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Choosing the right course in Higher Education can be a complex decision. There are a number of issues you need to consider in order to make the right choices.
So what are the issues?
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- Which subjects are you interested in and why?
- Do you want to study a single subject, or a combination of subjects?
- Do you want to study subjects you are familiar with or new subjects?
- Do you want to study a vocational subject (i.e. one related to work)?
- Do you have a specific career idea for the future and does this influence your choices?
- Do you want to apply for Degrees/HNDs/Dip HEs or a mixture of these on your UCAS form?
- Which HE institutions offer the courses you are interested in?
- Which A/AS/AVCE/BTEC grades are required for the courses you are interested in?
- Do you know what your estimated grades are? Do these fit in with the grades required for your courses?
- Are there any institutions with better 'reputations' than others for your chosen subjects? Is this important to you?
- Do you want to apply for sandwich courses?
- Are there sponsorships available in your chosen subject area? Are you interested in applying?
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- Do you want to take a year off?
- Have you checked out the content of the courses you are interested in? What options are there within the courses?
- What are the differences between the courses you are interested in?
- Are the courses practical/applied or mainly theoretical?
- What are the teaching methods/styles/balance of classwork to private study?
- How is the work examined - exams/continuous assessment?
- Whereabouts in the country do you want to be? How far do you want to travel?
- Do you want city/rural location, small/large institutions?
- What accommodation needs do you have? Is it important to you that you have a place in a hall of residence in the first year?
- What are the social facilities like?
- Are there any special facilities you need?
- What are the financial implications of your choices?
- Do you know what the possible career prospects are at the end of your chosen course?
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If you research these issues carefully and give thoughtful consideration to the answers, this should help you make the right decisions, and ensure that your time in Higher Education is both fruitful and enjoyable.
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