Help! What Degree Do I Pick?

I have recently completed a foundation-year in science and technology in hopes of progressing onto a BSC in Geography next month. However, I am debating switching to Media-Studies.

Can someone provide any insight? The more the merrier. My parents are one-sided and would rather me choose geography over media as they consider media to be a 'hobby', which I believe to be false and completely disrespectful.

Reply 1

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by floarea-soarelui

I have recently completed a foundation-year in science and technology in hopes of progressing onto a BSC in Geography next month. However, I am debating switching to Media-Studies.
Can someone provide any insight? The more the merrier. My parents are one-sided and would rather me choose geography over media as they consider media to be a 'hobby', which I believe to be false and completely disrespectful.

Hi @floarea-soarelui
Do you have an idea of the type of career you would like to go into? If so i would look to see if there's any requirements of what people usually study to get that career.
However, if you are unsure on a career, don't worry and pick the subject your most interested in and think you would enjoy studying the most, as if you enjoy the subject more your more likely to do well in it.
Hope this helps!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 2

University of Bath

Official Rep

@floarea-soarelui ,

One of my best friends at uni was in a really similar decision deciding between two quite different courses, so I completely understand your conflicting feelings! as @Lancaster Student Ambassador says, I'd first and foremost consider what careers you may want for yourself. Please be assured that what you study is not the be-all-and-end-all of your life and simply having a degree will open up a variety of career opportunities, but 3-4 years is a big investment and so its definitely worth considering where you see yourself being happy and fulfilled in the future.

I'd also take a good look at the detailed course content - what modules do both have to offer? Do any of them jump out at you? enthuse you? sound like you would really enjoy them? Its important to put yourself and your needs first. Its much easier to stay motivated by something if you enjoy it and can see yourself following it!

Why not try talking to students (and perhaps teachers) from each course. see if your unis' websites have bookable campus tours if you're able to go, see if anyone from your chosen courses are on Unibuddy, ask questions on your uni's TSR forum about the courses, read students blogs if they are available. Try to get as much info as you can to help you in your choice!

Perhaps have an open, transparent conversation with your parents about your aspirations, needs, and what you want out of life. Have a talk about your options, potential career directions you may be interested in. Listen to each other' points of view, and hear each other.

I really hope that helps, best of luck whichever option you choose for yourself :smile:

Holly
University of Bath

Reply 3

CardiffUni Rep

Official Rep

Original post by floarea-soarelui

I have recently completed a foundation-year in science and technology in hopes of progressing onto a BSC in Geography next month. However, I am debating switching to Media-Studies.
Can someone provide any insight? The more the merrier. My parents are one-sided and would rather me choose geography over media as they consider media to be a 'hobby', which I believe to be false and completely disrespectful.

Hi there,

I partly agree that media skills and experience can be achieved through participating in society activities and getting experience. Whereas many jobs that involve geography require a degree or formal certification. However, it largely depends what kind of career you're interested in, and whether or not you actually are interested in Geography?

Jaz - Cardiff student rep

Reply 4

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by floarea-soarelui

I have recently completed a foundation-year in science and technology in hopes of progressing onto a BSC in Geography next month. However, I am debating switching to Media-Studies.
Can someone provide any insight? The more the merrier. My parents are one-sided and would rather me choose geography over media as they consider media to be a 'hobby', which I believe to be false and completely disrespectful.

Hi there,

I would say that as much as you will value your parents opinion, you need to do what is best for you! You will be studying at University for three/four years so you need to make sure you are doing something that you enjoy and that you will use in the future. I would say that the best thing you can do is go for the course that you think will benefit you the most in your future career. If you have no idea what you want to do, you are better off picking what you are most interested in as this way you will enjoy it more and therefore you will probably do better overall!

If you do want to do media and your parents are against it, try asking them to come with you to an open day and go to some subject talks so that they can see what it will be like and you can always ask some of the lecturers there what kinds of careers people have gone into after leaving university so your parents can see that it isn't just a hobby and you can get good jobs from it.

Talking to some students that study both courses is a good idea too as this is probably the best way you will find out information on the course as students will tend to be honest and transparent about their experience on the course. You can look on here for student's opinion at your specific university or look on platforms such as The Ambassador Platform as there will be lots of people on here to ask!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador :smile: