Unsure whether to take a gap year
Hey guys,
I start uni next week at Loughborough for PPE and I’m really not sure whether the course is for me after looking at the specific modules. Its global politics modules are rlly limited(global politics is probably the part of politics i like most) and it also has barely any econ modules compared to the same course at York or Lancaster.
The whole reason i picked PPE as a degree over something like History and Politics is bc of the range of career options it allows and the edge it has over pure humanities and I’m worried that if i do it at Loughborough it’s some what of a waste bc i might not be able to meet the requirements of an econ masters degree if i choose to later specialise or apply for certain jobs like working for the Gov Economics Service; they require at least 50% of modules taken to be econ based, which is something im not sure is possible with Loughborough PPE.
However the reason i picked lboro is bc when i visited i really enjoyed the vibes of the campus and the atmosphere and i guess im not even sure whether ill like econ as Ive never studied it formally.
I was initially thinking of just going to lboro and then maybe transfer to York PPE in second year if i like the actual core course but don’t like the options they offer bc of the lack of econ or maybe switch to single honours econ at lboro if i end up enjoying economics. Or maybe ill end up not liking econ that much and want to stay on at Loughborough as theres barely any econ on the course (id be kicking myself though for not taking my offer of history and politics at Warwick then, but that’s besides the point).
I would just take a gap year and reapply to diff unís but I’m not the most organised or decisive person so I’m scared ill stay at home for a year and not be that productive. Also i miss the alevel requirements for York and lancaster PPE and even though i THINK i qualify for a contextual offer id hate to take a whole year out and just end up at a place id dislike more than loughborough (Ive never visited York or lancaster). I’d really really appreciate any guidance or advice
) and I’m sorry for the really long post!
I start uni next week at Loughborough for PPE and I’m really not sure whether the course is for me after looking at the specific modules. Its global politics modules are rlly limited(global politics is probably the part of politics i like most) and it also has barely any econ modules compared to the same course at York or Lancaster.
The whole reason i picked PPE as a degree over something like History and Politics is bc of the range of career options it allows and the edge it has over pure humanities and I’m worried that if i do it at Loughborough it’s some what of a waste bc i might not be able to meet the requirements of an econ masters degree if i choose to later specialise or apply for certain jobs like working for the Gov Economics Service; they require at least 50% of modules taken to be econ based, which is something im not sure is possible with Loughborough PPE.
However the reason i picked lboro is bc when i visited i really enjoyed the vibes of the campus and the atmosphere and i guess im not even sure whether ill like econ as Ive never studied it formally.
I was initially thinking of just going to lboro and then maybe transfer to York PPE in second year if i like the actual core course but don’t like the options they offer bc of the lack of econ or maybe switch to single honours econ at lboro if i end up enjoying economics. Or maybe ill end up not liking econ that much and want to stay on at Loughborough as theres barely any econ on the course (id be kicking myself though for not taking my offer of history and politics at Warwick then, but that’s besides the point).
I would just take a gap year and reapply to diff unís but I’m not the most organised or decisive person so I’m scared ill stay at home for a year and not be that productive. Also i miss the alevel requirements for York and lancaster PPE and even though i THINK i qualify for a contextual offer id hate to take a whole year out and just end up at a place id dislike more than loughborough (Ive never visited York or lancaster). I’d really really appreciate any guidance or advice
) and I’m sorry for the really long post!(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 1
Hey Tee098,
I'm assuming you're looking at the University of York, but I will give some advice as a York St John Student who takes Politics. Personally, I would look at doing your year at Loughborough.
The reason is, as you mentioned, is that you can gain experience of the subjects so you know what you want to tailor towards. If you feel that economics is still something you wish to do, it means you can get an insight into that. As well, if you wish to transfer, you will be more likely to achieve it if you can prove you are achieving the grades in your current modules from 1st year, rather than just A levels alone; you will have to speak to their admissions team on what they are looking for. Overall, you might find you actually really enjoy the course and wish to stay. At the same time - don't feel obligated to remain with your course if you really feel its not for you.
The other part to bear in mind is that I am going to assume you have accommodation at Loughborough, obviously, this will be an entire task in itself to deal with.
On the other hand though, if you really did want to take a gap year, it means you can work up any finances ready for university; obviously, you will need to decide soon, as your student finance will likely have come out to pay the university - I think theres only so long before it officially goes through and you can't claim it back.
But to convince you of York, it is honestly a great city. I came from a not-so-great area, and so when I came to York, it was like everything was just gold compared to previous. It's got a lot of stores, so if you like shopping; definitely consider. Otherwise, it's really well connected with trains, buses etc. You can get to Leeds on the train/bus for about £3, as well as Scarborough for £3 on the bus. There's a good range of activities, and honestly, it's just a nice place. Really good for cycling routes as well.
Hope this helps.
Koen.
I'm assuming you're looking at the University of York, but I will give some advice as a York St John Student who takes Politics. Personally, I would look at doing your year at Loughborough.
The reason is, as you mentioned, is that you can gain experience of the subjects so you know what you want to tailor towards. If you feel that economics is still something you wish to do, it means you can get an insight into that. As well, if you wish to transfer, you will be more likely to achieve it if you can prove you are achieving the grades in your current modules from 1st year, rather than just A levels alone; you will have to speak to their admissions team on what they are looking for. Overall, you might find you actually really enjoy the course and wish to stay. At the same time - don't feel obligated to remain with your course if you really feel its not for you.
The other part to bear in mind is that I am going to assume you have accommodation at Loughborough, obviously, this will be an entire task in itself to deal with.
On the other hand though, if you really did want to take a gap year, it means you can work up any finances ready for university; obviously, you will need to decide soon, as your student finance will likely have come out to pay the university - I think theres only so long before it officially goes through and you can't claim it back.
But to convince you of York, it is honestly a great city. I came from a not-so-great area, and so when I came to York, it was like everything was just gold compared to previous. It's got a lot of stores, so if you like shopping; definitely consider. Otherwise, it's really well connected with trains, buses etc. You can get to Leeds on the train/bus for about £3, as well as Scarborough for £3 on the bus. There's a good range of activities, and honestly, it's just a nice place. Really good for cycling routes as well.
Hope this helps.
Koen.
Reply 2
Original post
by Tee098Hey guys,
I start uni next week at Loughborough for PPE and I’m really not sure whether the course is for me after looking at the specific modules. Its global politics modules are rlly limited(global politics is probably the part of politics i like most) and it also has barely any econ modules compared to the same course at York or Lancaster.
The whole reason i picked PPE as a degree over something like History and Politics is bc of the range of career options it allows and the edge it has over pure humanities and I’m worried that if i do it at Loughborough it’s some what of a waste bc i might not be able to meet the requirements of an econ masters degree if i choose to later specialise or apply for certain jobs like working for the Gov Economics Service; they require at least 50% of modules taken to be econ based, which is something im not sure is possible with Loughborough PPE.
However the reason i picked lboro is bc when i visited i really enjoyed the vibes of the campus and the atmosphere and i guess im not even sure whether ill like econ as Ive never studied it formally.
I was initially thinking of just going to lboro and then maybe transfer to York PPE in second year if i like the actual core course but don’t like the options they offer bc of the lack of econ or maybe switch to single honours econ at lboro if i end up enjoying economics. Or maybe ill end up not liking econ that much and want to stay on at Loughborough as theres barely any econ on the course (id be kicking myself though for not taking my offer of history and politics at Warwick then, but that’s besides the point).
I would just take a gap year and reapply to diff unís but I’m not the most organised or decisive person so I’m scared ill stay at home for a year and not be that productive. Also i miss the alevel requirements for York and lancaster PPE and even though i THINK i qualify for a contextual offer id hate to take a whole year out and just end up at a place id dislike more than loughborough (Ive never visited York or lancaster). I’d really really appreciate any guidance or advice) and I’m sorry for the really long post!
I start uni next week at Loughborough for PPE and I’m really not sure whether the course is for me after looking at the specific modules. Its global politics modules are rlly limited(global politics is probably the part of politics i like most) and it also has barely any econ modules compared to the same course at York or Lancaster.
The whole reason i picked PPE as a degree over something like History and Politics is bc of the range of career options it allows and the edge it has over pure humanities and I’m worried that if i do it at Loughborough it’s some what of a waste bc i might not be able to meet the requirements of an econ masters degree if i choose to later specialise or apply for certain jobs like working for the Gov Economics Service; they require at least 50% of modules taken to be econ based, which is something im not sure is possible with Loughborough PPE.
However the reason i picked lboro is bc when i visited i really enjoyed the vibes of the campus and the atmosphere and i guess im not even sure whether ill like econ as Ive never studied it formally.
I was initially thinking of just going to lboro and then maybe transfer to York PPE in second year if i like the actual core course but don’t like the options they offer bc of the lack of econ or maybe switch to single honours econ at lboro if i end up enjoying economics. Or maybe ill end up not liking econ that much and want to stay on at Loughborough as theres barely any econ on the course (id be kicking myself though for not taking my offer of history and politics at Warwick then, but that’s besides the point).
I would just take a gap year and reapply to diff unís but I’m not the most organised or decisive person so I’m scared ill stay at home for a year and not be that productive. Also i miss the alevel requirements for York and lancaster PPE and even though i THINK i qualify for a contextual offer id hate to take a whole year out and just end up at a place id dislike more than loughborough (Ive never visited York or lancaster). I’d really really appreciate any guidance or advice
) and I’m sorry for the really long post!Hi @Tee098
I'm a biochemist, so can't give super relevant advice, but it might be worth dropping an email to [email protected] to confirm if you would qualify for a contextual offer. I love Lancaster, it feels really friendly and because it's a slightly smaller university there's a really strong sense of community. We're also in a really beautiful part of the UK!
Honestly, you seem really confused and undecided. Maybe it is worth taking a gap year and reapplying. You could use the upcoming year to visit universities, talk to current students online, email the departments with course-related questions, and research the elements of each course more.
Lancaster only has one more Open Day in 2025, on the 11th of October, but we run campus tours all year round if you'd like to come visit. Also, if you apply and receive and offer you'll probably be invited to an Offer Holder Day.
Rebecca (Lancaster Student Ambassador)
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