Advice needed from people who didn’t go to university

Here’s the thing, I don’t want I go to university, to me it feels like 3 years of my life building debt in something I’m not greatly interested.
Ive been offered a place at the RAD to do dance education, which is an online course, however there is a local college that have offered me a place to dos a diploma in dance education(DDE) which is a level 4 qualification, equivalent to year one of a BA. This feels like a more practical option for me, I could work part time and continue to teach at my dance school which is what i want. Then when I’ve finished my DDE I could go on to get my diploma in dance pedagogy(DDP) which is a level 6 qualification, equivalent to a full BA.
To me this seems infinitely preferable, but at some point I will have to broach this which my parents who want me to get a degree in case later in life I change my mind, which is solid logic but I feel I would not thrive doing a degree.
I have a gap year to figure this out and tell my parents, that is if i get my A-Level grades which I’ve given up on slightly because id don’t want to go. So any advice on what to do and how to tell my parents wold be appreciated

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 1

Adnaan1904

I totally get where you’re coming from. University isn’t for everyone, and it sounds like you’ve already found a path that you’re passionate about and that actually works for you. That’s something to be proud of.

That said, I’ll be honest, I did go to university, not because I was passionate about it, but because I wanted to keep doors open. It wasn’t always exciting at the time, but long-term, it gave me the flexibility to land my dream job. And if that job ever disappeared tomorrow, I’d still have those qualifications to fall back on. That kind of backup can give you a lot of peace of mind. Plus, I paid for my university fees by getting a job on the side and with help from parents and family as I didn’t want to be in debt at the end of it. It’s not a solution for all as circumstances differ and the level of work needed behind each degree also differ. I digress.

Your parents probably feel the same way. They’re not trying to push you into a boring, academic path for no reason, they’re likely just thinking, “What if later on, you change your mind or need to pivot?” From their perspective, a degree feels like a safety net, not a limitation.

But the route you’ve described (the DDE and then the DDP) seems very practical and structured. If you can show them that this isn’t a rushed decision, but something that still leads to serious qualifications and stable work, they may come around. Try to reassure them that you’re still thinking long-term, and you’re just choosing a path that better fits your learning style and goals.

For them, encouraging a traditional degree isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about protecting your future and ensuring you won’t be stuck later if things don’t go as planned. They’ve seen more of life than you have and likely understand how quickly passions can fade, industries can change, and opportunities can dry up. So, when they push for a degree, it’s likely coming from a place of deep care, not control. They’re simply expressing their desire to know that you’ll be okay, even if your dreams change.

Here’s the key: if you want them to take it seriously, you have to show that you’ve taken their concerns seriously too.

Before you sit down with them, ask yourself:

- What fears might they have about my chosen path?
- What would reassure them that I’ve really thought this through?
- Can I explain how this path still gives me solid options later?

If you approach the conversation not just to defend your choice, but to build a bridge between your vision and their worries, they’re more likely to genuinely listen and it shows them that you’ve heard them too. You’ve got a gap year to plan and breathe, so take your time and make your case with clarity and maturity. If they see how committed and thoughtful you are, that’ll speak louder than any qualification.

Good luck!

Reply 2

FiBox

There are no rules to say you can only go to university immediately after school. A three year degree is something you could do in a few years time if you feel like it/it would be helpful to your future. And at that point you might have a better idea of what you want it for. Lots of people go back to university to change career course later after having done one degree. If the qualifications you are looking at are what is needed for your current chosen career path then a few years following that path is fine. However, please don’t give up on your A levels - employers will still look at them even for something like dance teaching as there will be a whole admin side to the role as well.

Reply 3

McGinger

If the college Level 4 qualification is acceptable to industry employers, that sounds a far better option that anything offered online. You can always promise your parents that if within 5 years your career isn't progressing, you will reconsider and think about another pathway.