What subject should I study?
It's important to choose a subject that you enjoy, because you'll be studying it for the next three (or more) years. Here are some things to consider when you're thinking about what to study at university:
- What do you enjoy?
- What are you good at?
- Will it help you get a job?
- Do you meet the entry requirements?
You should also consider whether you have studied the right A Levels to get onto the course. Most university courses require you to have studied the subject, or something very similar, at A Level.
Some university courses are more strict than others. For example, many science courses require you to have studied at least two science subjects and maths at A Level. Make sure you check this for every course and university.
Different types of degree
Now that you have decided what to study at university, you may have noticed that there are a few different types of degree available. Here's a summary of the most common types and what they mean:
Still not sure about different types of degree? Find out more on what is an undergraduate degree.
Choosing a university
Once you have decided what to study at university and the type of degree, it's time to look at different universities.
Check the course
The most important thing to do when choosing a university is to check your course. Look at the modules you will be studying and see whether these align with your interests and career goals.
Remember, even if two courses have the same name, they could cover very different things. Modules are typically influenced by the academics' research interests.
On-campus vs online
When you choose what to study at university, you should also consider how you would like to study. Would you like to attend face-to-face lectures or would you prefer to study online at home? Both have their own merits.
Study abroad or year in industry
You should also consider whether you would like to study abroad or complete a year in industry. Then, you should see whether the university offers this for your course.
Lifestyle
Of course, choosing a university isn't all about the academia. You could be living and studying at university for the next three or more years, so you want to make sure it's right for you. Here's some lifestyle factors to consider:
Attend an Open Day
The best way to really get a feel for a university is to attend an Open Day. Discover more about your subject as you speak to course leaders and fellow students. Attend a campus tour to learn more about the facilities available. You might even be able to see some of the accommodation too.
Open Days are normally the deciding factor for students. A feeling you get once you step on campus. That is why we definitely recommend attending a few Open Days before you choose a university.
After attending numerous open days at universities across the country, UCLan was my first choice. I have no regrets choosing UCLan.
United Kingdom
Virtual experience
Can't get to an Open Day? Don't worry. Lots of universities now offer virtual tours, so you can still see what it's like on-campus.
UCLan have our own virtual experience for students who can't make it to us. You can take a campus tour, look at accommodation and even explore Preston.
Start applying
Once you have decided what to study at university, it's time to start applying. You can apply for up to five different universities through UCAS. We recommend picking universities with a range of entry requirements.
UCLan offer a range of services to help you through the application process. Find out more below.
