Which Subject Should You Study at University? A Guide to Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right subject to study at university is a major decision that can shape your future career, personal growth, and overall satisfaction. With countless options available, it’s essential to find a course that aligns with your interests, skills, and long-term aspirations. If you’re struggling to decide, this guide will help you navigate the selection process effectively.

1. Identify Your Interests and Strengths

Begin by assessing what subjects excite you the most. Do you enjoy problem-solving in mathematics, exploring creativity in the arts, or understanding human behaviour in psychology? Consider:

• Subjects you excelled in at school

• Topics you enjoy learning about in your free time

• Activities that make you feel engaged and motivated

2. Research Career Opportunities

Certain degrees open doors to specific career paths. While some fields, like medicine or engineering, require specific qualifications, others, such as business or communications, offer broader career flexibility. Ask yourself:

• What kind of job would I like to have in the future?

• What industries are growing and offer good career prospects?

• Does my chosen degree align with my long-term goals?

3. Consider the Course Structure and Content

Not all degrees are structured the same way. Even if two universities offer the same subject, their approach and course content can vary significantly. Research:

• Core modules and optional specialisations

• Assessment methods (exams, coursework, practical experience)

• Opportunities for internships, research, or study abroad programmes

4. Think About University Reputation and Location

The choice of university can be just as important as the subject itself. Some universities have strong reputations for specific disciplines, and location plays a role in student life and networking opportunities. Consider:

• Universities known for excellence in your chosen field

• The cost of living in different locations

• Campus facilities, student support, and extracurricular opportunities

5. Seek Guidance and Advice

Talking to teachers, career counsellors, university advisors, and professionals in your desired field can provide valuable insights. You can also:

• Attend university open days and subject taster sessions

• Read student reviews and course rankings

• Speak to current students or alumni about their experiences

Career Paths and Recommended Degrees

Choosing the right degree is crucial for your future career. Here’s a guide to various professions and the relevant degrees that can help you get there.

Career Fields and Relevant Degrees

• Accounting – Degrees in accounting, mathematics, or economics.

• Acting – Study drama, dance, or performing arts.

• Advertising – Ideal degrees include advertising, business, management, communications, English, marketing, media studies, graphic design, illustration, or fine art.

• Air Cabin Crew – Hospitality management, languages, tourism, or travel-related studies.

• Archaeologist – Courses in archaeology, ancient history, geography, history, sociology, or Classics.

• Barrister – A law degree is essential.

• Broadcast Journalist – Journalism, business, finance, economics, or politics are relevant.

• Building Surveyor – Economics, geography, languages, mathematics, science, social sciences, or urban and land studies.

• Charity Worker – Degrees in business, management, finance, accounting, languages, computer science, or engineering.

• Dancer – Specialise in dance or theatre studies.

• Dentist – Dentistry is the required field of study.

• Dietician – Study life sciences, human physiology, or biochemistry.

• Digital Marketing – Degrees in advertising, media studies, communications, business, journalism, or marketing.

• Doctor – Requires a degree in medicine.

• Ecologist – Life sciences, biology, botany, environmental management, geography, marine biology, or zoology.

• Economist – Economics or mathematics.

• Engineer – Various branches of engineering, mathematics, or physics.

• Environmental Worker – Chemistry, ecology, geology, environmental engineering, or geography.

• Estate Agent – Business, estate management, property development, surveying, or urban and land studies.

• Events Manager – Business, event management, tourism, or marketing.

• Facilities Manager – Building management, business studies, construction, hospitality, management, or surveying.

• Farm Manager – Agriculture, horticulture, or land/estate management.

• Fashion Designer – Fashion, textiles, graphic design, fashion marketing, or art and design.

• Forensic Scientist – Biological sciences, chemistry, or forensic science.

• Game Developer – Animation, computer science, graphic design, mathematics, physics, or software engineering.

• General Practitioner (GP) – Medicine is required.

• Graphic Designer – Film/television, fine art, graphic design, illustration, or photography.

• Health & Safety Officer – Engineering, environmental health, or applied sciences.

• Heritage Sector – Archaeology, education, geography, museum studies, history, or marketing.

• Hotel Management – Business with languages, management, hotel and hospitality, travel, tourism, or leisure studies.

• Human Resources – Business, management, HR, psychology, or sociology.

• Illustrator – Graphic design, illustration, fine art, or fashion.

• Insurance Professional – Business, management, economics, marketing, or mathematics.

• Interpreter – Linguistics, modern languages, or translation and interpreting.

• IT Specialist – Business studies, computer science, mathematics, physics, or engineering.

• Journalist (Print & Digital) – Journalism or English.

• Make-up Artist – Fashion, theatrical and media hair and make-up.

• Marketing Professional – Advertising, business, management, media, communications, IT, computer science, marketing, or psychology.

• Museum Curator – History, art history, languages, or English literature.

• Nurse/Midwife – Nursing or midwifery.

• Nutritionist – Dietetics, food, nutrition, and health sciences.

• Office Manager – Business administration, business management, IT, or human resource management.

• Optician – Optometry.

• Paramedic – Paramedic science.

• Pharmacist – Pharmacy, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, biomedical science, or pharmacology.

• Photographer – Art and design, fine art, graphics, media studies, or photography.

• Teacher – Education, physical sciences, life sciences, humanities, or social sciences.

• Production Manager – Biochemistry, business, management, chemistry, engineering, food science, or physics.

• Public Relations Specialist – English, creative writing, business, management, marketing, social sciences, or politics.

• Publishing Professional – Publishing, media and communications, or English.

• Quantity Surveyor – Construction, engineering, economics, geography, or mathematics.

• Retail Manager – Business studies.

• Sales Executive – Business, management, marketing, computing, engineering, technology, or media studies.

• Social Worker – Law, politics, social care, or social sciences.

• Solicitor – Law.

• Sports Professional – Health science or sports science.

• Statistician – Economics, geography, mathematics, or psychology.

• Theatre Professional – Drama, theatre studies, performing arts, or music.

• Tourism Industry – Tourism management, marketing, business, journalism, languages, or media studies.

• Translator – Languages, linguistics, or English.

• Veterinarian – Veterinary science, biology, or zoology.

• Writer – Communication and media studies, creative writing, English, journalism, or performing arts.

Studying Abroad: Understanding Degree Structures

With the growing trend of studying overseas, it’s important to understand how different countries structure their degree programmes:

• Europe – Most European countries focus on in-depth study in one or two subjects, leading to a bachelor’s degree. Graduates can then pursue employment or further studies at the master’s level.

• United States – Students take a broad range of subjects initially and then choose a major in their second year, earning a bachelor’s degree in that field.

• Australia – Similar to Europe, Australian universities focus on one or two subjects, allowing students to develop specialised expertise.

• Canada – The first year allows students to explore multiple subjects before selecting a major in the second year, which determines their final degree.

By understanding these structures, students can make informed decisions about what and where to study, ensuring their education aligns with their career aspirations.