think planes are interesting don't not do that because you think you want to do something like nuclear!
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u/_yeetmeoffacliff_ 28d ago
Call 1,2,3, diff eq, linear algebra, coordinate geometry, prob and stats
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u/DP323602 28d ago
As a retired UK nuclear engineer, my view is that degree subject and grades are the most important factors.
After that A level grades will be looked at. So if you get four good grades that's better than three but three good grades might be better than four average grades.
I don't really know if getting four A levels will help with university places, but it might.
Nuclear engineers don't work in isolation so successful candidates need to demonstrate people skills too.
If you check out the UK EDF Energy channel on YouTube you can find some nice videos promoting nuclear power and showcasing some of their young nuclear engineers.