The Student Room Group

Idk if to switch my uni course

I'm currently studying Film at Northumbria Uni and I honestly have no idea if I like it even though i've had 2 weeks of lectures so far. I was thinking of switching to Business and Marketing or Media and Communications because I THINK i might be interested in a job in film marketing after I finish the degree but I honestly have no idea and it's stressing me out because idek if i'm allowed to transfer but i know if i did it would have to be within 4 weeks which would be by next week. and also if i transfer theres so much to catch up on. I already took a year out and DO NOT wanna do that again I hated it. idk what i'm asking i think i just needed to rant but any advice is welcome <3

Reply 1

Original post by jess14x
I'm currently studying Film at Northumbria Uni and I honestly have no idea if I like it even though i've had 2 weeks of lectures so far. I was thinking of switching to Business and Marketing or Media and Communications because I THINK i might be interested in a job in film marketing after I finish the degree but I honestly have no idea and it's stressing me out because idek if i'm allowed to transfer but i know if i did it would have to be within 4 weeks which would be by next week. and also if i transfer theres so much to catch up on. I already took a year out and DO NOT wanna do that again I hated it. idk what i'm asking i think i just needed to rant but any advice is welcome <3

My advice in general would be take time to decide what you are most interested in, and what opportunities appeal to you after university...

You have a 3 year window to explore your subject/field, build skills & undertake Worthwhile experiences (taking time to make the right choice is valuable), if you absolutely are committed to this academic year, i have the same advise but you will need to have a conversation asap as to if it’s possible (do you have the pre-requisites for the alternative…) and making the most informed decision in the circumstances.

Reply 2

Original post by jess14x
I'm currently studying Film at Northumbria Uni and I honestly have no idea if I like it even though i've had 2 weeks of lectures so far. I was thinking of switching to Business and Marketing or Media and Communications because I THINK i might be interested in a job in film marketing after I finish the degree but I honestly have no idea and it's stressing me out because idek if i'm allowed to transfer but i know if i did it would have to be within 4 weeks which would be by next week. and also if i transfer theres so much to catch up on. I already took a year out and DO NOT wanna do that again I hated it. idk what i'm asking i think i just needed to rant but any advice is welcome <3

Hi @jess14x ,

Lots of people go through this and wonder if they have made the right decision with their course so you are not alone in feeling like this so try not to worry too much. My best advice would be to make an appointment with the careers team at your uni as they will see lots of people who feel like this and can help you to have a think about what you might want to do as a career after uni. They are also usually quite good at helping you to have a look at what kinds of careers might be available to you with your degree and they might have seem someone similar in your position so will be able to help you with this.

It's also worth talking to the business department at your uni as they might be able to help you decide which of these courses you think would be right for you. They should be bale to answer your questions about modules, exam types etc so you can see if you think the course would be for you. It might also be worth seeing if you can talk to any current students on those courses as sometimes having a students perspective is very helpful!

I wouldn't let the fact that you have to catch up put you off- if you really want to change, it will be so much easier to catch up 4 weeks of work rather than a years worth if you changed your mind after first year. You will be able to catch up if this is what you want to do.

I would also say that if you wanted a job in film marketing, both film and a business/marketing degree sound like good options to go into this so either would be okay. Again, this is when the employability or careers team are good people to talk to as they can help you with this!

Try not to stress yourself out too much - you will always have options and there will be a way into what you want to do (within reason) after uni so don't think that this decision will define the rest of your life because it won't!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 3

Original post by jess14x
I'm currently studying Film at Northumbria Uni and I honestly have no idea if I like it even though i've had 2 weeks of lectures so far. I was thinking of switching to Business and Marketing or Media and Communications because I THINK i might be interested in a job in film marketing after I finish the degree but I honestly have no idea and it's stressing me out because idek if i'm allowed to transfer but i know if i did it would have to be within 4 weeks which would be by next week. and also if i transfer theres so much to catch up on. I already took a year out and DO NOT wanna do that again I hated it. idk what i'm asking i think i just needed to rant but any advice is welcome <3

Hi there,

I can definitely understand what you're going through. It can be tough to feel doubt surrounding your entire degree course, but just know you are not alone in feeling this way! I didn't switch my entire degree, but I changed from a physical geography focus to a human geography focus in first year. I was supported by everyone the entire way, and the process was made super easy for me.

I think the best thing for you to do would be to schedule a meeting with your PAT/head of your current department and with the careers team. With your PAT/head of current department, discuss why you aren't enjoying the course and why you think you want to change. They can talk you through anything you have concerns about, and can also signpost you to other people who can help you. The careers team can talk you through your ideas for work after you graduate, and might help you to carve out a plan.

It's essential you organize meetings to talk to people, as they have likely done this a number of times! They are super knowledgeable on the process, and are more than willing to help you out!

Also, don't let the extra work to catch up put you off. It might be hard at first, but if this is what you really want to do, then it will be worth it. You'll be able to catch up, and you'll be fine! Obviously you should talk to the relevant departments before you make the switch, but keeping in regular contact with them to ensure the move was seamless is important to make sure you are caught up.

It's a big choice, so make sure you are fully informed before you make any decisions. Whatever you do, make sure it is what you want. Best of luck! 🙂

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Reply 4

Original post by jess14x
I'm currently studying Film at Northumbria Uni and I honestly have no idea if I like it even though i've had 2 weeks of lectures so far. I was thinking of switching to Business and Marketing or Media and Communications because I THINK i might be interested in a job in film marketing after I finish the degree but I honestly have no idea and it's stressing me out because idek if i'm allowed to transfer but i know if i did it would have to be within 4 weeks which would be by next week. and also if i transfer theres so much to catch up on. I already took a year out and DO NOT wanna do that again I hated it. idk what i'm asking i think i just needed to rant but any advice is welcome <3

Hi

I think that the best thing that you could do is to speak to your university admissions department within the university as they will be able to best advise you on what is possible considering your current qualifications etc.

I hope this helps.

Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps
Original post by jess14x
I'm currently studying Film at Northumbria Uni and I honestly have no idea if I like it even though i've had 2 weeks of lectures so far. I was thinking of switching to Business and Marketing or Media and Communications because I THINK i might be interested in a job in film marketing after I finish the degree but I honestly have no idea and it's stressing me out because idek if i'm allowed to transfer but i know if i did it would have to be within 4 weeks which would be by next week. and also if i transfer theres so much to catch up on. I already took a year out and DO NOT wanna do that again I hated it. idk what i'm asking i think i just needed to rant but any advice is welcome <3


Hi Jess,

Sorry to hear this. I would suggest contacting your personal tutor or programme leader to discuss your options and they will be able to help you with making an informed choice about what to do next. You could also contact Ask4Help through your student portal for advice on this as they will have delt with situations like this before with students considering transferring courses.

If you’re thinking about your future career and how your degree will prepare you for this our graduate futures team will be happy to help. You can book careers appointments here: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/planning-your-career/careers-and-employment/ and discuss possible opportunities available after your degree and the different career paths that changing degree could lead to in order to help inform your decision.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions 🙂

Steph
Northumbria UG Rep
(edited 8 months ago)

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