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Head vs heart for degree choice

Really torn between two completely different degree pathways- joint hons Maths and Economics BSc, or Fine Art BA.
For the maths/economics, I’d be doing it because I do well in both (am hoping for As in AS in both), it’s a very useful and respected degree, and I’m aware not everyone would be capable of completing it, which would put me at an advantage in the job market. I find some parts of both subjects interesting. However, I don’t feel truly passionate about either, and am yet to find any postgraduate jobs in either area particularly appealing, as I don’t want to work in finance, and am not super enthusiastic about statistics or other data oriented work. I’d be doing this degree solely to “have it in my back pocket”, so to speak.
For art, I am really passionate about it. I got a grade 9 in Art GCSE, and have just gotten a 96% (A) in my AS (specialism Photography). It’s never really felt like work, has always been the subject I look forward to in my day, and I feel I would really enjoy the course. It’s still a degree, so would get me onto any graduate programmes anyway, and artistic jobs (eg tattooist, photographer) really appeal to me. However, I know these job markets are very densely saturated with talented individuals, and that the degree itself is held in far less esteem, hence the head vs heart conundrum.
I need to have a personal statement written by October, which is currently impossible as I can’t write one that applies to both.
Thoughts?
Original post by hwh1tl0w29
Really torn between two completely different degree pathways- joint hons Maths and Economics BSc, or Fine Art BA.
For the maths/economics, I’d be doing it because I do well in both (am hoping for As in AS in both), it’s a very useful and respected degree, and I’m aware not everyone would be capable of completing it, which would put me at an advantage in the job market. I find some parts of both subjects interesting. However, I don’t feel truly passionate about either, and am yet to find any postgraduate jobs in either area particularly appealing, as I don’t want to work in finance, and am not super enthusiastic about statistics or other data oriented work. I’d be doing this degree solely to “have it in my back pocket”, so to speak.
For art, I am really passionate about it. I got a grade 9 in Art GCSE, and have just gotten a 96% (A) in my AS (specialism Photography). It’s never really felt like work, has always been the subject I look forward to in my day, and I feel I would really enjoy the course. It’s still a degree, so would get me onto any graduate programmes anyway, and artistic jobs (eg tattooist, photographer) really appeal to me. However, I know these job markets are very densely saturated with talented individuals, and that the degree itself is held in far less esteem, hence the head vs heart conundrum.
I need to have a personal statement written by October, which is currently impossible as I can’t write one that applies to both.
Thoughts?

I would personally go for the fine art in this case (even though I more of the maths and economics person).

There would only be a handful of jobs where you would need specific degrees in economics and/or mathematics. If you don't like maths, stats, or economics related jobs, then the degree doesn't make much sense.

Having said that, did you know that you can do some MAs in Fine Art with an undergrad in any subject? e.g.
https://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/fine-art/postgraduate/ma-fine-art-csm#application-process
https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/E10112/fine-art#entry
https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/courses/ma-fine-art (you might need to check)
https://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/fine-art-ma.aspx (via experience or ability)
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/fine-art-masters-ma#entry (via portfolio)
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/finartma/ (via portfolio)
https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/a243/fine-art-ma#applying (via professional experience)
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduates/2024/32925-fine-art-ma (via professional qualifications and experience)
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-fine-art
Do check with the individual university to confirm whether this is the case.

Also, you can go into fine art related roles with a degree in economics and maths. This is because more fine arts related roles don't require you to have any qualifications, just proven skills and a good portfolio (experience is often expected though).
Do the fine art! The phrase that stood out is that its never really felt like work.
You'll regret it if you don't, as you slog through all the maths stuff
Reply 3
Suggestion - between school and this decision, take a 1-year Art & Design Foundation Diploma.
Art & Design Foundation Diplomas (Art foundation) (thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk)

This will expose you to more Art forms, more specialist staff and give you an idea about whether or not this IS what you want, or having done that, you are ready to pursue other degree areas. Recommended as a 'pause and think'.
Original post by McGinger
Suggestion - between school and this decision, take a 1-year Art & Design Foundation Diploma.
Art & Design Foundation Diplomas (Art foundation) (thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk)
This will expose you to more Art forms, more specialist staff and give you an idea about whether or not this IS what you want, or having done that, you are ready to pursue other degree areas. Recommended as a 'pause and think'.

My daughter did this and it really helped her decide what she wanted from her Fine art degree (and what she didn't want too!) a very helpful year if you are unsure.
Reply 5
Original post by McGinger
Suggestion - between school and this decision, take a 1-year Art & Design Foundation Diploma.
Art & Design Foundation Diplomas (Art foundation) (thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk)
This will expose you to more Art forms, more specialist staff and give you an idea about whether or not this IS what you want, or having done that, you are ready to pursue other degree areas. Recommended as a 'pause and think'.


Thanks so much for this, I am having a year off in between anyway to clear my head and had been looking into tutoring, but I have just found a Level 3 certificate in Art & Design that explores different mediums and is only once weekly. Obviously that’s level 3 instead of level 4, so is only a side step as opposed to progression, but it’s far cheaper and means I could work alongside it. Do you reckon that would have similar value in terms of helping me specialise art-wise, or is it only worth it if it’s level 4+ and full time?
Link here: https://wvr.ac.uk/study/level-3-certificate-creative-craft-ceramics-2
Reply 6
Original post by hwh1tl0w29
Thanks so much for this, I am having a year off in between anyway to clear my head and had been looking into tutoring, but I have just found a Level 3 certificate in Art & Design that explores different mediums and is only once weekly. Obviously that’s level 3 instead of level 4, so is only a side step as opposed to progression, but it’s far cheaper and means I could work alongside it. Do you reckon that would have similar value in terms of helping me specialise art-wise, or is it only worth it if it’s level 4+ and full time?
Link here: https://wvr.ac.uk/study/level-3-certificate-creative-craft-ceramics-2

Find out the exact title of the qualification - ie. is it a BTEC, City and Guilds, UAL or what?
The description is a bit vague.
Reply 7
Original post by McGinger
Find out the exact title of the qualification - ie. is it a BTEC, City and Guilds, UAL or what?
The description is a bit vague.


NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Creative Craft (Art & Design), recognised by Ofqual. Looks okay to me?!
Original post by hwh1tl0w29
Thanks so much for this, I am having a year off in between anyway to clear my head and had been looking into tutoring, but I have just found a Level 3 certificate in Art & Design that explores different mediums and is only once weekly. Obviously that’s level 3 instead of level 4, so is only a side step as opposed to progression, but it’s far cheaper and means I could work alongside it. Do you reckon that would have similar value in terms of helping me specialise art-wise, or is it only worth it if it’s level 4+ and full time?
Link here: https://wvr.ac.uk/study/level-3-certificate-creative-craft-ceramics-2

Do level 3 (or specifically anything of NVQ Level 3 or equivalent or lower e.g. A Level, BTEC Level 3, GCSE, etc.), otherwise you might not get the funding you need for the uni degree.
Reply 9
Original post by hwh1tl0w29
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Creative Craft (Art & Design), recognised by Ofqual. Looks okay to me?!

Its a vocational/leisure qualification - it doesnt have much academic clout.
If you do intend to apply for Architecture, you need to check with your likely Unis that they will accept this alongside your A levels.

I would also suggest that you go to some Uni Open Days and listen to the subject presentations about both Law and Architecture courses - and make sure that the Arch course is accredited by RIBA.
Reply 10
Original post by McGinger
Its a vocational/leisure qualification - it doesnt have much academic clout.
If you do intend to apply for Architecture, you need to check with your likely Unis that they will accept this alongside your A levels.
I would also suggest that you go to some Uni Open Days and listen to the subject presentations about both Law and Architecture courses - and make sure that the Arch course is accredited by RIBA.


I appreciate it, but I’m not super interested in architecture anyways, it’d be fine art I’d be looking into :smile:

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