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How do I decide what I want to do at Uni

I take Biology, Chemistry and History A level
A few months ago I came to the conclusion that I don't want to do medicine. I have been looking at other degrees and I am really uncertain. I was considering Biomedical science, pharmacy, archaeology. I have been recommended natural sciences but I get overwhelmed easily and I would prefer to do a course that's specific which makes my life harder :smile: I also don't come from a great background so I have pressure to do a degree that will ensure a stable future for me and my family. Does anyone have an opinion on degrees maybe related to medical sciences if they are worth doing if I will find a good job. I'm at a point where I kind of have to put job security before my interests because of my situation. I also thought that a science degree with some business would be maybe good? If anyone could give some suggestions or opinions let me know!
(edited 1 year ago)
I didn’t do any of those degrees so what I’ll say will be mainly my own knowledge and people around me. Pharmacy, from a lot of people’s perspective, is a direct route into working as a pharmacist. You’re very unlikely to go into something else once you’ve done that, whereas if you did biomedical science, you could get a job at the end of that degree, or do a masters in a more specialised area. By this stage you’d be more set on what it is you want to do. As far as archeology goes, don’t get deterred by people saying that archaeologists have no job prospects. That’s not strictly true, but what does matter in this case is location and contacts. Archeology is needed in a lot of sectors however very few places would be actually looking for graduate archaeologists, therefore unless you’re going into research or academia, chances of working in that field are slim.
Original post by shadowmoth16
I didn’t do any of those degrees so what I’ll say will be mainly my own knowledge and people around me. Pharmacy, from a lot of people’s perspective, is a direct route into working as a pharmacist. You’re very unlikely to go into something else once you’ve done that, whereas if you did biomedical science, you could get a job at the end of that degree, or do a masters in a more specialised area. By this stage you’d be more set on what it is you want to do. As far as archeology goes, don’t get deterred by people saying that archaeologists have no job prospects. That’s not strictly true, but what does matter in this case is location and contacts. Archeology is needed in a lot of sectors however very few places would be actually looking for graduate archaeologists, therefore unless you’re going into research or academia, chances of working in that field are slim.

oh ok thank you so much!! I am currently leaning more towards biomedical science do you think the jobs will be okay? cuz I did work experience in academic research and the fact of writing papers put me off, so I got a bit scared that most ppl who do biomedical end up doing that, is that what ppl usually go into?
Original post by Bubbles_54
I take Biology, Chemistry and History A level
A few months ago I came to the conclusion that I don't want to do medicine. I have been looking at other degrees and I am really uncertain. I was considering Biomedical science, pharmacy, archaeology. I have been recommended natural sciences but I get overwhelmed easily and I would prefer to do a course that's specific which makes my life harder :smile: I also don't come from a great background so I have pressure to do a degree that will ensure a stable future for me and my family. Does anyone have an opinion on degrees maybe related to medical sciences if they are worth doing if I will find a good job. I'm at a point where I kind of have to put job security before my interests because of my situation. I also thought that a science degree with some business would be maybe good? If anyone could give some suggestions or opinions let me know!

I would suggest that you stick with Natural Sciences because it is broader and could create some flexibility during your degree. The only issue that I can see is that you don't have Math as a subject.

If you are super keen on a specific course like Bio-med, then go for it. My general advice to young people is to start broad and then specialise as you go through your studies. Unfortunately, I have seen and read of sad stories from people who started with a specific or niche subject then had to drop out as they could not move to another subject without starting all over.

Overall, I’d suggest natural sciences, if you can meet the requirements. Good luck
Original post by Bubbles_54
oh ok thank you so much!! I am currently leaning more towards biomedical science do you think the jobs will be okay? cuz I did work experience in academic research and the fact of writing papers put me off, so I got a bit scared that most ppl who do biomedical end up doing that, is that what ppl usually go into?


it depends on where you are located i would say in terms of job prospects - have a look on indeed and linkedin and see if you can find any jobs within that area in the location you want to be in

i agree with above that it’s much better to start broad and then specialise :smile:
Original post by Bubbles_54
I take Biology, Chemistry and History A level
A few months ago I came to the conclusion that I don't want to do medicine. I have been looking at other degrees and I am really uncertain. I was considering Biomedical science, pharmacy, archaeology. I have been recommended natural sciences but I get overwhelmed easily and I would prefer to do a course that's specific which makes my life harder :smile: I also don't come from a great background so I have pressure to do a degree that will ensure a stable future for me and my family. Does anyone have an opinion on degrees maybe related to medical sciences if they are worth doing if I will find a good job. I'm at a point where I kind of have to put job security before my interests because of my situation. I also thought that a science degree with some business would be maybe good? If anyone could give some suggestions or opinions let me know!

If job security is key, you could consider an allied health professional career such as radiography. There is a national shortgage of both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers. You would also receive an annual payment of £6,000 per year (or more) to help fund your degree. The A level subjects you have taken meet entry requirements for a radiography degree.

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/roles-allied-health-professions/diagnostic-radiographer/diagnostic

There are other health careers you could consider on the above site.
Original post by Wired_1800
I would suggest that you stick with Natural Sciences because it is broader and could create some flexibility during your degree. The only issue that I can see is that you don't have Math as a subject.


Maths isnt essential for all NS programs - Bath as one example,
Original post by McGinger
Maths isnt essential for all NS programs - Bath as one example,

Ah great, that should help the OP. Thanks.
Original post by Wired_1800
I would suggest that you stick with Natural Sciences because it is broader and could create some flexibility during your degree. The only issue that I can see is that you don't have Math as a subject.

If you are super keen on a specific course like Bio-med, then go for it. My general advice to young people is to start broad and then specialise as you go through your studies. Unfortunately, I have seen and read of sad stories from people who started with a specific or niche subject then had to drop out as they could not move to another subject without starting all over.

Overall, I’d suggest natural sciences, if you can meet the requirements. Good luck

oooo okay thank youu
Original post by normaw
If job security is key, you could consider an allied health professional career such as radiography. There is a national shortgage of both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers. You would also receive an annual payment of £6,000 per year (or more) to help fund your degree. The A level subjects you have taken meet entry requirements for a radiography degree.

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/roles-allied-health-professions/diagnostic-radiographer/diagnostic

There are other health careers you could consider on the above site.

ooooo okay thank you so much I will definitely look into this
For Radiography, or any other frontline healthcare role, you will need relevant caring experience - so you need to organise this now.
More NHS roles here - https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/explore-roles

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