The Student Room Group

Does our education system force us to specialise too soon?

Most of us take A-levels, a system which makes us specialise our education from age 16, focusing on 4 subjects (then 3 in the following year). Afterwards, we go to university and study a single subject course for the duration of 3 years.

I was watching newsnight yesterday and they debated about the new proposals for A-levels, and I was interested in a point raised by someone, that in most other countries (including America), students study a wider range and greater number of subjects/courses in their equivalent of A-levels, and that even their university system is much broader compared to ours - apparently they pick about 4 subjects with 1 of them being a 'major'.

Personally, I prefer a broader system both in our last years in secondary school and in university, its a bit strange to focus our education so narrowly from such a young age. I think this is partly to blame for the ignorance in people of other subjects apart from their own.

What do you all think?
Original post by Red Richie
Most of us take A-levels, a system which makes us specialise our education from age 16, focusing on 4 subjects (then 3 in the following year). Afterwards, we go to university and study a single subject course for the duration of 3 years.

I was watching newsnight yesterday and they debated about the new proposals for A-levels, and I was interested in a point raised by someone, that in most other countries (including America), students study a wider range and greater number of subjects/courses in their equivalent of A-levels, and that even their university system is much broader compared to ours - apparently they pick about 4 subjects with 1 of them being a 'major'.

Personally, I prefer a broader system both in our last years in secondary school and in university, its a bit strange to focus our education so narrowly from such a young age. I think this is partly to blame for the ignorance in people of other subjects apart from their own.

What do you all think?


Yes. I think our education system needs to change. Apparently in the US, at degree level, you are studying for educational purposes. Then after the degree, if you want to become a doctor, lawyer, etc... you can specialise in those fields and take up a law degree etc..

I do feel that we kinda forced by 16 to determine our career path.
Reply 2
But we need to do the broad subject thing whilst at school.
In America its kind of a money making thing to study their "A Levels" at uni itself as the fees can be up to 50 000 dollars a year depending on the uni you go to.
Reply 3
Original post by The_Male_Melons
Yes. I think our education system needs to change. Apparently in the US, at degree level, you are studying for educational purposes. Then after the degree, if you want to become a doctor, lawyer, etc... you can specialise in those fields and take up a law degree etc..

I do feel that we kinda forced by 16 to determine our career path.


I know that feel bro
Original post by Red Richie
I know that feel bro


I regret choosing law. I chose it because of a) Parents and b) Didn't know what to do in life.

I think we need times to actually determine our futures. Rather than being forced to decide at 16 when you barely know what you want to do in life.

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