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What degree should I do?

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Original post by CaiusMartius
Aw thanks :smile:And that sort of think appeals to me a lot ! But I think I may be too late to explore that avenue, done literally no extended reading, and having not done economics A-level, I really worry my P.S would be utter **** haha


No problem :biggrin:

And yeah, I get you. Well whatever you decide to pursue, I wish you the best of luck
Original post by undine_monty
With a sociology degree, you can go into social research informing policy officials and the government on what types of policies and systems should be put in place to benefit members of this society. This is based on intensive, high-quality research undertaken by social researchers using a plethora of different qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Such policies include the school leaving age, ways in reforming offenders, free healthcare and welfare for example. Policies like these benefit us in society and without these society wouldn't be able to function.

Another policy brought in decades ago was free education. If that wasn't brought in, around 2/3 of the UK population wouldn't be educated. The amount of students opting for those STEM degrees would be way more than half compared to now. We'd have less doctors, engineers, dentists etc etc as well as less psychologists, lawyers and lecturers for example.

You can't say Sociology is useless and not important when you know nothing about the type of jobs that can lead on from it. Every degree is useful in some way.

thanks for backing me up monty!
Original post by john2054
thanks for backing me up monty!


No problem :tongue:

I'm starting a Sociology degree soon and I couldn't just sit by and let this guy talk bad about my course.
Original post by undine_monty
With a sociology degree, you can go into social research informing policy officials and the government on what types of policies and systems should be put in place to benefit members of this society. This is based on intensive, high-quality research undertaken by social researchers using a plethora of different qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Such policies include the school leaving age, ways in reforming offenders, free healthcare and welfare for example. Policies like these benefit us in society and without these society wouldn't be able to function.

Another policy brought in decades ago was free education. If that wasn't brought in, around 2/3 of the UK population wouldn't be educated. The amount of students opting for those STEM degrees would be way more than half compared to now. We'd have less doctors, engineers, dentists etc etc as well as less psychologists, lawyers and lecturers for example.

You can't say Sociology is useless and not important when you know nothing about the type of jobs that can lead on from it. Every degree is useful in some way.


Don't distinctly remember calling sociology "useless" but fair enough. Every degree does have their uses but let's face it, look at any postgrad salary comparison site, STEM degree salaries are much higher, and 99% of the time the only reason people go into degrees like sociology instead of politics or law is because they weren't clever enough. It is not held in high regard for many reasons and isn't a conventional, traditional subject with as many uses as it's mathematics, engineering and medicine counterparts. Sociology does have it's uses, but with the OP's skills set and clear academic ability, he'd be much better off going into a more challenging, more employable, more useful field, as opposed to Sociology, which is incredibly limited as a degree on it's own. Do a dual honour with politics, then maybe you have some better options.
Original post by TheyCallMePolish
Don't distinctly remember calling sociology "useless" but fair enough. Every degree does have their uses but let's face it, look at any postgrad salary comparison site, STEM degree salaries are much higher, and 99% of the time the only reason people go into degrees like sociology instead of politics or law is because they weren't clever enough. It is not held in high regard for many reasons and isn't a conventional, traditional subject with as many uses as it's mathematics, engineering and medicine counterparts. Sociology does have it's uses, but with the OP's skills set and clear academic ability, he'd be much better off going into a more challenging, more employable, more useful field, as opposed to Sociology, which is incredibly limited as a degree on it's own. Do a dual honour with politics, then maybe you have some better options.


'99% of the time, the only reason people go into degrees like sociology is because they weren't clever enough'? Really? They offer the course at Cambridge and other top unis, asking for the top grades.

You probably haven't studied Sociology before so you can't say its not challenging. Not everyone who studies Sociology gets A*s/As because it requires a degree of outside and analytical thinking that some people struggle to do. It's never clear cut in the subject.

70% of jobs don't even require a specific degree. You don't even have to go into a field related to Sociology after your graduate, so how is it limited?

For the most part, Sociology graduates are highly employable because they gain a wide range of useful skills and study a variety of different topics. Many of the topics even incorporate elements of biology, politics, history, anthropology and psychology for example. Its a flexible subject. The students could even do a placement during their uni course providing them with invaluable experience. Depending on how long the placement is and how much overall experience they have, they may even be overqualified for a graduate job so they would have the opportunities to take a higher position, thus, a higher salary.

Your posts reek of pure ignorance and you have an infatuation with STEM as if those subjects are the 'be all and end all'. Just because Sociology may not be a conventional subject doesn't mean it should be less regarded by the likes of you. It's been around for centuries.
Original post by john2054
Do Sociology and english. expand your brain. that is what going to university is supposed to be about isn't it?? interobang


I think almost any degree is going to expand your brain in one way or another
Original post by undine_monty
'99% of the time, the only reason people go into degrees like sociology is because they weren't clever enough'? Really? They offer the course at Cambridge and other top unis, asking for the top grades.

You probably haven't studied Sociology before so you can't say its not challenging. Not everyone who studies Sociology gets A*s/As because it requires a degree of outside and analytical thinking that some people struggle to do. It's never clear cut in the subject.

70% of jobs don't even require a specific degree. You don't even have to go into a field related to Sociology after your graduate, so how is it limited?

For the most part, Sociology graduates are highly employable because they gain a wide range of useful skills and study a variety of different topics. Many of the topics even incorporate elements of biology, politics, history, anthropology and psychology for example. Its a flexible subject. The students could even do a placement during their uni course providing them with invaluable experience. Depending on how long the placement is and how much overall experience they have, they may even be overqualified for a graduate job so they would have the opportunities to take a higher position, thus, a higher salary.

Your posts reek of pure ignorance and you have an infatuation with STEM as if those subjects are the 'be all and end all'. Just because Sociology may not be a conventional subject doesn't mean it should be less regarded by the likes of you. It's been around for centuries.


Just because it's been around for centuries doesn't mean it's a useful or worthwhile subject to study. STEM subjects are the be and end all in the sense that you will more than likely not earn as much as someone who graduated from the same uni with a STEM degree, that's just fact. You are blind to the truth because you've convinced yourself your subject is actually worth studying, which it may be , but NOT to the extent of engineering or physics which is clearly what the OP should head into considering his grades are way too high to even consider sociology seriously, which is what this thread is about, at the end of the day, there's reason most people snigger when people admit to having done sociology at degree at a level, where do you think that lack of respect stems from?

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Original post by TheyCallMePolish
Just because it's been around for centuries doesn't mean it's a useful or worthwhile subject to study. STEM subjects are the be and end all in the sense that you will more than likely not earn as much as someone who graduated from the same uni with a STEM degree, that's just fact. You are blind to the truth because you've convinced yourself your subject is actually worth studying, which it may be , but NOT to the extent of engineering or physics which is clearly what the OP should head into considering his grades are way too high to even consider sociology seriously, which is what this thread is about, at the end of the day, there's reason most people snigger when people admit to having done sociology at degree at a level, where do you think that lack of respect stems from?

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You know full well this is essentially a load of scary nonsense. Of course, average STEM earnings are higher than non-STEM, but, that's the thing, that's an average. If you graduate from Durham, UCL or Oxbridge with Philosophy, History or English Lit., you're set, and will earn (if you wish), far in excess of the 'average' STEM student. A sociology degree from a lesser institution, even, will still present you with enormous opportunity for high earnings if you're determined to go after them. Business, you forget, takes place between people, not between computers or calculators. People. The soft skills nurtured by a sociology degree will stand you in better stead than a socially awkward STEM graduate who can hardly express himself, communicate or argue a point effectively.

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(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by TheyCallMePolish
Just because it's been around for centuries doesn't mean it's a useful or worthwhile subject to study. STEM subjects are the be and end all in the sense that you will more than likely not earn as much as someone who graduated from the same uni with a STEM degree, that's just fact. You are blind to the truth because you've convinced yourself your subject is actually worth studying, which it may be , but NOT to the extent of engineering or physics which is clearly what the OP should head into considering his grades are way too high to even consider sociology seriously, which is what this thread is about, at the end of the day, there's reason most people snigger when people admit to having done sociology at degree at a level, where do you think that lack of respect stems from?

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I'm not blinded by the truth. I know that STEM degrees pay more than non-STEM degrees but you seem to think that makes it the be all and end all when that's not true. It's not just about the money because you need degree satisfaction whilst studying and job satisfaction when you graduate and find a job. Some people just won't get any satisfaction from doing a STEM degree and working in a STEM field. High pay doesn't necessarily equal, high satisfaction. Yes, you get paid less than a STEM graduate by having a non-STEM degree but its not like you're gonna earn peanuts. Graduates already get higher salaries than non-graduates.

Sociology is worth studying to me because I like it, I'm good at it, and I know I will love the job I will go on to do. The pay isn't bad either. The lack of respect for the subject comes from ignorant people like you who think they know everything when they really know nothing and are blinded by the 'everlasting glow' of STEM when there's more to it than that.

OP can do any degree he wants with his results and should go into a field that he feels most passionate about, not do engineering/physics because some narrow-minded chump on the internet thinks its the best. His excellent grades mean he can apply to the top unis.

You do realise there are engineering and physics courses that ask for CCC grades and lower right? Practically anyone could study that. They're not exclusive to smart students.
Original post by undine_monty
I'm not blinded by the truth. I know that STEM degrees pay more than non-STEM degrees but you seem to think that makes it the be all and end all when that's not true. It's not just about the money because you need degree satisfaction whilst studying and job satisfaction when you graduate and find a job. Some people just won't get any satisfaction from doing a STEM degree and working in a STEM field. High pay doesn't necessarily equal, high satisfaction. Yes, you get paid less than a STEM graduate by having a non-STEM degree but its not like you're gonna earn peanuts. Graduates already get higher salaries than non-graduates.

Sociology is worth studying to me because I like it, I'm good at it, and I know I will love the job I will go on to do. The pay isn't bad either. The lack of respect for the subject comes from ignorant people like you who think they know everything when they really know nothing and are blinded by the 'everlasting glow' of STEM when there's more to it than that.

OP can do any degree he wants with his results and should go into a field that he feels most passionate about, not do engineering/physics because some narrow-minded chump on the internet thinks its the best. His excellent grades mean he can apply to the top unis.

You do realise there are engineering and physics courses that ask for CCC grades and lower right? Practically anyone could study that. They're not exclusive to smart students.


Did you even read the OP's post? He only took his only none STEM subject because it was easy to blag through, and his favourite subjects are maths and physics, ergo he should do a STEM degree. This narrow minded chump is actually trying to steer him down a path which is both fulfilling, challenging, interesting and has better job prospects.

The CCC thing would make sense if it wasn't for the fact that 3 C's in maths, physics and another STEM subject are much harder to obtain than 3 C's in social sciences and other non academic subjects. Everyone who went to my sixth form who took both a science and social science score considerably higher in social science because it's that much easier of an A level. Hell a girl in my biology got an E in biology and an A* in sociology, that shows how simple it is in comparison. You go do sociology and enjoy it, good for you, you did what you like! But for anyone in the OP's situation they should always pick a stem degree because it will leave them better off in the long run.
Computer science or economics would be your best get imo, but if you wanted to go more towards the humanities side and are enjoying English lit then what about Law?
With computer science or economics, you could literally do anything and say for some reason your a level grades do slip up as long as you get a 2:1 this wouldn't be a problem as they care more about the degree and experience. If you do pursue law however, your a levels are very important and you need at least AAB but this doesn't seem like a problem with your ability anyway! Do you enjoy extra reading and keeping up to date with current affairs?
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by TheyCallMePolish
Did you even read the OP's post? He only took his only none STEM subject because it was easy to blag through, and his favourite subjects are maths and physics, ergo he should do a STEM degree. This narrow minded chump is actually trying to steer him down a path which is both fulfilling, challenging, interesting and has better job prospects.

The CCC thing would make sense if it wasn't for the fact that 3 C's in maths, physics and another STEM subject are much harder to obtain than 3 C's in social sciences and other non academic subjects. Everyone who went to my sixth form who took both a science and social science score considerably higher in social science because it's that much easier of an A level. Hell a girl in my biology got an E in biology and an A* in sociology, that shows how simple it is in comparison. You go do sociology and enjoy it, good for you, you did what you like! But for anyone in the OP's situation they should always pick a stem degree because it will leave them better off in the long run.


I agree with you about the stems, but do be careful and don't mislead the op.

It's not all about stems when it comes to opportunities, a degree like economics smashes the majority of stems out the window not only in job opportunities, but salaries too. Also in the finance and investment banking no specific degree is required, and again these jobs have far higher salaries and chances to progress than any stem. But yeah aside from exceptions like this, I do agree with you
Original post by alexp98
I agree with you about the stems, but do be careful and don't mislead the op.

It's not all about stems when it comes to opportunities, a degree like economics smashes the majority of stems out the window not only in job opportunities, but salaries too. Also in the finance and investment banking no specific degree is required, and again these jobs have far higher salaries and chances to progress than any stem. But yeah aside from exceptions like this, I do agree with you


I agree with you here, economics is great for job opportunities! But it's actually an academic subject, where as sociology etc isn't which I was mainly comparing to, economics is great considering you can get into investment banking etc with it

Posted from TSR Mobile
Dear all,

I am very proud of the debate this has caused. I love TSR.

Think I'll just do a Maths degree (maybe with stats).

xx
Original post by CaiusMartius
Dear all,

I am very proud of the debate this has caused. I love TSR.

Think I'll just do a Maths degree (maybe with stats).

xx


Could possibly go for a joint honours in Maths and Economics.
Reply 35
Original post by CaiusMartius
Education

GCSES - 11 A* 1 A

A - Levels - 5 As in Maths, F maths, Physics, English Lit and Chemistry.

I enjoy Maths quite a lot, but am not a fan of the more abstract number theory stuff. I am a big fan of mechanics and also statistics, but do not enjoy practical work much. I only did English because I just find it very easy to blag in tbh.

My favourite subjects in class are Maths and Physics. I find economics interesting but have very little experience in it. Unsure of job prospects, just want to keep options open.


Maybe look at a general Engineering course. They allow you to specialise as you progress through the course.

Eg Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick

Or Engineering Mathematics (Bristol)

Or MORSE (Warwick)



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Original post by jneill
Maybe look at a general Engineering course. They allow you to specialise as you progress through the course.

Eg Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick

Or Engineering Mathematics (Bristol)

Or MORSE (Warwick)



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MORSE seems so good !
Reply 37
Original post by CaiusMartius
MORSE seems so good !


Excellent. And it's also at Southampton.

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(edited 7 years ago)

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