Which subject to study and which university course aren’t easy decisions for any teen. But, there’s a lot you can do as a parent to help them narrow it down.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are now so many tools and resources available, it\u2019s never been easier to help them when they ask: \u2018what should I study<\/a> and where should I do it?\u2019 However, having too much choice and with so much conflicting advice online, it can be overwhelming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve got you sorted. Start by going through the steps below to help guide your teen in the right direction.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Students are more likely to do well if they\u2019re studying a subject they\u2019re genuinely passionate about \u2013 fact. A good place to start is talking about their current favourite subject\/s and hobbies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some conversation starters to try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s plenty of info about university courses and subjects out there, and while it’s up to your teen to do the research, you can guide them by checking that want they want to study fits with their personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if your teen loves being active and getting practical, they might prefer a more experience-led subject like nursing, physiotherapy or TV production. These subject areas are more likely to offer work experience opportunities and practical assessments rather than being based around lectures and seminars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your teen doesn’t need to restrict themselves to topics they\u2019ve already studied. Allow them some space to explore what they might enjoy and what subjects might help them thrive and grow \u2013 even if they\u2019re new or non-traditional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though choosing a course isn\u2019t all about a set career path, it can be helpful to think about what lies beyond the degree. Help them research the jobs that graduates of that degree tend to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exploring a degree\u2019s job prospects will help them think long-term but it will also encourage them to consider whether they\u2019re really interested in a subject \u2013\u00a0\u2018could I do this in the long-term?\u2019 Check out UCAS\u2019 Careers Quiz<\/a> to help get them thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to market research company, Savanta<\/a>, open days, university websites, league tables and prospectus\u2019 are the top most influenctial sources when people start researching into universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A uni prospectus can provide a really good feel and can help with the initial decision-making process. Once your teen has narrowed it down a bit, go to a few open days with them. This is the opportunity to see the campus and facilities, meet lecturers and get an insight into the course. Encourage them to stay open-minded and stay overnight to really get a feel of the location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understandably, as a parent you might lean towards the more practical things, like course fees, employability rates and proximity to home. But, your teen is more likely to think about the university\u2019s location, facilities and social scene. Sometimes, it might be best for you to take a back seat and let them explore the whole potential experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Encourage your teen to look closely at the modules, not just the course overview. The same subject course can differ a lot between universities. Each one will offer different specialisms, expertise and opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s helpful to highlight must-haves and rather-nots with your teen. For example, if they want to study English, creative writing opportunities might be a must-have but Old English modules might be a rather-not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at the requirements for each course and you can help your teen decide what\u2019s realistic and achievable. Some universities use the UCAS tariff while others don\u2019t. You can also check how flexible universities can be and whether they might make unconditional offers before teens get their final results. Together, think about what expectations your teen has both of themself and the course.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n For teens who are undecided or struggling to make a firm decision, it can be helpful to remind them that things don\u2019t have to be set in stone. Find out which universities allow you to switch courses at a certain point. Some also offer the opportunity to study a module or two in another subject throughout the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s simple but sometimes this is the best way to help them make the final decision on their university course.\u00a0Use the opportunity to add in any notes you have from your own personal research or during open days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, deciding which university course to study is one of the biggest decisions your teen will make. Some will be thinking about the number of exams and coursework assignments, while others will value things like reputation, location or specific module areas. Whatever is most important to your teen \u2013 discuss it with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s their decision, but asking helpful questions and offering guidance along the way will help them make a balanced and well-informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a course that\u2019s usually three or four years long. It can focus on a single subject, a dual subject (dual or joint honours) or several subjects (combined honours). Usually, there\u2019s a core part of the course that everyone studies and then options to specialise by taking different modules.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some bachelor’s degrees offer sandwich courses, which means an additional year in a work placement or a year to study abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This question is really down to the course itself and one isn\u2019t necessarily valued higher than the other. The biggest difference is in the subject chosen \u2013 whether it\u2019s more arts or science focused. For some subjects, this might differ between universities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, Geography, Economics and Psychology can be either a BA or BSc course. Ask your teen whether they\u2019d be more interested in the creative side or they\u2019d prefer a more maths or science-driven approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not to be confused with foundation years (this is usually required for art-related courses), foundation degrees last two years and are a good alternative if your teen hasn\u2019t reached the grade for a degree course, or prefers the idea of combining academic and workplace skills. They can be topped up with a final year to equate to a bachelor’s degree. Find out more on the UCAS site here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a relatively new university offering, allowing students who are doing an apprenticeship to gain a bachelor’s (or master’s) qualification by working and studying at university part-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A master’s is a step up from a bachelor’s degree. Your teen might choose to carry on their studies in their chosen subject or they might be able to study a different subject if they want. This usually involves more advanced research and independent study.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nKickstarting the conversation and picking a subject<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Help refine their interests and passions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Be supportive when they\u2019re researching<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Remind them to think outside the box<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Chat about job prospects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting more specific \u2013 deciding which university course<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Order them university prospectus and attend open days<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Think about the whole picture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Research university course content<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Think about entry requirements and grades<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Talk about the possibility of flexibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Make a pros and cons list<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your university degree cheatsheet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bachelor’s degree<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc)?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Foundation degree<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Degree of bachelor level apprenticeship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Master’s (MA)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other helpful resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n