need help picking course (Humanities vs Stem)

10

Hi guys, I have gotten my results today and have gotten A- English Lit, C- Biology, C- Chemistry. I had initally applied for Biomedical Science, so when i recieved these results I was quite disappointed. However through clearing I was able to get an offer for Biomed through Royal Holloway, and an offer to study Comparative Literature at Uniof Exeter. Initially, Exeter was my firm choice and I had literally planned my whole life in exeter so im really unsure of what to do. I know I would do better studying Literature, but biomed seems more secure and I could potentially be a part of a change within the medical world (I love both stem + humanities!!). I know Exeter is a better uni, but I really don't know what I would do with a Literature course (after graduating). I have 24 hours so any advice is appreciated. Thanks !

Reply 1

ExeterStudentRep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by annoymous72

Hi guys, I have gotten my results today and have gotten A- English Lit, C- Biology, C- Chemistry. I had initally applied for Biomedical Science, so when i recieved these results I was quite disappointed. However through clearing I was able to get an offer for Biomed through Royal Holloway, and an offer to study Comparative Literature at Uniof Exeter. Initially, Exeter was my firm choice and I had literally planned my whole life in exeter so im really unsure of what to do. I know I would do better studying Literature, but biomed seems more secure and I could potentially be a part of a change within the medical world (I love both stem + humanities!!). I know Exeter is a better uni, but I really don't know what I would do with a Literature course (after graduating). I have 24 hours so any advice is appreciated. Thanks !

Hi annoymous72,

First of all, huge congratulations for getting through results day and securing two offers — I know it might not feel like it right now after the surprise in your grades, but you’ve done incredibly well to have good options to choose from.

I can hear the uncertainty in your post, and it’s completely normal! I think the most important thing to remember is that your degree is something you’ll be living and breathing for three years. It’s not just a line on a CV — it’s your day-to-day life, the lectures you attend, the books you read or labs you work in, the people you meet through your course.

If you already know you’d enjoy Literature more and that you’d likely do better in it, that’s a huge point in its favour. The truth is, employers care just as much about your skills, experience, and enthusiasm as they do about the specific subject - and Literature gives you so many transferable skills (analysis, communication, critical thinking) that can lead into publishing, media, law, marketing, teaching, the civil service, and loads more. You don’t have to have it all figured out now - most people don’t!

On the other hand, if Biomedical Science excites you just as much, and you can see yourself spending long hours in labs, tackling heavy science modules, and pursuing roles in research or healthcare, then it could be a great fit. But choosing it only because it sounds “secure” might make the next three years feel much longer and harder.

You mentioned Exeter was your firm and you’ve already imagined life here — that sense of belonging matters more than people realise. Feeling at home in your course and your environment will give you the best chance to thrive academically and personally.

So my advice - lean into the subject that excites you and will keep you motivated. The “secure” career paths exist for both routes if you’re proactive about building experience - but your energy and passion will shine through far more if you love what you’re studying.

Hope that helps!

Klaudia
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

18

Original post

by annoymous72

Hi guys, I have gotten my results today and have gotten A- English Lit, C- Biology, C- Chemistry. I had initally applied for Biomedical Science, so when i recieved these results I was quite disappointed. However through clearing I was able to get an offer for Biomed through Royal Holloway, and an offer to study Comparative Literature at Uniof Exeter. Initially, Exeter was my firm choice and I had literally planned my whole life in exeter so im really unsure of what to do. I know I would do better studying Literature, but biomed seems more secure and I could potentially be a part of a change within the medical world (I love both stem + humanities!!). I know Exeter is a better uni, but I really don't know what I would do with a Literature course (after graduating). I have 24 hours so any advice is appreciated. Thanks !

Hi @annoymous72

Congrats on your results!

I know the feeling of being torn between subjects. I was stuck between choosing an art related course or history for my degree, so I can appreciate how hard it can be to choose.

My first suggestion would be to choose what you enjoy the most. Logical thinking is great in this scenario, but so is thinking passionately too. If you have more of a lean towards one of your subjects, this may be because you enjoy it more. And I personally would rather study something I enjoy and have a passion for.

It does sound like you enjoy both subjects, so if that doesn't help, you can consider future prospects, like you say. There are definitely lots of career options if you were to take the Literature route, they may just not be as obvious as the options for Biomed. Things like publishing, marketing, education, writing in various formats, journalism, etc., could all be potential routes after uni as well as many others, so there are definitely options there. And the same goes for Biomed as there are lots of careers that directly and indirectly link to the subject.

I'm not too familiar with Exeter or Royal Holloway, but some things you can consider to help distinguish your decision could be the distance from home and whether being closer to home is or isn't what you want. You can think about the accommodation and living situation you would have. And also the areas themselves. Have you had a look at what's on offer in wider student and city life? These can seem like little things to consider, but if you're stuck between the two unis, you can use some of these to try and sway your decision.

There is no particular right or wrong option, as you clearly have an interest in both subjects. Just remember that you're studying these subjects for the next few years, so you want to feel confident that you will stay passionate about whichever one you pick going forward.

All the best with your decision! 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU

need help picking course (Humanities vs Stem)

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