How To Pick The Right Degree Course?

So many courses to choose from! So many universities and colleges to study at! How do you even begin to choose?

With so many universities at home and abroad offering a wide range of degrees in a multitude of subjects, it can be a tough decision to choose the right one for you. How do you pick the right degree?

Here are some helpful hints on how to find your perfect degree course.

Consider your A-Levels

When picking your A-level subjects, you will likely have already had an idea of what was next for you and have chosen your subjects accordingly. Of course, it is worth remembering that at university level, you can study a much broader range of topics than at A-level, and 

You will already be studying the subjects that you love, so that should give you some indication of the type of further education that will follow on and whether these subjects are the right ones for you. 

If you get six months into a history A-level and realise that you never want to open another history textbook again or hear about another battle or political upheaval, then perhaps history is no longer the subject you should look to study at university. 

Equally, you may have studied a module on architecture as part of your technology A-level and realised that you enjoyed it and can see yourself working in that field. 

Course requirements

What you currently study should tell you if your heart is really in the subject—a university degree will study the same topics but in much greater depth. Make sure that you are happy with your current studies and that you are likely to get the grades you need to continue in those subjects. 

If you are failing to achieve the grades you want in one or more of your A-levels then it is perhaps time to revisit your choices. What courses are available to you at the university level will depend on what grades you have achieved at A-level.

It is worth remembering that, although some university courses require specific A-levels to be taken and passed, others will convert your grades into UCAS points in order to assess you and your suitability for a course. So, if you aren’t making those grades, then deciding early to switch subjects or get extra tuition can be a real game changer when it comes to university and opening up the options you want. 

Speak to your teachers and advisors early to ensure that you have the time and ability to get the grades you need or the support required to get you the place you want on your chosen course. 

Think about your future career

You might know exactly what job you want after graduation, and it is likely to have a set of requirements from a degree course. It’s no good studying geography if you plan to be a lawyer, or biology if you plan to work in particle physics – you need to tailor your course to your intended career.

Look at job postings for your desired career and see what they are asking for in a candidate. They could be fairly relaxed or very specific.

Some careers want you to have studied at a degree level, but some will require a very specific degree in order to get a job or progress in your chosen field. Unfortunately, it is these professions where early choices will have a knock on effect on your future career. 

Tailor your course to your future job, follow job postings on Twitter, or talk to people already in the profession.

Location, Location

Where you choose to study will have a massive impact on your life for the next three or four years and perhaps longer. Many things should be taken into consideration when choosing where to study, and being away from the family home should be one of them. 

When choosing which university to attend, it is often easy to overlook the city or town where the university is based. However, this should be researched thoroughly as you will be spending a lot of time there. If you are the kind of person who will head home each weekend to see family and friends, then having good transport links will be essential. If you are looking to get the full student experience and want a place with a vibrant and active social life, then a certain amount of research will be essential. 

Choosing where to live whilst you study is also a major consideration when choosing a university. Will you live in halls, student accommodation, privately rent, or stay with family? Does the university town or city you will be moving to have plenty of accommodation options for students? What is the transport like to and from the university? 

What the university offers

Paying a great deal of money for a university course means that you can afford to be picky about exactly what you want. Check to see if the university is a specialist in a certain area. If it is, it’s likely to have improved facilities in that area, which will benefit you greatly.

A Marine Biology course is perhaps best undertaken near the coast for research purposes, Astronomy courses at establishments with links to telescopes, and sports degrees at universities with good athletics tracks and sports facilities.

Also, look for clubs and groups related to your chosen subject and interests. If you are an avid sailor, choosing a university in a town with no sailing club or access to waterways will be very restrictive and can affect your whole university experience. 

Attend an open day

A University Open Day is the best insight into what a particular university will be like. Not only can you see the course details in full, as well as the campus itself, but you will also be able to speak directly to the lecturers and department heads one-to-one, in addition to sitting in on invaluable lectures and talks related to your specific discipline.

Check out our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages too to discover more helpful hints on how to source the internship of your dreams.

Lets convince you with 4 Great Reasons To Take Up An Internship Whilst Studying.

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