Learning how to choose the right degree will ensure you make the most out of your time at university, increasing your chances of securing employment when you graduate.

When choosing a degree, there are lots of things to think about. It can be an incredibly tough decision to make. You are faced with the challenge of choosing a subject into which you’ll invest a huge amount of time and effort over the next three or four years.

Picking the wrong degree can hit you hard financially. It can also have a negative effect if you end up choosing to drop out of university or switch courses. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider all your options. Remember to use the support available to help you make the right choice for your future.

To support you in this life-changing decision, we have put together some handy advice on how to choose the right degree for you.

Choosing the Right Degree: Where to Begin?

With over 50,000 undergraduate courses available to study in the UK, narrowing down the options on your shortlist is usually the best place to start. In order to choose the right degree, you should know how to conduct effective research into different degrees, universities, and locations.

When faced with a huge variety of possibilities, knowing what key questions to ask yourself can help unlock the answers. This is especially true if you are struggling to make a final decision. To help you decide, we will cover the following three areas.

Choosing:

  • what subject to study
  • how to study
  • where to study

Choosing What Subject to Study

Easily the hardest choice to make is deciding which subject to commit yourself to. When starting to narrow down your options, there are 3 questions to ask yourself:

1. Which Subjects Do I Enjoy?

Picking a degree that you have a passion for is essential. You need to be prepared to devote a large amount of time and energy towards it for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, try to remember that your interests can change, so picking a subject that will hold your interests long-term is vital.

2. Which Skills am I Particularly Good At?

Opting for a degree in a subject you excel in is an excellent way to keep your confidence up. Besides, you should always remember to play to your strengths. If you have acquired good grades in maths, for example, an accountancy or engineering course may be a good option.

However, an even better way to consider things is this: what are the skills or abilities you possess within these subjects that help you to excel? For example, if you are good at art, is it because you are creative or because you are good at working with your hands? Each answer could take you down significantly different career paths. That is why it’s important to weigh things up thoroughly before choosing the right degree for you.

3. What Do I See Myself Doing as a Career?

Your degree will hopefully set you up for a long and successful career. Therefore, it is important to have a future goal in mind. Deciding what you see yourself doing as a job when you complete your studies will also help when shortlisting.

Some subjects will provide a clear route into work, such as accountancy or social care. On the other hand, others may require some additional studies before moving into employment. These could come in the form of a Postgraduate Degree or a Master’s Degree.

Choosing How to Study

There are a variety of degrees available to potential students. Deciding how you want to study them is an important part of shortlisting.

The majority of Bachelor’s degrees commonly last between three to four years. They are made up of a combination of lectures, exams, assignments and group projects. Some also provide the opportunity for a work placement where you can experience working in the industry to support your skills and knowledge. Others offer a year abroad which will allow you to experience life in another country while you study.

If you have other responsibilities in life, there are routes that will allow you to continue your studies, such as:

Part-time Learning

These are often delivered via evening and weekend classes and are taken over a longer period of time. They can be a good option for those who are unable to commit to full-time study.

Online/Blended Learning

Also known as distance learning, these courses are delivered remotely via virtual classrooms and online resources. They are a great choice for those with irregular availability or other commitments.

Degree Apprenticeships

These provide students with the chance to earn money while they learn. Students in degree apprenticeships receive on-the-job training and get to develop their skills in a work environment.

Choosing Where to Study

Once you have selected what subject to study and how you want to study it, it’s then time to choose a university. No two degrees are ever the same. Every course is run in a unique way, each one different from the next. As a result, investigating a variety of universities in different locations is vital when making that final decision.

When looking for options, consider the following categories:

  • Location
  • Reputation
  • Entry Requirements
  • Performance against other universities

For more detailed advice and guidance, check out our dedicated page on Selecting the Right University.

How to Choose the Right Degree: What NOT to Do

As with any important life decision, knowing what not to do can be just as valuable as knowing what to do.

Therefore, when choosing a degree, remember not to:

  • be pressured into any decisions – it’s your choice and your future
  • pick a subject that you don’t enjoy and that won’t hold your interests
  • copy your friends, particularly if they don’t share your career aspirations

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right degree for you can be daunting. However, remember that it’s normal for students to feel unsure at this time. Doing your research is key to making the right decision. Keep in mind the subject you want to study, how you want to study it, and where you’ll study. Moreover, don’t let anybody else pressure you into a decision you’re not confident about. And finally, make the most of the support and resources that are available to you.

At Developing a Student, we have a wealth of useful resources for students. Have a browse of our guides to find comprehensive information on going to university, life after graduation, finding a job, writing an application, and much more.