How to Pick the Right Course

Choosing a course to study at university can be one of the most important decisions of your academic career. With a wide range of courses available, you might find it difficult to decide between two – or more – options.

To help you pick the right course for you, we’ve put together some helpful tips to guide you on your decision to taking the next step on the road to future successes.

What interests you?

Take some time to think about the subjects that really interest you. Are you a bit of a computer geek and love all things software? Then thinking about a BSc Hons Computing Systems could be perfect for you.

Perhaps you have a creative mind and love the idea of promoting products or services? If so, then you should consider a course in Marketing. Write a list of your favourite subjects and areas and think about what career options these could lead to.

Create a check list

Make sure you are clear on what you’re looking for. Make a check list to use against any courses that you’re considering:

• What are you hoping to gain from studying a course?
• In what way would you like to study and be assessed?
• Do the modules excite you?
• What are the careers it might lead to?

Asking yourself questions like this will hopefully narrow down your search.

Contact the university

Getting in touch with the university is an essential way to get information on courses as well as on the campus itself. Request a call back or prospectus for extra insights. Even better, you could attend a university open day to see where you could be studying, what facilities are available, as well as talk to current lecturers and students. All of these actions will help you to make a well-informed choice.

Research courses

After narrowing down your choice of subject area, you’ll want to know what each course covers. What will you learn, are there more exams, or is it more coursework based? It could also include practicals. These are all things you should explore when considering a course, so that your expectations match up with what is on offer.

Look at each course’s description to get an idea of what is involved. Does it meet your criteria? If not, why not? Are there other courses likely to fulfil your needs better?

Talk to friends and family

Ultimately, you’ll know (even roughly) what direction you want to head towards, but it can always help just talking to friends and family. Talking often helps you process decisions with new insight and clarity. Speak to friends who are also looking into university courses, they might have helpful suggestions or advice that helps you. Parents, grandparents, and older siblings know you well and are likely to have some great suggestions on how best to go about making big decisions.

By following these simple tips, your decision will be much easier and will help get you well on the road to your future successes. For more information on our courses or how to apply please do get in touch.