Career Planning> Study> University

UNIVERSITY

Degree courses usually last 3-4 years and are a good preparation for a professional career. There is a very wide range of courses (eg sandwich courses, modular and combined). HNDs and Foundation courses are alternatives to degree courses. Many courses will be unfamiliar to you. You should start to investigate higher education courses in Year 12 if you would like to go to university.

CHOOSE A COURSE

You could study a course in a subject you already know, such as one of your A level courses, or choose a new subject which draws on previous knowledge (eg chemistry A level could lead to pharmacology, food science or a biochemistry degree). Some subjects can be studied from scratch (eg law, psychology or politics). Other things to consider are:

do you have a particular career in mind that would require a specific degree?
how is the course assessed?
will the subject hold your interest for 3 years?
what kind of job will the course lead to?

Why not try using "Higher Ideas", which will help you consider which are the best degree subjects for you. This computer program should be available at your school or college. It is also available at the Connexions centre.

You can also get information from directories (such as the UCAS Directory, Which Degree Guide and Degree Course Offers) prospectuses (available from each university and the school/college careers library) and from the internet (from sites such as www.ucas.com and www.careers-portal.co.uk ).

Seek advice if you plan to apply for a higher education course. The application process is fairly complicated and there are a number of other issues to consider, such as the costs involved and the career development benefits. You can find out more about financial support (primarily student loans) from www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport . You may wish to apply for sponsorships or scholarships. Your sixth form teachers/ college tutors will be able to advise you.

If you are in Year 11 you should consider which subjects to study next year and what implications this will have for your choice of degree course. If you are uncertain you can email a question to a careers adviser! If you are in Year 12/13 and are considering a year out, go to the FAQs.