How to decide between two degrees?

1

I've only just started my A Level course, so I know I still have a bit of time to consider before I need to start applying for university. I have always been really passionate about History, so I planned to do a degree in that, this has been a very long lived aspiration. However, after having one science teacher who just made everything click at GCSE, I started to become fascinated by Biology. As a result, after GCSE Results Day, I made a very impulsive decision to change one of my A Level courses to Biology and I am loving it so much. However, as I will only focus on one subject at my next step, I feel a little disappointed that this will be my very last experience with studying Biology. I'm not sure what I want to do anymore, I don't want to throw away a lifelong dream of mine, but I also don't want to abandon a subject that I started enjoying so recently. I am completely set on becoming a teacher due to reasons that are very important to me, so either degree will lead me to the same career eventually, just in a different subject.

Reply 1

Talkative Toad

22

Original post

by Vie_X

I've only just started my A Level course, so I know I still have a bit of time to consider before I need to start applying for university. I have always been really passionate about History, so I planned to do a degree in that, this has been a very long lived aspiration. However, after having one science teacher who just made everything click at GCSE, I started to become fascinated by Biology. As a result, after GCSE Results Day, I made a very impulsive decision to change one of my A Level courses to Biology and I am loving it so much. However, as I will only focus on one subject at my next step, I feel a little disappointed that this will be my very last experience with studying Biology. I'm not sure what I want to do anymore, I don't want to throw away a lifelong dream of mine, but I also don't want to abandon a subject that I started enjoying so recently. I am completely set on becoming a teacher due to reasons that are very important to me, so either degree will lead me to the same career eventually, just in a different subject.

The best thing if you’re not set on a degree would be to research about the degree (what the course structure is roughly like), go to open/taster sessions if possible, speak to students who have done or are currently doing the degree etc.

Reply 2

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Original post

by Vie_X

I've only just started my A Level course, so I know I still have a bit of time to consider before I need to start applying for university. I have always been really passionate about History, so I planned to do a degree in that, this has been a very long lived aspiration. However, after having one science teacher who just made everything click at GCSE, I started to become fascinated by Biology. As a result, after GCSE Results Day, I made a very impulsive decision to change one of my A Level courses to Biology and I am loving it so much. However, as I will only focus on one subject at my next step, I feel a little disappointed that this will be my very last experience with studying Biology. I'm not sure what I want to do anymore, I don't want to throw away a lifelong dream of mine, but I also don't want to abandon a subject that I started enjoying so recently. I am completely set on becoming a teacher due to reasons that are very important to me, so either degree will lead me to the same career eventually, just in a different subject.

Hi,

I completely understand how you feel. It can be really difficult to choose between two subjects you enjoy, especially when both could lead to the same career. It’s great that you already know you want to go into teaching, as that gives you some flexibility since you could teach either subject depending on what you study.

What helped me when deciding was thinking about which subject I’d be happiest studying in depth for three or more years. It’s also worth looking at university course pages to see what the modules are like for both History and Biology, as that can give you a clearer idea of which one interests you more. As mentioned above, attending open days, course taster events, and speaking to current students can also be really helpful in seeing what the courses are actually like.

You could also think about which subject you’d feel most passionate teaching every day, since that will be a big part of your future career.

Take your time exploring both subjects and see which one feels right for you as you go through your A-Levels.

Hope this helps, best of luck with your studies!

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 3

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

12

Original post

by Vie_X

I've only just started my A Level course, so I know I still have a bit of time to consider before I need to start applying for university. I have always been really passionate about History, so I planned to do a degree in that, this has been a very long lived aspiration. However, after having one science teacher who just made everything click at GCSE, I started to become fascinated by Biology. As a result, after GCSE Results Day, I made a very impulsive decision to change one of my A Level courses to Biology and I am loving it so much. However, as I will only focus on one subject at my next step, I feel a little disappointed that this will be my very last experience with studying Biology. I'm not sure what I want to do anymore, I don't want to throw away a lifelong dream of mine, but I also don't want to abandon a subject that I started enjoying so recently. I am completely set on becoming a teacher due to reasons that are very important to me, so either degree will lead me to the same career eventually, just in a different subject.

Hi @Vie_X

I would love to add on to the excellent advice you have already received.

Here is my go-to advice I always provide:
1) Career path 📈- Look into jobs that focus on history or biology and try to pinpoint which would be more enjoyable for yourself.
2) University 🎓- Is there a specific campus you are looking to study at? If there is, check out the courses they have available alongside the modules taught within courses of interest.
3) Theoretical or Practical 📚 - Do you prefer being taught more theory or prefer a hands-on experience?
4) Assessment type 📝 - This was a big determining factor for myself. You can find the assessment type on the course page. This could be exams, projects, assignments or others.
5) Grades 📨 - Look at the requirements to get onto a course. Would you have the grades to get on? If not you could do a foundation year if available, resit your exams or do an alternative course.

I also would recommend checking out courses that combine both your interests. Some examples could be palaeontology, conservation and more. Also, there is no shame in wanting to change your career path! As you grow up you discover a lot more about yourself, therefore can make huge changes to what you wish your life to be. This is perfectly fine and normal.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Lancashire)

Reply 4

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by Vie_X

I've only just started my A Level course, so I know I still have a bit of time to consider before I need to start applying for university. I have always been really passionate about History, so I planned to do a degree in that, this has been a very long lived aspiration. However, after having one science teacher who just made everything click at GCSE, I started to become fascinated by Biology. As a result, after GCSE Results Day, I made a very impulsive decision to change one of my A Level courses to Biology and I am loving it so much. However, as I will only focus on one subject at my next step, I feel a little disappointed that this will be my very last experience with studying Biology. I'm not sure what I want to do anymore, I don't want to throw away a lifelong dream of mine, but I also don't want to abandon a subject that I started enjoying so recently. I am completely set on becoming a teacher due to reasons that are very important to me, so either degree will lead me to the same career eventually, just in a different subject.

Hiya lovely
Firstly it's completely okay to feel torn — it actually shows how open-minded and passionate you are about learning! It sounds like you’ve discovered a real love for Biology which i might be slightly biased about as I love the sciences, and it’s great that you’re allowing yourself to explore that, even if it’s new. At the same time, your long-term interest in History clearly means a lot to you, and it’s totally normal to feel hesitant about stepping away from something that’s been such a big part of your plans.

The good news is that you don’t have to see it as an “either/or” situation just yet. University isn’t limited to the same subject boundaries as schools with having only like the cour subjects, there are so many courses that bring different fields together! For example, you could look into History and Philosophy of Science, Archaeology with a focus on human evolution, Anthropology, that include both humanities and science perspectives. Some unis also let you take optional modules from other departments, so you could still keep up your interest in Biology even if you major in History (and vice versa).

And since you’re already set on becoming a teacher, both paths will get you there — what matters most is choosing the subject you feel most excited to teach and study in depth. You’ve got plenty of time to explore before making that decision, so don’t feel pressured to have it all figured out right now. You’re doing everything right by staying curious and open to new possibilities.

Kind regards Aneta PhD Chemistry

(edited 4 months ago)

How to decide between two degrees?

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