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Saturday 30 November 2013

Deciding What to Study at University

There are so many subjects to choose from when considering what to study at university that you can easily become overwhelmed. When you're at school, there are far fewer options in relation to the subjects you are able to study, which makes life much easier. However, the whole purpose of a degree is to learn about a subject in greater depth and so you have to specialise. You need to determine which subjects actually interest you and what you are good at, so that you have a better chance of making the right choice for you. If you decide to take a subject without first doing some research into what you will actually be studying, you may end up disappointed.

If you get stuck taking a course that doesn't challenge you or which you find to be extremely boring, this will be reflected in your grades. You may end up skipping lectures and failing to hand in essays on time, before eventually quitting. It is your money that you are wasting at the end of the day. Going to university gives you an opportunity to increase your understanding of the world and to open up many more opportunities to you when it comes to choosing a career. Employers want to know that they are hiring someone who is intelligent and can work hard, which getting a good degree seems to suggest.

To choose the right course for you, it helps to start looking at universities and university courses early on, so that you are not rushed into making a decision that turns out to be the wrong one. You will find that different universities offer different subjects and even the same subject can have a different focus. If you want to study History, for instance, you may discover that at one university the emphasis is on ancient history, whilst at another university the course is geared more towards modern history. You therefore need to look through a variety of prospectuses and perhaps even visit a few universities so that you can ask any questions you may have.

Obviously, before visiting universities it is helpful to narrow down the subjects you think you would like to study. Even if there is no single subject that stands out as being your favourite, there are bound to be some subjects you find to be more enjoyable than others. It is also worth considering your abilities. If you excel in essay-based subjects, but struggle when it comes to mathematical calculations, you may be better of going for an arts or humanities degree, rather than a science or mathematics course. If you're good at everything, then it is really up to you.

If you're struggling to reach a decision, it might be worth considering your employment opportunities after finishing your degree. Some courses will almost guarantee you a job after graduation, particularly those which provide you with specialist skills that are in high demand. If you have a degree that has provided you with skills that relatively few other people possess, you will clearly be in a better position to enter your chosen profession. Thus, engineering and technology courses are usually a safe bet.

However, even if there is a great deal of competition for careers that relate to your ideal university course, you shouldn't let this put you off if you really want to study a particular subject. Even if studying Drama will not guarantee that you end up as a famous actor, you will still come away with invaluable experiences that will help you in the workplace. At least if you enjoy your subject, you will have a better chance of achieving high grades, which is something that employers bear in mind when looking to employ someone.

Ultimately, any kind of university degree is better than none at all, but seeing as though you will spend three or four years of your life studying, it makes sense to take some time to ascertain which course is right for you. You may choose a degree that leads directly to a particular career, or you may not be ready to decide which career you intend to pursue, but either way you will learn about a subject in greater depth and acquire a range of skills that will help you in the workplace.

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