Going to
university? Choosing the right course is a big decision and it is
important to get it right, as it can impact your future success, and for
those doing a course they are not happy with, nothing is set in stone!
Read on!
Steps
-
1
What interests you? List the fields of study that
interest you, and come up with a list of courses you would consider
studying based on these interests. Add the topics that you were most
interested in during school as well as jobs that you envied others for.
-
2
Research. The internet, newspapers, television and
people around you are the best sources of information. Check online
about the courses you are interested in and find out about the career
prospects and the other info. Speak to people who are in your interested
profession and find out what it is to choose your future career. People
who have completed university courses can give you an insight from a
student’s perspective - they can tell you the pros and cons.
-
3
Course content. To avoid making mistakes, make sure
you review the course outline of the course(s) you want to apply for.
Have a look at the subjects you must undertake and the types of
learning, assignments and examination tasks involved. This will enable
you to form a rough idea of what lies ahead for you.
-
4
University quality. If you are set on going to a
particular university, don’t let this completely dictate your course
selection. Compare course outlines and studying facilities between
universities to make sure you make the right choice for your educational
needs and preferences. If possible, visit the university and attend
some of the lectures to get a feeling of what some of the subjects will
be like.
-
5
Course duration. To be certain that you will be
committed to your studies, find out the duration of your course. Taking
double-degrees, full time or part-time depends on your personal choice.
Ensure that you will be able to balance your other priorities along with
education. Study flexibility varies amongst universities.
-
6
Entry requirements. It is more difficult to get
accepted in to competitive courses, especially those which are in high
demand. This is a good measure of whether you are actually capable of
doing well in the course or not. Unfortunately, some courses are too
hard to get in to, or just too hard to actually succeed in completing,
so be honest with your course selection. You should research other
universities or similar courses if you are not confident in being
accepted into your first preference course.
-
7
Cost of study. Affordability is another aspect you
need to consider while deciding on your course, as well as the
additional costs that occur, such as text books, field trips etc.
However, do not let cost hamper your career choice, as there are a
number of financial assistance options available to complete the course.
-
8
Career opportunities. Look at the career prospects of
the course before selecting one. Consider various factors such as
income, job security, stress, responsibility and other benefits while
researching a profession. It is also useful to find out if a future
employer will invest in your education.
Tips
- While taking student loans, look at your income stream and plan how
much finance you need to complete your course. Base your repayment
options on what you can afford, so that you do not spend too much time
worrying about money whilst trying to complete your course - studying is
stressful enough as it is!
- If your preferred course is not available in your preferred
university, look for alternatives. Never give up your dream career just
because you cannot find a suitable university.
- Know your interests! If you don't like maths, don't take any courses related to maths.
Warnings
- Never choose a course because everyone is going for it or because your friends and family are pressurizing you to take it.
1What interests you? List the fields of study that interest you, and come up with a list of courses you would consider studying based on these interests. Add the topics that you were most interested in during school as well as jobs that you envied others for.
2Research. The internet, newspapers, television and people around you are the best sources of information. Check online about the courses you are interested in and find out about the career prospects and the other info. Speak to people who are in your interested profession and find out what it is to choose your future career. People who have completed university courses can give you an insight from a student’s perspective - they can tell you the pros and cons.
3Course content. To avoid making mistakes, make sure you review the course outline of the course(s) you want to apply for. Have a look at the subjects you must undertake and the types of learning, assignments and examination tasks involved. This will enable you to form a rough idea of what lies ahead for you.
4University quality. If you are set on going to a particular university, don’t let this completely dictate your course selection. Compare course outlines and studying facilities between universities to make sure you make the right choice for your educational needs and preferences. If possible, visit the university and attend some of the lectures to get a feeling of what some of the subjects will be like.
5Course duration. To be certain that you will be committed to your studies, find out the duration of your course. Taking double-degrees, full time or part-time depends on your personal choice. Ensure that you will be able to balance your other priorities along with education. Study flexibility varies amongst universities.
6Entry requirements. It is more difficult to get accepted in to competitive courses, especially those which are in high demand. This is a good measure of whether you are actually capable of doing well in the course or not. Unfortunately, some courses are too hard to get in to, or just too hard to actually succeed in completing, so be honest with your course selection. You should research other universities or similar courses if you are not confident in being accepted into your first preference course.
7Cost of study. Affordability is another aspect you need to consider while deciding on your course, as well as the additional costs that occur, such as text books, field trips etc. However, do not let cost hamper your career choice, as there are a number of financial assistance options available to complete the course.
8Career opportunities. Look at the career prospects of the course before selecting one. Consider various factors such as income, job security, stress, responsibility and other benefits while researching a profession. It is also useful to find out if a future employer will invest in your education.
