Changing Subjects
I have recently received an unconditional offer from the university of Birmingham for criminology. My original choice was to do law but instead because of my grade uncertanties decided to choose criminology instead. My thinking was to do first year criminology and then switch to a law degree. The questions I have are (i) would the unconditional offer be withdrawn (ii) If i am able to make this first year switch and (iii) if i should email the school about this and request for a switch. Any advise? UPDATE:I GOT INTO LLB!!!!!
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 1
Original post
by notaydanlolhahaI have recently received an unconditional offer from the university of Birmingham for criminology. My original choice was to do law but instead because of my grade uncertanties decided to choose criminology instead. My thinking was to do first year criminology and then switch to a law degree. The questions I have are (i) would the unconditional offer be withdrawn (ii) If i am able to make this first year switch and (iii) if i should email the school about this and request for a switch. Any advise?
As you have an unconditional offer, you must already have your grades. Do those grades meet the entry requirements for Law at Birmingham? The reason I ask is that, like most universities, Birmingham will want you to meet the Law entry requirements, even if your initially study Criminology. They make this clear on their Programme Changes page, where they say, "Applicants must have demonstrated that they meet the academic criteria and requirements for the new Programme."
If you do meet the entry requirements for Law, then you should contact them now to request the switch rather than waiting until the end of first year - as it may be impossible then. Asking them won't jeopardise your existing offer for Criminology.
Reply 2
Thanks for this. Do you know if these switches are common? and if they can be successful?
Reply 3
Original post
by notaydanlolhahaThanks for this. Do you know if these switches are common? and if they can be successful?
It's quite common for students to apply for one course and then change their mind before starting, contact the uni, and be offered a place on a difference course instead. It also quite common for the same thing to happen in the first few weeks of starting in Year 1.
The obstacles to doing so are:
1. Do you meet the entry requirements for the course to which you want to switch?
2. Is there place on the course to which you want to switch? The sooner you make the request, the better the chance that there's still space available.
Reply 4
20
Original post
by notaydanlolhahaThanks for this. Do you know if these switches are common? and if they can be successful?
As @DataVenia says, it's not uncommon for students to ask to change programme either before they start, or very soon after they have started.
It's best to make the change before you start.
The problem with asking to change after you've started is simply this: your request might be turned down. And then you need to decide what to do -- will you continue on a course that you don't really want to do, or do you withdraw? If you leave it too long then you use up a year's worth of student finance (the "gift year").
There's normally a very tight time limit to change course. That might only be a couple of weeks into term.
It's best not to start a course you don't intend to complete.
In some ways you might be better off waiting to see what results you get; then you could choose to take a gap year, and reapply with achieved grades. If you don't do well enough for law you could continue on with the criminology course and not take a gap year.
If you do take a gap year, it's worth considering getting a job and earning some money; that will take away some of the financial stress that students experience.
Reply 5
Original post
by notaydanlolhahaI have recently received an unconditional offer from the university of Birmingham for criminology. My original choice was to do law but instead because of my grade uncertanties decided to choose criminology instead. My thinking was to do first year criminology and then switch to a law degree. The questions I have are (i) would the unconditional offer be withdrawn (ii) If i am able to make this first year switch and (iii) if i should email the school about this and request for a switch. Any advise?
Hi there,
Congratulations on your unconditional offer! If you’re thinking about switching to Law after your first year, it’s definitely worth checking the university’s policy on transfers. Most universities allow students to transfer if they perform well in their first year and meet any specific entry requirements, but this can vary.
Your unconditional offer for Criminology wouldn’t be withdrawn just for enquiring about a switch, but it’s always best to confirm with admissions. I’d recommend emailing the university now to ask about their transfer process and requirements. If switching after first year is possible, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking the right modules to align with the Law degree.
If you’re set on studying Law, it might also be worth asking if they would consider switching you now rather than waiting a year. Universities sometimes allow this if there’s space on the course. Reaching out to admissions early will give you a clearer idea of your options! All the best!
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