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What do you consider to be "Mickey Mouse" subjects?

Hi people of the TSR, I have a question.

I'm about to start doing an Oxford open learning course to redo my A-Level grades which were very poor D's and E's for a number of reasons. I aim to get at least my predicted targets at college of C grades, and providing the universities recognise them hopefully land me a university place at some point in the future :smile:

If anyone can confirm they would be recognised that would be great.

Thats not my question however. I am indecisive in choosing which subjects to take, as I understand many courses in university are "Mickey Mouse subjects." For those not aware of the terminology, its a course where the end degree would have little or no relevant use in the real world. The subjects I take on the Open Learning course will influence which university courses I aim for.

The courses available are: Accounting, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, History, Law, Maths, Pure Maths, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Spanish.

I've heard from a few people Philosophy and Media Studies are Mickey Mouse courses, but I want to make sure. I know university is an experience in itself, but if the worst comes to worst and I dislike university I want to be motivated towards getting a good degree.

So what do you think of as a Mickey Mouse subject?

Thanks for listening to my life story there, and thanks in advance for any responses :tsr2:

Reply 1

kateyrib

i think media is a common micky mouse
maily cos so many people do so well at it

Reply 2

Creole

2

Many different people will have many different opinions about if your degree is mickey mouse or not. That shouldn't matter to you.

What should matter, is what the degree will teach you, what skills it will develop, and what a potential employer will think of it.

Reply 3

Phoenix Wright

8

I consider Film Studies with a specialty in Disney to be a Mickey Mouse degree...

Reply 4

Hest

9

There's already a very lengthy debate on this subject, follow the link:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=441451

Reply 5

ancientone

8

Alright - having been through this before, and aware of the inevitable direction this thread will take, let me start by answering your question - as I see the answer at any rate.

The terminology is massively abused. It is often used for more modern subjects, and reflects a lack of understanding of the nature of the subject labelled. In many cases we are talking vocational subjects, and the use of the terminology is often a display of intellectual arrogance rather than any understanding of the nature of the subject.

Many of these subjects are in response to changing economic demands and the development of different industries - so many of the subjects are, for exampl, in the leisure indiustry. The fact that they require extensive levels of intellect and knowledge is assidously ignored for the sake of a cheap headline or to score a point on a messageboard.

There will be an argument advanced that they cost the nation a lot of money to run. This loses some significance with the recent hike in fees, but really doesn't stand up anyway. Many of the companies that wish to employ graduates from these fields are massive donors to universities, pay huge amounts in tax or provide sponsored studentships.

Many of the current subjects that have 'academic standing' started their university careers being looked down on and questions were asked as to their suitability.

So the simple answer to your question is that whilst there might be differences between subjects and institutions, the fact that you have a degree indicates an advanced level of educational achievement that most modern emoployers would appreciate. By all means pick a subject that has direct relevance to potential future employment, but there are a large number of transferable skills in any degree.

Sorry if this has gone on for so long but I have been through this argument so many times before. Whatever you decide to do good luck.

Reply 6

sweet_fluffy_nuke

Christop III

The courses available are: Accounting, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, History, Law, Maths, Pure Maths, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Spanish.

The view from Oxbridge is different:

Mickey: These will actually harm your chances at Oxbridge
Accounting, Business Studies, English Language, Law, Psychology, Sociology

Semi-Mickey:These are neutral for applications to Oxbridge
Economics
English Literature
French
Spanish

Good:These will help with your Oxbridge application
History
Physics
Chemistry
Maths
Pure Maths

In summary, do the traditional subjects.
The non-traditional "new" subject are for slackers.

Reply 7

Eau

15

acolyte

In my opinion:

Mickey: These will actually harm your chances at Oxbridge
Accounting, Business Studies, English Language, Law, Psychology, Sociology

Semi-Mickey:These are neutral
Economics
English Literature
French
Spanish

Good:These will help with your Oxbridge application
History
Physics
Chemistry
Maths
Pure Maths

In summary, do the traditional subjects.
The non-traditional "new" subject are for slackers.

You are very funny.

My advice is to ignore his advice.

Reply 8

Lizj

10

The OP is not looking at Oxbridge - they are hoping to improve to Cs not straight As.
Most unis outside Oxbridge, Durham and some of the London ones are happy enough with any subjects, including "Mickey Mouse" ones. Do what interests you and what you have ability in. That is the best way to good results both at A level and at uni.
To answer your question OP, from your list most people would say that Business Studies and Sociology were Mickey Mouse subjects, possibly also Psychology. They would not necessarily be correct.

Reply 9

Peter North

Eau

You are very funny.

My advice is to ignore his advice.

excellent advice :smile:

Reply 10

ObaMartins9

A level Languages "semi-mickey"?

[slaps face with hand]

:marchmell

Reply 11

sweet_fluffy_nuke

pomeroy784

A level Languages "semi-mickey"?

[slaps face with hand]

:marchmell

If you apply to Oxford, A level languages are no real advantage in the application process ( unless you want to do Modern Languages of course )
For most courses at Oxford Maths would be preferable.

Of course, if you just want to go to Brookes or somewhere of that ilk, I am sure that they will be impressed that you did French instead of General Studies. :rolleyes:

Reply 12

Lizj

10

acolyte

If you apply to Oxford, A level languages are no real advantage in the application process ( unless you want to do Modern Languages of course )
For most courses at Oxford Maths would be preferable.

Of course, if you just want to go to Brookes or somewhere of that ilk, I am sure that they will be impressed that you did French instead of General Studies. :rolleyes:

He or she does not want to apply to Oxford, he/she is doing an Oxford open learning course to get the grades to go to a decent university.

Reply 13

Agamemnon

acolyte

If you apply to Oxford, A level languages are no real advantage in the application process ( unless you want to do Modern Languages of course )
For most courses at Oxford Maths would be preferable.

Of course, if you just want to go to Brookes or somewhere of that ilk, I am sure that they will be impressed that you did French instead of General Studies. :rolleyes:

You didn't get into Oxford though did you acolyte... hahaha! :rolleyes:

Reply 14

sweet_fluffy_nuke

Agamemnon

You didn't get into Oxford though did you acolyte... hahaha! :rolleyes:

And what makes you think that ?

Reply 15

Agamemnon

acolyte

And what makes you think that ?

Do correct me if I'm wrong.

Reply 16

tbm

13

Christop III

Hi people of the TSR, I have a question.

I'm about to start doing an Oxford open learning course to redo my A-Level grades which were very poor D's and E's for a number of reasons. I aim to get at least my predicted targets at college of C grades, and providing the universities recognise them hopefully land me a university place at some point in the future :smile:

If anyone can confirm they would be recognised that would be great.

Thats not my question however. I am indecisive in choosing which subjects to take, as I understand many courses in university are "Mickey Mouse subjects." For those not aware of the terminology, its a course where the end degree would have little or no relevant use in the real world. The subjects I take on the Open Learning course will influence which university courses I aim for.

The courses available are: Accounting, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, History, Law, Maths, Pure Maths, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Spanish.

I've heard from a few people Philosophy and Media Studies are Mickey Mouse courses, but I want to make sure. I know university is an experience in itself, but if the worst comes to worst and I dislike university I want to be motivated towards getting a good degree.

So what do you think of as a Mickey Mouse subject?

Thanks for listening to my life story there, and thanks in advance for any responses :tsr2:

Seriously, does it really matter?!!

I hate all this snobiness, do want you want to study and you think you would enjoy, who cares about what other people think?!!

I did a degree which some people would consider 'mickey mouse' (BSc Forensic Science) but I really dont care. Its a subject that Im passionate about and plan to carry on working/studying in that area, I was good at it and enjoyed the subject. I had a brilliant time at uni and genuinely loved the course, even though it was a lot more challenging/difficult than I thought it would be

Reply 17

Christop III

OP

Seriously, does it really matter?!!

I hate all this snobiness, do want you want to study and you think you would enjoy, who cares about what other people think?!!

I did a degree which some people would consider 'mickey mouse' (BSc Forensic Science) but I really dont care. Its a subject that Im passionate about and plan to carry on working/studying in that area, I was good at it and enjoyed the subject. I had a brilliant time at uni and genuinely loved the course, even though it was a lot more challenging/difficult than I thought it would be

I'm sorry if you misunderstood my tone. I wasn't trying to be snobby and I'll apologise if that's the general impression, I was generally asking for your views on what made truly made a worthwhile course. I was never intending to patronise or undermine people who chose those courses, in fact I have nothing but utmost respect for you people. Lack of direction and foresight is one of the reasons why I initally made mistakes in choosing my subjects which is why I'm asking this question in the first place.

I might delete this thread, as no disrespect for you but it obviously didn't come across as I had intended when I made it and I'm sorry if anybody took it personally.

Reply 18

Lisaanne

12

Well I did three 'mickey mouse' A Levels... as defined by the people above anyway (English Language, Religious Studies and Sociology) And I got offers from York, Manchester, Lancaster and Sheffield... all pretty decent unis.. so I really dont think it matters... As long as you do well in your exams and show a passion for your subject..

Reply 19

minelli

acolyte

In my opinion:

Mickey: These will actually harm your chances at Oxbridge
Accounting, Business Studies, English Language, Law, Psychology, Sociology

Semi-Mickey:These are neutral
Economics
English Literature
French
Spanish

Good:These will help with your Oxbridge application
History
Physics
Chemistry
Maths
Pure Maths

In summary, do the traditional subjects.
The non-traditional "new" subject are for slackers.

English Lang are you having a laugh. Eng Lang is not considered a mickey mouse subject. Oxbridge actually offer courses in it, and Im assuming you would need it at Alevel to be offered a place? Does anyone else on here think it is Mickey Mouse?