Advice on type of physics degree to do

[mucker]

hi all,
Fairly old student here looking to go back and follow my life long dream of geting into physics. My goal is to eventually move into the study of theoretical physics, cosmology, that type of the stuff. So the things I am really interested in are Theory of Relativity, string theory, quantum mechanics etc, and these are the fields I'd like to research and move into if I ever get that far ;-)

On that note, there are 3 degrees I am considering here, which of these would you say is the best to take based on my comments above? (scroll down on each page to where it says "Couse Details")


https://www.openuniversity.edu/courses/qualifications/r51#course-details
https://www.openuniversity.edu/courses/qualifications/q64-phy
https://www.openuniversity.edu/courses/qualifications/q64-ast

 

[berkeman]

On that note, there are 3 degrees I am considering here, which of these would you say is the best to take based on my comments above? (scroll down on each page to where it says "Couse Details")

I only looked through the first one so far. I may have missed it, but I don't see the other courses that you need for undergraduate physics studies -- where are the math courses, for example? It's pretty hard to study physics without learning a lot of math first/during...

 

[CrysPhys]

I only looked through the first one so far. I may have missed it, but I don't see the other courses that you need for undergraduate physics studies -- where are the math courses, for example? It's pretty hard to study physics without learning a lot of math first/during...

All three programs have the same embedded math courses:

Stage 1: Essential Math 1, Required; Essential Math 2, Elective

Stage 2: Math Methods, Required

Stage 3: Math Methods and Fluid Mechanics, Elective

 

[CrysPhys]

OP: You've given no details of your educational background.

ETA: Have you contacted staff at The Open University for guidance? Presumably, they would be the most familiar with the differences among the programs, and be in the best position to guide you to the best choice.

 

[berkeman]

All three programs have the same embedded math courses:

Oh shoot, you're right; I missed that. Thanks!

 

[mucker]

OP: You've given no details of your educational background.

I only have a high school background. I was in the top class/set for maths and science but pretty poor at English. I got good grades in everything but didn't get the "pass" mark for english. In the UK you need pass marks on them all to go to the next tier. At the time I didn't care and went down a different path. I did not do any calculus, which I believe will be the biggest issue for me studying Physics. However, the "Essential Maths" which part of the course teaches this.

ETA: Have you contacted staff at The Open University for guidance? Presumably, they would be the most familiar with the differences among the programs, and be in the best position to guide you to the best choice.

There is a section called "pre-reqs" which says something like "Am i ready for this course?" and throws some tests at you. I passed them all, so it would seem I should be ok with these degrees.

My question wasn't whether I could pass them anyway, but which would be best to do, to set me up going into the the areas of expertise I listed above.

thanks for all your help so far

 

[CrysPhys]

My question wasn't whether I could pass them anyway, but which would be best to do, to set me up going into the the areas of expertise I listed above.

<<Emphasis added>> Yes, for this purpose, I would recommend you discuss your goals with the staff at The Open University.