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With universities now offering hundreds of different subjects, choosing a degree course can be a difficult decision and there is much to weigh up. Should you go for a course in a subject you feel a passion for or one that might offer better employment prospects?  If you’re making decisions based on the job market, you may have to predict what this will be like in three or four years’ time, which is not always easy, especially for industry sectors that are particularly vulnerable to changes in the global economy.

If you know what you want to do for a living, it’s a good idea to work backwards and consider what subjects are useful for your chosen career.  For instance, a student interested in media work may choose English, or mix this with languages, politics or history.  Most universities offer joint degrees, allowing you to take a combination of two subjects so you can keep your options more open.  Examples of these could be Economics and Mathematics, History and Business Studies, but some combinations will not be available at all universities you are thinking of applying to, so it’s important to do research beforehand.

Before making your decision on your degree course the following might be worth considering:

What will you learn?

Module options and content can vary significantly even for courses with the same title at different universities, so reading all the details about the course in the university prospectus is a must. 

How will you learn?

Some courses will consist of more practical work, essay assignments and group tasks than examinations.  If you are someone who achieves better marks in essays and exams, you may choose a course that is more exam-based.  If you take this into account, you can play to your strengths and ensure you’ve chosen the course that is best for you.

Does it include a work experience placement?

Some courses include a period of work experience – this is normally for a year between the second and third year of your degree, though can vary slightly depending on the subject and the university you are attending.

A work experience placement will be very useful if you only have limited experience of the field you want to go in to, or no experience at all, as it will provide you with invaluable skills employers will look for when you start applying for jobs.

Working for a year can also give you an insight into what the real world will be like when you’ve graduated. It can also help you develop important skills such as communication, team work and problem solving, as well as being an opportunity to meet new people and make some friends.

You may also want to consider how many modules you can choose from and whether or not you can change the course once you have started.

It is also worth noting that to enter some professions it is no longer enough nor necessary to have a degree in a related subject, such as law, business, media and IT. Many employers now require graduates to get further on-the-job qualifications that provide appropriate training and professional development, regardless of what subject their degree was in.

If you already have a career path in mind, such as IT, journalism or medicine, then this should make your decision much easier. However, if you’re still undecided, it is probably worth taking a subject that you enjoy doing and/or are quite good at.  A degree needs independent thinking and self-motivation and you are far more likely to succeed at a subject you enjoy.