Picking a degree - tips on how to choose what degree to do

With so many university courses to choose from, it can often feel incredibly overwhelming when it comes to picking one that is right for you.

With many of us spending a significant amount of our lives at work, it’s important that you embark on a career that not only allows you to reach your full potential but also allows you to achieve your goals for the future.

With this in mind, when it comes to choosing a degree, it’s essential that you take the time to do your research, find out whether the course is right for you, and narrow down your options.

After all, the course you choose will shape your future, open the door to new and exciting opportunities, and allow you to build a career that you love.

Here are our top tips on how to choose what degree to do.

Do you have a particular career in mind?

A good starting point when choosing a degree course is to consider what career you want to pursue. Of course, you might not know specifically what job you want to do, but having some idea of the type of industry or role you’d like to work in can help you narrow down your degree choice.

Browse career profiles

When thinking about your future career ambitions, it’s always a good idea to look at profiles to make sure that your chosen career path suits you. There are a number of free career match tools online that you can use for inspiration.

Ask yourself….

If you’re still struggling to find the perfect course, there are several questions that you should ask yourself, including:

• What subjects do you enjoy studying?
• What careers excite you?
• What are you interested in?
• What do you see yourself doing after university - would your course allow you to achieve this?
• Are there any subjects that you’re good at?

What grades do you need to get into university?

Before applying for university, it’s crucial that you check the entry requirements for the degree courses you are looking at. Many universities set grade requirements for specific subjects and understanding the entry requirements will allow you to set your own study goals and find out whether the course you’re looking at is suitable.

Compare university courses

Although you will get the same degree at the end of your studies, no two universities or courses are the same.

• Check the reputation and ranking for the course at the university you are considering studying at
• Check the course structure, modules and timetable to determine whether it meets your study preferences
• Does the course offer any additional opportunities?
• What are the employability prospects?
• Will the course get you where you want to be?
• Do you want to live there?

And remember, when thinking about studying at University, it’s always worthwhile visiting as many open days as possible. This will provide you with the perfect opportunity to ask any questions, speak to current students, career advisors and lecturers, and also see if you could imagine yourself living and studying there.

If you’re considering a career in counselling or hypnotherapy, explore our range of degree courses and or get in touch to discuss our different course options.