If you are thinking of going to university, you might be wondering what degree to
do and where to do it. University is an exciting time but making these decisions can seem challenging. If you're struggling to decide, it might be a good idea to check out your local UCAS events to help you research your options.
So what should you think about when you’re weighing up your options for higher education?
Deciding what degree to do
Deciding what subject to do a degree in can be daunting – especially while you’re still busy studying for your A Levels. But there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you decide.
- What kind of career are you interested in?
- What subjects are you currently studying and which ones do you enjoy?
- What are your strengths?
When you have an idea of what you want to study, attending a UCAS event may help you decide which university or institution to go to and what study path best suits your career aspirations.
What are the entry requirements for the degree you’re interested in and what does the course cover?
Not all universities have the same entry requirements for the same course, so you may need to consider your grades, whether you fit the criteria, and any additional steps you may need to take.
Course structure is another thing to consider. Knowing how long the course is, what the modules are, and how it’s going to be taught and assessed will allow you to be better prepared before you start your degree.
It’s also worth thinking about gaining practical experience during your studies. If you’re thinking of doing a banking and finance degree, for example, you may want to find a course that offers an industrial placement year, so you can get some experience in the sector before you graduate and be ‘one step ahead’ when you start your career.
You could also consider doing a ‘taster’ session during the summer holidays – check out our Summer Taster programme if you’re interested in a career in banking and finance.
What kind of support is available to students?
For many people, going to university is their first time living away from home and it can be a difficult adjustment. Knowing what support is available can help you feel prepared in case you do experience any difficulties. Many universities provide a counselling service or some form of pastoral care – find out if the ones you’re interested in offer something like this.
If it’s your first time living away from home, it may also be your first time managing your finances. If you’re worried that your student loan won’t cover your living costs, find out what additional financial support might be available. You may be eligible for a bursary or a scholarship, so find out what’s on offer and how to apply.
What’s life after graduation like?
Another important question you should ask is about your career prospects after graduation. This will help you understand the different career paths available to you after completing your degree.
It’s also important to find out how you’ll be supported as a graduate. For example, our Careers and Employability team are accessible to all our graduates for three years after they finish their degree. They also provide one-to-one career coaching.
Max Selby-Bird, one of our BSc (Hons) Banking & Finance graduates, said the Careers and Employability team at LIBF provided “crucial support when it came to writing and updating my CV and making sure it was tailored to the roles I was applying for.”
Do your research
There’s lots to think about when consider studying for a degree – the more research you’ve done, the better prepared you’ll be!
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