Choosing a degree
How to choose a degree, step by step
Choosing a degree means deciding how you'll spend the next few years and what you'll do afterwards. You don't need to be sure from the start: you need a method.
In 30 seconds
- Start with what you enjoy doing, not the name of the degree.
- Look at what jobs it leads to and whether that life appeals to you.
- Compare modules, timetables and assessment, not just the university.
- Narrow it down to 2 or 3 options and talk to someone before you decide.
The 5-step method
- Discover your interests. Take the career test: in 5 minutes you have your profile and the areas that suit you best.
- Think about afterwards. For each area, look up 2 or 3 jobs and imagine a normal working day. Can you see yourself there?
- Look at the content. Read the modules for each year. That's what you'll really be studying.
- Fit it into your life. Timetable, distance to campus, length and whether you can combine it with your job or your family.
- Compare real data. On Discover Uni, the official website, you can see student satisfaction and what graduates do afterwards.
What to look at in each course
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Modules | Two degrees with the same name can be very different inside. |
| Assessment | More exams or more coursework: choose what you're best at. |
| Timetable | How many days of classes and at what time of day, especially if you work. |
| Placements | Whether it includes placements or a year in industry. |
| Requirements | Grades, English and whether there's a Foundation Year to get in. |
| Career prospects | What graduates go on to do and how long they take to find work. |
Common mistakes
- Choosing based on what your friends study or what your family expects.
- Looking only at the university's name and not at the course.
- Not checking the timetable until after you enrol.
- Ruling out a degree because “you don't have the grades”, without looking at the Foundation Year.
Frequently asked questions
What if I choose the wrong degree?
It happens, and it can be fixed: sometimes you can switch course within the same university. The sooner you raise it, the more options there are.
Is it better to choose a degree with “good prospects” or one I enjoy?
Ideally it has both. You do better at what you enjoy, and almost every area has good prospects if you choose the course well.
I'm a teacher. Can I use the test with my class?
Yes. The test has a class mode: your students take it with a code and you see the group's results. Ask us for your code.
Sources (checked on 25/10/2026): Discover Uni · UCAS. The career test is based on John L. Holland's RIASEC model.
