There are more than 150 institutions of Higher Education available to you as a student. There are also more than 100,000 courses that you could potentially embark on across a wide range of subjects. It is for this reason that you need to put a great deal of thought into the process so you make the right decision.
If you’re struggling, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you decide which course is right for you as well as where you might like to study.
What Are Your Priorities?
Not every University offers the exact same course. The University you had in mind might not even offer your intended course at all, or even one similar.
It is for this reason that you need to decide on what your priorities are. Do you have a specific career path in mind? Do you know whether this career requires a very specific qualification?
You will quickly find that within some fields, you will often require a degree that has been accredited by a specific institute or body. If you’re intending on a career as a Property Surveyor, the governing body which regulates this field – the RICS, requires that any degree you hold has been accredited by them for quality and content.
If this sounds like you then your choice will likely have already been made.
University Rankings
It is widely acknowledged that some Universities are better than others. There are ranking tables available which will tell you exactly where your University stands in the grand scheme of things. The benefit to attending Oxford or Cambridge is not usually a higher standard of education, but instead the doors that will open to you as one of their alumni.
If you want to enter a prestigious field such as Law, we would suggest you attend the most highly thought of University you can as this will help you stand out against the other candidates when going for a training contract or becoming a Barrister.
Your Chosen Course
If your intended career isn’t as particular in which undergraduate degree you obtain, you are free to choose from any of the ones available. At the very least, pick a subject you’re interested in and will see through to the end. There is nothing worse than starting a course only to drop out before completing it. Some University courses are more flexible than others and will allow you to swap out modules as you desire. This flexible approach can be beneficial to some students.
Whatever you decide, you should make sure you put enough effort into the research and decision process to make it worthwhile. The number of graduates in the market is increasing year on year so you really should be making sure that you stand out. You can either make sure that you obtain the best possible grades or you can supplement your education with some voluntary activities that could boost your CV.
Either method will give you a unique selling point on the job market which will help you in obtaining your first skilled position post University.