Considering leaving modern languages and starting again with nursing

I’m currently studying Modern Languages at university but lately i’ve been feeling like it’s not very useful. I’m thinking about dropping out of uni and starting again next year with Nursing.
I don’t think i have the required A level grades to do nursing.
I did French, Italian, Biology and AS Maths. The problem is i got a D in Biology.
Should i try to resit Biology A Level privately and then apply for nursing. Or is it a better idea to do an access course (which will take a year) and then apply for nursing.
Also i’m not sure if i’ll be able to go to uni in september if i manage to get the required grade in Biology A Level in May.

Reply 1

watershower

i believe resitting is cheaper than doing an access course as it will cost up to a grand whereas a year of uni is 9 grand. but why do you want to do nursing? has it always been your passion? you will also need work experience for a competitive application but i don’t think that will be very difficult for you. good luck x

Reply 2

Paralove

Heya, I did languages at uni - are you not enjoying the course, or are you worried about employment prospects etc?

Reply 3

999tigger

Original post by Simran_d1

How is the degree going?
Are you at a decent uni?
If you get a 2:1 then modern languages cna be a useful degree as many grad jobs are non degree specific.
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/modern-languages

Be aware you can finish the mod lang degree and will still have a nursing degree funded as well.
If you have set your mind on nursing, then a resit alone will cost c £250-400.
You might as well self teach, but an online course for one A level is c £400-500.
You might be better off with texbooks and a tutor.
Resitting would require the least work as its just one subject and revision.
I assume you have the practical component.

Access course in certain circumstances can have the loan written off if you finish the degree.
Has the advanage of class mates.
Health and social care is an option otherwise its access course science or access to health.

They might accept you with the D, just check and then ask.
If you resit just put the quali in 2x to show resit.
Depends on uni.

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 4

Simran_d1

Original post by Paralove

Heya, I did languages at uni - are you not enjoying the course, or are you worried about employment prospects etc?

Both. I not really enjoying the course and i feel like i’m not learning anything. I don’t feel motivated enough. But also i’m really worried about employments prospects.

Reply 5

Simran_d1

Original post by 999tigger

I could finish the modern languages degree but i feel like it would be a waist of time and money if i go on to do nursing.
Thanks for letting me know the prices for a level resits btw. I think the access course is better than resitting Biology.

Reply 6

Simran_d1

Original post by watershower

I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. But in year 13 i decided not to apply for medicine because i thought it was too hard and it took too long. I’ve already done 6 months of voluntary work in the hospital but i’m sure i can find something else aswell.

Reply 7

999tigger

Original post by Simran_d1

Your choice, but sfe will pay for a first degree and again for certain health degrees. Its unlikely you would ever pay that off in full before it is written off..
Access courses are funded by ALL.

https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan

Reply 8

Paralove

Original post by Simran_d1

Both. I not really enjoying the course and i feel like i’m not learning anything. I don’t feel motivated enough. But also i’m really worried about employments prospects.

In terms of languages, employment prospects are very good. Languages are going to increasingly important with the current climate in the UK, it leaves you able to move abroad with greater ease, and many graduate schemes don't require specific degrees - so if you have developed the same skills as another arts grad but you also speak other languages, there's a plus to hiring you.

The people from my course have done all sorts of things - from teaching, both in the UK and abroad, to invest banking, working for charities, consultancy, head hunting, PR and law.

It seems the concern here is that it doesn't lead to a specific job. Nursing might be your thing, but pay isn't actually that great, and you also need to think of the work/life balance and hours. It also then leads you into a much narrower field of employment opportunities, though nurses are always needed.

As for the course, what is it you don't enjoy? Is it a lot of literature, does it feel too easy/similar to school? If so, that's probably just - as I'm assuming - because you're in your first year, when they're often trying to get everyone to the same speed. It definitely gets much more enjoyable as you get to specialise in areas of interest (my final year was my fav when I got to specialise in early modern and medieval Spanish literature!).