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How to choose your subject and course
Once you have decided on the route that suits you, how do you go about choosing your subject and course? Here are a few things that may help you make the decision that is best for you.
- Pick something that you are really interested in and something that you are good at; a subject that will stimulate and excite you. If you have a hobby that you are passionate about why not see if you can turn that into a possible career, wouldn't it be great to be paid to do something that you loved? If you have an idea of what career you would like to pursue be sure to find out any specific qualifications and skills you may need to have.
- Check the entry requirements. These often reflect the pace and level of the course. If you are in doubt speak to your careers adviser or someone at the institution.
- Decide on the type of qualification that suits you. There are three broad types of qualifications; academic, vocational and occupational. They will each be taught and assessed differently. Look into each option carefully and think about which will give you the best opportunity to excel. Speak to teachers and lecturers about the benefits of each option.
- How is the course taught? Will the teaching be mostly classroom based, laboratory based or take place in an occupational setting? What form will the assessments take? Make sure that the teaching and assessment style gives you the opportunity to achieve your best.
- Where will the course lead? Make sure that the course will enable you to follow your chosen career path and if you're not sure what you want to do when you have finished why not look into what former students have gone on to do? It may give you some inspiration.
- Do as much research as possible. Speak to people that have studied the course already, find out what they enjoyed and what they would they didn't. Getting as much information as possible will allow you to make a fully informed choice and ensure that the choice that you do make is the best one for you.
Once you have decided on a subject and qualification, you will need to start the process of looking at which institutions will provide you with what you want.
- Use prospectuses. Each Institution will have one; they are like catalogues detailing what the institution offers. As well as the specific courses and support services the prospectus will often give you an idea of the ethos of the college.
- Speak to students. Often they will be able to give you information that teachers won't.
- Go to open days. Visit the Institution; speak to the students and teachers to make sure that you will feel settled in the institution.
There are lots of people within your school and community that are there to help you make these decisions. Visit these websites to find out more information: