What’s a good degree for someone who doesn’t know what to choose?

6

My a levels are bio chem math and I’m going to university in 2026. I’m debating between following through with my a level choices and doing biomed as my undergrad but I’m worried about my career options after I graduate. On the other hand I also want to do a business degree (more work life balance and it seems more fun). What should I do

Reply 1

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Don’t go to university yet.

Get a job and see what you like and dislike about it. Learn more about yourself from experiencing work and then come back to university when you’re more certain about what you will enjoy

Reply 2

Picnicl

17

A Scottish degree as no specialising until after the first year. That's why it takes 4 years to complete what only takes 3 years at an English university.

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by PQ

Don’t go to university yet.

Get a job and see what you like and dislike about it. Learn more about yourself from experiencing work and then come back to university when you’re more certain about what you will enjoy

As someone who didn't do this, I 100% second this! I wish I had done this instead of starting a course I realised I didn't like then leaving to spend some years working before figuring out what I really wanted to do anyway :redface:

I could've just skipped the first part and avoided messing up my SFE entitlement if I'd just taken the time to start with (and probably still would have finished my degree sooner than I will!).

Reply 4

Farahelias

9

Original post

by pleen

My a levels are bio chem math and I’m going to university in 2026. I’m debating between following through with my a level choices and doing biomed as my undergrad but I’m worried about my career options after I graduate. On the other hand I also want to do a business degree (more work life balance and it seems more fun). What should I do

Gap year

Reply 5

McGinger

20

Natural Sciences - multi-discipline science degree, and usually you can include units in other degree subjects - example: Welcome to Natural Sciences - The University of Nottingham
Other flexible, 'multi-subject' degrees
BSc Life Sciences (2025 entry) | The University of Manchester
Arts and Sciences BASc - University of Birmingham
BSc Biology with Entrepreneurship - course details (2025 entry) | The University of Manchester

Or, remember that Law does not require any specific A level subjects :
Study law - Queen Mary University of London

Reply 6

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by pleen

My a levels are bio chem math and I’m going to university in 2026. I’m debating between following through with my a level choices and doing biomed as my undergrad but I’m worried about my career options after I graduate. On the other hand I also want to do a business degree (more work life balance and it seems more fun). What should I do

Dear pleen
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your university course you are making a big decision! Exploring university websites and looking at course structures is a great way to see what excites you. If you are considering business, try reading some books on the subject or even taking an online course to see if you genuinely enjoy it beyond just the work-life balance aspect.
Attending open days will also give you a feel for different courses and help you see which one truly sparks your interest. Keep an open mind, and remember that many degrees can lead to various career paths. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you are genuinely curious about and excited to study! Looking forward seeing you in university of Southampton
Best wishes
Junfan, student ambassador

Reply 7

Analyst89

20

You have received excellent advice.

Think this through.

Study a degree which aligns to your career goals.

Reply 8

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

18

Hello there!

If you're unsure about what degree to choose, it's important to consider both your academic strengths and long-term career goals. Your A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Maths provide you with a strong foundation for a Biomedicine or Science-related degree, but if you're drawn to the idea of business and a different work-life balance, it's worth exploring your options carefully.
A Biomedical Science degree can lead to careers in healthcare, research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and laboratory sciences, but it often requires further study or specialization, such as a master's degree or professional training, to open up higher-paying career opportunities. If you're passionate about science, medicine, and innovation, this could be a fulfilling path, but it's worth researching where you see yourself working after graduation.

On the other hand, a Business degree offers more flexibility across various industries, including marketing, management, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Business careers often come with greater work-life balanceand diverse job opportunities, allowing you to enter fields that don’t require years of postgraduate study. If you're interested in leadership, problem-solving, and working in dynamic environments, Business Management, Finance, or Economics could be good alternatives.
If you're truly undecided, a degree that combines both science and business might be the perfect balance. Options like Business and Management, Healthcare Management, or Biotechnology with Business allow you to keep your scientific background while developing business skills.

In Coventry University, you are able to study both

BSc Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science course
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/hls/biomedical-science-applied-biomedical-science-bsc/

BA Business Management course
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/fbl/business-management-ba-hons/

BA International Business Management course
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/fbl/international-business-management-bsc-hons/

Your choice should align with what you enjoy and where you see yourself thriving in the future.

I hope this helps!
Good luck!

Kind regards,
Réka Veres - Coventry University Student Ambassador

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 9

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by pleen

My a levels are bio chem math and I’m going to university in 2026. I’m debating between following through with my a level choices and doing biomed as my undergrad but I’m worried about my career options after I graduate. On the other hand I also want to do a business degree (more work life balance and it seems more fun). What should I do

Hey there 😄

I’ve been in the same position, feeling unsure about what direction to take. Over the years, I’ve gained a clearer perspective on what would have been helpful back then, and I hope my insight can make things a bit easier for you! ✨

Before I dive into advice on making an informed choice, I want to emphasize something crucial: pursue a path that brings you at least some sense of enjoyment. It’s easy to focus on practicality, but remember that you’ll spend far more years working than studying. If you choose a career that doesn’t fulfill you in any way, it can lead to frustration and burnout. A job you genuinely enjoy, even in small ways, can make all the difference in your long-term happiness and success. Your future self will thank you for making a choice that aligns with both your interests and your well-being 😊

It’s time to ask yourself some key questions to gain clarity about your future path:
🔹 What subjects did you enjoy the most in school?
🔹 Do you have any hobbies or passions?
🔹 What are you naturally good at?
🔹 What would you do even without external motivation (like money or pressure)?
🔹 What qualities make up your ideal job?

Take some deep reflection. The more honest and thoughtful you are, the better you’ll understand yourself 🧘*♂️ Next, write everything down and look for connections between your answers.

Found some? Great! 🎯 You’ve just created a basic career profile for yourself. Now, research degrees that align with your interests and skills.

Still unsure? If your list points to multiple career paths, research job roles that match your skills and interests. Focus on:
✅ What the job involves
✅ Key responsibilities
✅ What degree (if any) is required

Once you have all the information, think about which path suits your personality, strengths, and long-term goals best. And if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to bring your list to an academic advisor. They can offer valuable insights and help you narrow down your options 💡

You’ve got this! 🚀✨

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Reply 10

resma

3

Original post

by pleen

My a levels are bio chem math and I’m going to university in 2026. I’m debating between following through with my a level choices and doing biomed as my undergrad but I’m worried about my career options after I graduate. On the other hand I also want to do a business degree (more work life balance and it seems more fun). What should I do

nothing good comes out of a business degree unless your at an elite university, perhaps look at econ or similar courses, could also look at biomed / chem engineering or similar courses

What’s a good degree for someone who doesn’t know what to choose?

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