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HELP - which degree should I do

I’m so confused and stressed, I have no clue what to do at uni. I’m currently starting an Art Foundation course, on which I need to figure out what I want to do at uni, Politics, Philosophy or Fine Art. I’m not sure whether a degree in fine art will set me back in life, I really want to travel and I’m not sure whether a fine art degree would lead to a career that could uphold that lifestyle. Also I’m not sure if it would be looked down upon (my family are Asian).

Thank you
Original post by Bertrandrizzle
I’m so confused and stressed, I have no clue what to do at uni. I’m currently starting an Art Foundation course, on which I need to figure out what I want to do at uni, Politics, Philosophy or Fine Art. I’m not sure whether a degree in fine art will set me back in life, I really want to travel and I’m not sure whether a fine art degree would lead to a career that could uphold that lifestyle. Also I’m not sure if it would be looked down upon (my family are Asian).
Thank you

Hi @Bertrandrizzle

I'm so sorry to hear that you're stressed, I totally understand as university is a big decision and it can feel like a lot of pressure.

Firstly, the important thing to remember is, you still have plenty of time to decide and so you don't need to rush anything.

I would first say, where does your passion lie? If nothing else was a factor and you could choose anything you wanted, what would you love to do? University is better when you are studying something you truly enjoy.

I would also say, politics and philosophy has a lot of general transferable skills such as debating, constructing arguments, analysis, essay writing etc, whereas fine art is a lot more specialist, so it might be worth considering which skills you want to develop and have on your CV depending on your career goals.

I am currently studying Philosophy so I'd be very happy to give you some idea of what studying philosophy is like.

I can't comment on where degrees would lead and whether your family would support it, but I would encourage you to look at the pros and cons of each so you can really think it through and justify your choice, all of your options are great ones so I think you'll be successful whatever you choose.

Let me know if you have any other questions,

Best of luck with your choice!
Gabby
Original post by Bertrandrizzle
I’m so confused and stressed, I have no clue what to do at uni. I’m currently starting an Art Foundation course, on which I need to figure out what I want to do at uni, Politics, Philosophy or Fine Art. I’m not sure whether a degree in fine art will set me back in life, I really want to travel and I’m not sure whether a fine art degree would lead to a career that could uphold that lifestyle. Also I’m not sure if it would be looked down upon (my family are Asian).
Thank you

Hiya @Bertrandrizzle I hope that you're well. I'm a Graphic Design student at Norwich University of the Arts and totally know how it feels to be stuck trying to decide on a degree!

My top tip would be to request a prospectus from a variety of universities (I think I got about 12 even though I knew half of them I definitely wouldn't be applying for), this is a great way to be able to read about course content from a few different courses in a few different universities. You can find our prospectus here where you can request one for free. Alternatively, we have information on all of our courses here: Norwich Uni Arts courses. Attending university open days can also help you to get a feel for each university and what it would be like to study there as well as meet current students.

Our prospectus is a great way to find out where our courses can lead you in the future. Good luck in choosing a course, I know it can be daunting. Happy to answer any questions.

Charlotte, Student Ambassador.

Reply 3

What A levels do you have?
And have you looked at Uni websites for Politics / Philosophy courses?
Hi @Bertrandrizzle

I have no advice to offer you about your family. I’m sorry about that. Maybe your High School or Foundation level teachers might be able to offer insight, as I assume they’ve met them.

I’m in my 3rd year of a Fine Art degree and feel completely prepared for entry into a teacher level qualification, freelance workshop facilitator, or further academic study, all whilst carrying out my own studio practice.

Fine Art teaches you practical skills, but pieces of philosophy, anthropology, sociology and other related academic level studies.

Just make sure you choose a Uni that values a holistic view of what students should study.

Looking around at my friends and acquaintances, I honestly think I’m more prepared for the world out there.

Def shoot me a dm if you have questions.

Andrea. 3rd year student

Arts University Plymouth Rep
Aup.ac.uk
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