Do i change course?

Hi, i just need some advice on whether I am being silly. I have done a gap year and I am now in my first year of psychology at Northumbria university. I'm enjoying the course, however I have developed a passion for journalism and believe that changing to do English language would allow me to work more towards that as a career option. I do understand that I can still go into it with my current degree. The question I am asking is whether i should move to do English language at Newcastle university next year, bare in mind I have done a gap year and would be more than 2 years older than the youngest students. The next question I ask is, would I benefit more from being at a Russel group uni and do employers care about university ranking or is it more about the experience you have?

Reply 1

ageshallnot

21

Original post by cauliflower cat

Hi, i just need some advice on whether I am being silly. I have done a gap year and I am now in my first year of psychology at Northumbria university. I'm enjoying the course, however I have developed a passion for journalism and believe that changing to do English language would allow me to work more towards that as a career option. I do understand that I can still go into it with my current degree. The question I am asking is whether i should move to do English language at Newcastle university next year, bare in mind I have done a gap year and would be more than 2 years older than the youngest students. The next question I ask is, would I benefit more from being at a Russel group uni and do employers care about university ranking or is it more about the experience you have?

Basically, no and no. Can you write? Can you demonstrate your interest in journalism to potential employers? Are you prepared to study a master's in journalism?

Reply 2

McGinger

20

Stick with Psych. Get a 2:1 or a First, and then do a postgrad in Journalism - example Journalism MA | 2025 | Postgraduate

If you look at the careers of most well known journalists, they did a first degree in the widest range of degrees possible, not 'English' - it clearly doesnt give you any sort of advantage.

Reply 3

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post by cauliflower cat

Hi, i just need some advice on whether I am being silly. I have done a gap year and I am now in my first year of psychology at Northumbria university. I'm enjoying the course, however I have developed a passion for journalism and believe that changing to do English language would allow me to work more towards that as a career option. I do understand that I can still go into it with my current degree. The question I am asking is whether i should move to do English language at Newcastle university next year, bare in mind I have done a gap year and would be more than 2 years older than the youngest students. The next question I ask is, would I benefit more from being at a Russel group uni and do employers care about university ranking or is it more about the experience you have?

Hey there 😃

If you genuinely enjoy studying Psychology, there’s no need to switch to English Language! You can still pursue a Master’s in Journalism without a problem. In fact, your psychology background could be a huge advantage - you’ll have a deep understanding of how the mind works, making your writing more compelling and engaging! ✍️

As for the age gap, don’t stress about it at all! I did a year abroad and came back a year older than my coursemates, but honestly, no one even noticed. University is such a diverse space where people of different ages and backgrounds share the same journey 🎓

And when it comes to your future career, employers care far more about your experience than the university’s ranking. So, focus on career development opportunities like internships, global programmess, and trainings. Those will make the biggest difference when you graduate! 🚀

I hope it will be helpful 💪 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 4

cauliflower cat

OP

10

Hi, just wanted to thank you all for your help. I'll be sticking with psychology.

Reply 5

Techbrokamm

3

Original post by cauliflower cat

Hi, i just need some advice on whether I am being silly. I have done a gap year and I am now in my first year of psychology at Northumbria university. I'm enjoying the course, however I have developed a passion for journalism and believe that changing to do English language would allow me to work more towards that as a career option. I do understand that I can still go into it with my current degree. The question I am asking is whether i should move to do English language at Newcastle university next year, bare in mind I have done a gap year and would be more than 2 years older than the youngest students. The next question I ask is, would I benefit more from being at a Russel group uni and do employers care about university ranking or is it more about the experience you have?

You’re not being silly at all—it’s great that you’re thinking carefully about your future!

If journalism is your passion and you feel that an English Language degree will better equip you for that path, switching might make sense. However, as you mentioned, psychology can still lead to journalism, especially if you gain relevant writing experience through student media, freelance work, or internships.

Regarding university ranking, while being at a Russell Group university like Newcastle can carry some prestige, employers in journalism often prioritize experience, portfolio, and networking over university name. Having a strong portfolio of writing, internships, and real-world experience will likely matter more than the ranking of your university.

One approach could be to stay in psychology while actively building journalism experience, or, if you’re certain English Language aligns better with your career goals, making the switch despite the age difference—it’s never too late to follow your passion!

Reply 6

cauliflower cat

OP

10

Thank you for all of your responses. I think a part of me wanting to change course is that I'm fixated on the idea of going to a Russel group university. Am I going to be missing out on benefits if I stick with Northumbria?

Reply 7

PQ

PS Reviewer

21

Original post by cauliflower cat

Thank you for all of your responses. I think a part of me wanting to change course is that I'm fixated on the idea of going to a Russel group university. Am I going to be missing out on benefits if I stick with Northumbria?

Why do you think that you would have a better experience at a university focused on research?

RG universities divert millions of tuition fee income into subsidising their research.

(edited 1 month ago)

Do i change course?

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