University degree uncertainty

5

I'm in yr13, currently doing A Levels in Biology, English Lit and Psychology, and I really don't know what to study at university. Has anyone studied this A Level combination before, and if so what did you go into? I would say my strengths veer more towards writing, but I do like the science in Bio and Psych. I've spent time looking at various courses but I'm just so confused and nothing is helping me to make a decision

Reply 1

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

12

Original post

by crazyIemon

I'm in yr13, currently doing A Levels in Biology, English Lit and Psychology, and I really don't know what to study at university. Has anyone studied this A Level combination before, and if so what did you go into? I would say my strengths veer more towards writing, but I do like the science in Bio and Psych. I've spent time looking at various courses but I'm just so confused and nothing is helping me to make a decision

Hi @crazylemon ,

It's completely normal to be uncertain of the right path. I'd love to share a bit of advice I used as I personally took a while on deciding my course.

•

Career path - If you have a career in mind, research into the degree that would benefit you the most in progressing throughout that career.

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Passion - Think about what motivates you and what your hobbies may be based around. This can help you unravel what your truly passionate about. It's important to take the degree you will enjoy the most as it could shape your future.

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Student stories - You may find student stories on the university website or on LinkedIn. Looking at the degree they took and the career they are in now can be a great real-life example of where you could end up.

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Asking! - You have already done this one perfectly, as making the decision to ask others for advice can inspire you to take degrees you didn't even think of, or support your current decisions.

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Open days - Attending an open day will provide the opportunity to do taster sessions or ask tutors and students about their experiences. This can help with your decision as you can find details or particular courses and ask about career prospects.

Good luck with your decision, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Central Lancashire)

Reply 2

McGinger

20

You are looking at this from the wrong end of the telescope. Find the degree subjects that interest you and see what the required A level subjects are, rather than focussing on 'what can I do with'. There are enormous range of subjects open to you, including STEM based subjects and those that have no specific A level requirements - everything from Anthropology to Law.

Start by reading the degree subject/course descriptions, and looking at the specific A level requirements for that course - here are two Uni examples to start with :
Undergraduate Courses, Degrees : Study : University of Sussex
Subjects | Courses | University of Liverpool

Reply 3

PleaseGetMe3As

7

Original post

by crazyIemon

I'm in yr13, currently doing A Levels in Biology, English Lit and Psychology, and I really don't know what to study at university. Has anyone studied this A Level combination before, and if so what did you go into? I would say my strengths veer more towards writing, but I do like the science in Bio and Psych. I've spent time looking at various courses but I'm just so confused and nothing is helping me to make a decision

The first step is to figure out if you actually WANT to go to university. The second thing is to think about what you want to get out of your university experience. Is it to gain knowledge on a topic you're passionate about? Will it help you get a particular job you want? Will it give you independence or a good social life? Etc... It gets easier to think about what you want from then

Reply 4

lilacrosepetals

3

Hi!! I'm also in yr13 and studying that exact combo of subjects. I chose those subjects with the degree of forensic psychology in mind - if you like the psychology content, you might want to read into this degree and career path to see if its for you.
Aside from that (as its definitely very personal) I'd make a list of what specific things you like about each subject. For example, the units that you study in each, or the skills learnt. Then match that list to subject areas first rather than specific degrees, then look at jobs that apply the skills you like or research the units you like.
You mentioned you like the science aspect of bio and psych, so maybe look into neuroscience? I have a friend who's looking into cognitive neuroscience and does the same subjects except switch eng lit for sociology.

Reply 5

McGinger

20

Original post

by lilacrosepetals

Hi!! I'm also in yr13 and studying that exact combo of subjects. I chose those subjects with the degree of forensic psychology in mind - if you like the psychology content, you might want to read into this degree and career path to see if its for you.
Aside from that (as its definitely very personal) I'd make a list of what specific things you like about each subject. For example, the units that you study in each, or the skills learnt. Then match that list to subject areas first rather than specific degrees, then look at jobs that apply the skills you like or research the units you like.
You mentioned you like the science aspect of bio and psych, so maybe look into neuroscience? I have a friend who's looking into cognitive neuroscience and does the same subjects except switch eng lit for sociology.

Regardless of the fact that there are very few openings for undergraduates in this sort of work, Forensic Psychology might sound glamorous - it really isnt. I live with someone who deals with violent offenders and sex offenders on a daily basis and its very unpleasant and disturbing stuff. Do something, anything, else.

Reply 6

lilacrosepetals

3

Original post

by McGinger

Regardless of the fact that there are very few openings for undergraduates in this sort of work, Forensic Psychology might sound glamorous - it really isnt. I live with someone who deals with violent offenders and sex offenders on a daily basis and its very unpleasant and disturbing stuff. Do something, anything, else.

I promise you, I'm not blinded by the glamour lol! I didn't mean to make it sound like it was something glamorous for OP to do, more like I think the three subjects go perfectly towards that line of work. Plus, if OP reads on it and likes it, why not? If they gets into the field and hates it, they also have the talent of writing to be able to make books out of the subject, something I've seen many others do. Also, the job has to be done by someone, and if they find out that they really like it, why not?

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