Study UK

“What do you want to get out of your degree”, is a question asked to students across the UK each year, the answer to which could map out their future in education, and their future careers. For some, who’ve had long cherished and unchanged career paths, this question will be relatively easy to answer, for others, finding a higher education course could be a minefield. With the latter in mind, just how do you go about choosing a course, and what should you look for?

The key to making this decision is research, and you should start with yourself. What subjects are you good at? Would you like to continue studying any of these, or learn something completely new? And finally, what about your interests and passions; will any of those figure in your future career plans?

The next step is to translate these ideas into a higher education course, and there is a lot to consider at this stage in the research. There are over 50,000 different courses available at universities in the UK, some will be academic, while others could be vocational. Vocational courses are more practical in nature, and teach work skills that could lead you straight into a career. Popular examples include nursing, veterinary, or dentistry courses, along with furniture design or business start-up courses.

UCAS is a good place to research, as the website will give you a ‘profile’ on a course. Look for the entry qualifications needed, study period, and more detailed information on the subject, course structure, and methods of study. Every course is different (even those with similar names), so it’s important to find out about the structure of the course. This could include work placements, lectures, workshops, study abroad, and different subject modules. Consider any particular areas of interest, or study methods that would suit.  For example, you might want to gain some work experience, or study abroad. All this will be detailed on the course profiles, along with the type of qualification you will gain, such as a degree, or Higher National Diploma (HND). If you need any further information, you can order a copy of the universities prospectus.

While looking at different university courses, it’s also important to look at your personal situation, and how this will affect your life as a student. Do you have, or hope to gain a full or part time job, would you prefer to study part time or at weekends, or study remote and make use of the distance learning opportunities available.

There is so much to consider when finding a higher education course, but it’s important to be well informed, and seek advice where needed. Whichever course you choose, you have to be prepared to commit to it for 2 or more years of study. It should be something you enjoy, but you should also think long term, and whether it will help with your career plans. Further information about the types of courses available, and the realities of life at university, can be found elsewhere on this website, and by following the links below.

Links For Further Information

• UCAS: www.ucas.com
• Graduate Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk
• Next Step: nextstep.direct.gov.uk
• City And Guilds: www.cityandguilds.com
• Open University: www.open.ac.uk
• BBC Learning Advice: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/helping_choose_a_course_and_university/