Don’t know what course to pick for uni

4

My a level subjects are completely different I do a btec science and Rs and sociology. If I want to do a science course I can do a foundation year or I’m either thinking of law. I don’t have much time to decide but I’m conflicted. My predicted grades aren’t that high for competitive unis for law anyways which I initially wanted to go for. So now I’m stuck and I was hoping someone could advise me. I don’t want to regret not doing one than the other. And the deadline for ucas applications is coming through

Reply 1

Wired_1800

20

Original post

by A.x17

My a level subjects are completely different I do a btec science and Rs and sociology. If I want to do a science course I can do a foundation year or I’m either thinking of law. I don’t have much time to decide but I’m conflicted. My predicted grades aren’t that high for competitive unis for law anyways which I initially wanted to go for. So now I’m stuck and I was hoping someone could advise me. I don’t want to regret not doing one than the other. And the deadline for ucas applications is coming through

Use the A level explorer tool from UniGuide and it would suggest some courses.

https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/a-level-explorer/psychology

Good luck

Reply 2

katla1

8

Original post

by A.x17

My a level subjects are completely different I do a btec science and Rs and sociology. If I want to do a science course I can do a foundation year or I’m either thinking of law. I don’t have much time to decide but I’m conflicted. My predicted grades aren’t that high for competitive unis for law anyways which I initially wanted to go for. So now I’m stuck and I was hoping someone could advise me. I don’t want to regret not doing one than the other. And the deadline for ucas applications is coming through

You could always take a gap year, so you have longer to decide, and then don't end up in something you don't really want to do!

Reply 3

Manchester Met - Student Rep

Official Rep

16

Original post

by A.x17

My a level subjects are completely different I do a btec science and Rs and sociology. If I want to do a science course I can do a foundation year or I’m either thinking of law. I don’t have much time to decide but I’m conflicted. My predicted grades aren’t that high for competitive unis for law anyways which I initially wanted to go for. So now I’m stuck and I was hoping someone could advise me. I don’t want to regret not doing one than the other. And the deadline for ucas applications is coming through

Hey @A.x17 ,
It is completely understandable to feel the pressure right now, especially with the deadline approaching. Having a mix of BTEC Science, RS, and Sociology actually gives you a broad skillset, so don't feel like your subjects are "limiting" you; they actually open more doors than you might think.

Here is some advice to help you make a decision you feel confident about:
1. Reassessing Law
Don’t be discouraged by "competitive" university grades. Many excellent universities offer Law degrees with more flexible entry requirements, and they still provide great paths into the legal profession.

•

The Reality: If Law is your passion, don't give up on it just because of predicted grades; look for universities that match your current profile.

2. The Science Foundation Year Route
A Foundation Year is a brilliant "safety net." I have done it myself because of my average grades, but it still helped ease into the 3-year course of my journalism course.

•

The Reality: It gives you an extra year to get comfortable with lab work and academic writing before the "real" degree starts. If you enjoy the hands-on side of your BTEC Science, this is a very solid, supportive path.

3. How to Choose
When you’re stuck between two paths, try to look past the degree and consider the daily work:

•

Law involves a huge amount of reading, analysing complex texts, and writing long arguments.

•

Science usually involves data analysis, lab reports, and learning technical systems.

•

Ask yourself: Which of those tasks would you rather be doing for the next three years?

4. No Choice is "Permanent"
Remember, even if you pick Law, you can still work in sectors related to Science. If you pick Science, you can later do a Law conversion course if you still have the desire to be a lawyer.

The most important thing right now is to pick the subject that genuinely interests you the most. You’ll always get better grades in a subject you actually enjoy. For more help, look at UCAS subject guides and find a course you want to do: https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/subject-guides?query=

I also want to echo what the other comment mentioned about considering a gap year. If the deadline feels too rushed, taking a year out is a great way to gain some experience to see which path actually clicks with you. Alternatively, you could explore apprenticeships; so please don’t feel pressured to rush into a choice just for the sake of the deadline. There is always more than one way to reach your goals.

Best wishes! 😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

YSJ_Alex

Official Rep

12

Original post

by A.x17

My a level subjects are completely different I do a btec science and Rs and sociology. If I want to do a science course I can do a foundation year or I’m either thinking of law. I don’t have much time to decide but I’m conflicted. My predicted grades aren’t that high for competitive unis for law anyways which I initially wanted to go for. So now I’m stuck and I was hoping someone could advise me. I don’t want to regret not doing one than the other. And the deadline for ucas applications is coming through

Hi A.x17,

Jumping on the gap year train! I was in exactly the same position - I was super overwhelmed, unsure which course I wanted to do (psychology or history), or whether I wanted to go to uni at all. At the end of it I decided I didn't want to take the risk of regret, so I took a gap year. I'd definitely recommend it if you're open to it - I had a year worry-free, taking a proper break from education and just relaxing and making a bit of money so I could go into uni feeling more prepared. At the end of it I was a couple grand up and feeling excited about starting my course, having fully thought it through, rather than dreading it and confused.

It's not for everyone but I'd give it a good think if you're still unsure. You can go to uni whenever you want - no rush! :thumbsup:

Best wishes,
Alex
Student Ambassador

Reply 5

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by A.x17

My a level subjects are completely different I do a btec science and Rs and sociology. If I want to do a science course I can do a foundation year or I’m either thinking of law. I don’t have much time to decide but I’m conflicted. My predicted grades aren’t that high for competitive unis for law anyways which I initially wanted to go for. So now I’m stuck and I was hoping someone could advise me. I don’t want to regret not doing one than the other. And the deadline for ucas applications is coming through

Hey there,

You are not alone in feeling conflicted, especially with the UCAS deadline approaching. LSBU offers flexible routes, so mixed subjects and predicted grades do not automatically limit your options. The focus is on potential, support, and progression rather than just competitiveness.

If you are considering science, LSBU offers foundation years that are ideal if you have not studied traditional science subjects. These help you build core knowledge and confidence before progressing onto the full degree. For Law, you do not need specific A level subjects, and your background in sociology and RS fits well with the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills required. The Law course is structured to be supportive and accessible from the start.
LSBU is a place where students with different backgrounds come together and figure things out with support, rather than being expected to have everything decided already. Choosing a university that supports you and keeps pathways open can reduce the risk of regret.

You are always welcome to explore LSBU a bit more and get a real feel for what student life is like here. We have a Southwark open day: Saturday 7th February 2026 where you can hear more about our courses and support. If you would prefer to see the campus in person you can book a tour https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/study-at-lsbu/open-days on a day that suits you and get a sense of the spaces you would be studying in. You can also chat to our current students https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/student-life/chat to hear honest experiences and get answers to any course questions you might have.

LSBU Admissions Ambassador

Reply 6

UniofLawStudent4

Official Rep

5

Original post

by A.x17

My a level subjects are completely different I do a btec science and Rs and sociology. If I want to do a science course I can do a foundation year or I’m either thinking of law. I don’t have much time to decide but I’m conflicted. My predicted grades aren’t that high for competitive unis for law anyways which I initially wanted to go for. So now I’m stuck and I was hoping someone could advise me. I don’t want to regret not doing one than the other. And the deadline for ucas applications is coming through

Hello, I completely understand what you’re going through. When deadlines are looming, it can be overwhelming with the choices you have before you, especially if those choices lead down different paths in the future. What you’re going through is rather common, especially since your subjects are not always on one clear path.

With what you have told us, you still have ways of getting into science and law, but in different ways. With a BTEC in Science alongside RS and Sociology, you are not closed off from either option. If you’re leaning towards science, a foundation year is not a fallback or a failure. It’s a recognised pathway designed for students whose subjects don’t fully align but who have the ability and motivation to succeed.

Many students go on to do very well after a foundation year, particularly when they’ve had contextual factors affecting their education. If you’re considering law, it’s important to know that law is not restricted to students with perfect predicted grades or traditional A-level combinations. Subjects like RS and Sociology are highly relevant because they develop critical thinking, evaluation, and argumentation, which are central to legal study. Where you study law matters far less than how you engage with the degree once you’re there.

Rather than asking which option feels safer right now, it can help to ask which subject you would still be willing to commit to when it becomes challenging. Both science and law are demanding, and interest often matters more than perceived prestige.With the UCAS deadline approaching, you do not have to fully decide yet. You can apply strategically by mixing your choices, for example, law at universities with contextual or flexible entry requirements alongside science courses with a foundation year. UCAS allows you to keep options open until offers come back.

Predicted grades are not the final word. Many students progress through contextual offers, foundation years, or Clearing and still go on to successful careers. There is no single “right” timeline. Most importantly, there is no irreversible mistake here. Many people change direction later through postgraduate routes or conversion courses.

Feeling unsure does not mean you’re behind; it just means you’re being thoughtful. If you want, I can help you structure your UCAS choices or talk through which option best fits your strengths and how you study.

Kind regards,

Faith

MA Law (Conversion) student at the University of Law and ULaw Ambassador

Don’t know what course to pick for uni

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