The Student Room Group

Firming a uni

This may sound silly to say but there are reasons

York - History and politics (Joint Hons) - 3yrs, love politics, Russell group, could possibly open more doors?, struggle to afford financially (Parents earn 50k a year - but wouldn't be able to financially support), love York and the uni, couldn't take my car if on campus, further from home (not too far), gives more independence, like the modules, not much nightlife?
VS
NTU - History and secondary education (QTS) - 3yrs, could live at home, get into teaching quicker, opportunity of a job in the education sector alongside degree, could easily afford to live, less respected?, could take my car, love the sound of the degree, commuting?

For reference my end goal as of yet is secondary teaching, my worry is if I changed my mind would NTU limit my options? Opinions would really help including opinions of current teachers or training teachers would be helpful!

Reply 1

Original post
by brookel
This may sound silly to say but there are reasons
York - History and politics (Joint Hons) - 3yrs, love politics, Russell group, could possibly open more doors?, struggle to afford financially (Parents earn 50k a year - but wouldn't be able to financially support), love York and the uni, couldn't take my car if on campus, further from home (not too far), gives more independence, like the modules, not much nightlife?
VS
NTU - History and secondary education (QTS) - 3yrs, could live at home, get into teaching quicker, opportunity of a job in the education sector alongside degree, could easily afford to live, less respected?, could take my car, love the sound of the degree, commuting?
For reference my end goal as of yet is secondary teaching, my worry is if I changed my mind would NTU limit my options? Opinions would really help including opinions of current teachers or training teachers would be helpful!

Hi @brookel

It definitely does not sound silly and it is really important to consider this decision carefully as it will affect your next few years!

I study Primary Education with QTS, so a little bit different, however I had the same consideration of will it limit my options. For me, I was very set on becoming a primary school teacher so it was the most logical course option for me to pick. Since starting my course, I have also realised the wide range of career options that I will have with this degree, partially due to the wide range of transferrable skills that you learn when studying to become a teacher.

The History and Secondary Education course does sound really interesting and will help you to become a teacher a little bit quicker. I would recommend having a look to see what modules you would study during each year to find out whether it matches your interests. However, if you are still unsure, then the History and Politics degree would not prevent you from becoming a teacher, it would just take a little bit longer as you would have to complete your QTS after graduating, through one of the many different routes that are now available.

I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any questions!

Sophie.
BCU Student Rep.

Reply 2

Original post
by brookel
This may sound silly to say but there are reasons
York - History and politics (Joint Hons) - 3yrs, love politics, Russell group, could possibly open more doors?, struggle to afford financially (Parents earn 50k a year - but wouldn't be able to financially support), love York and the uni, couldn't take my car if on campus, further from home (not too far), gives more independence, like the modules, not much nightlife?
VS
NTU - History and secondary education (QTS) - 3yrs, could live at home, get into teaching quicker, opportunity of a job in the education sector alongside degree, could easily afford to live, less respected?, could take my car, love the sound of the degree, commuting?
For reference my end goal as of yet is secondary teaching, my worry is if I changed my mind would NTU limit my options? Opinions would really help including opinions of current teachers or training teachers would be helpful!

Personally I would get a degree and then do a PGCE as you'll have more options. For Secondary teaching this is the common route.

I don't understand why your parents can't support you. They'll be saving money on your food and heating for your room so they could, at least give you that.

Reply 3

Original post
by brookel
This may sound silly to say but there are reasons
York - History and politics (Joint Hons) - 3yrs, love politics, Russell group, could possibly open more doors?, struggle to afford financially (Parents earn 50k a year - but wouldn't be able to financially support), love York and the uni, couldn't take my car if on campus, further from home (not too far), gives more independence, like the modules, not much nightlife?
VS
NTU - History and secondary education (QTS) - 3yrs, could live at home, get into teaching quicker, opportunity of a job in the education sector alongside degree, could easily afford to live, less respected?, could take my car, love the sound of the degree, commuting?
For reference my end goal as of yet is secondary teaching, my worry is if I changed my mind would NTU limit my options? Opinions would really help including opinions of current teachers or training teachers would be helpful!


Hey @brookel

In case you missed it, we've replied to your question here on this thread 😀

Reply 4

Original post
by brookel
This may sound silly to say but there are reasons
York - History and politics (Joint Hons) - 3yrs, love politics, Russell group, could possibly open more doors?, struggle to afford financially (Parents earn 50k a year - but wouldn't be able to financially support), love York and the uni, couldn't take my car if on campus, further from home (not too far), gives more independence, like the modules, not much nightlife?
VS
NTU - History and secondary education (QTS) - 3yrs, could live at home, get into teaching quicker, opportunity of a job in the education sector alongside degree, could easily afford to live, less respected?, could take my car, love the sound of the degree, commuting?
For reference my end goal as of yet is secondary teaching, my worry is if I changed my mind would NTU limit my options? Opinions would really help including opinions of current teachers or training teachers would be helpful!


Hi brookel,

I had the same thought process when I was deciding what to firm but there isn’t any rush since applications are still getting back to people. If you’ve not gotten all your offers yet then definitely. Also if you haven’t yet then go visit the university’s, they host applicant days and campus tours so you can go and visit the uni to see what it’ll be like and how the city is.

NTU is a really good uni for employability and York is a very prestigious uni so both are great options.

Financially yes NTU would be great since you’ll live from home and you keep your car, however don’t let the worry of finances stop you from the freedom of choice, Personally i worried about finances since i could go to manchester where i lived or move to liverpool. I saved up money from my job back at home and got a job in liverpool when i moved which kept me financially more stable (i get minimum sfe so i do get the worry as my parents cant support me as well)

Overall both choices are good and don’t feel rushed to choose yet, do some planning of what your life could be like by looking at accoms you’d want to live at, societies at the uni, facilities, jobs you can apply for, etc.

Also for the car thing most people leave their car first year since it’s a financial burden when you can just walk around the city unless you need to commute, second year housing normally lets you keep your car there which is useful since housing is normally a bit further from campus while accoms are walkable.

Goodluck on your choice and whatever you pick will be right for you!

Anthony
student rep

Reply 5

NTU is your best bet. What uni you go to doesn’t matter anymore unless you go to oxbridge or elite tier unis for corporate / STEM roles. Save your money, live at home and use the time you save from living at home (no need to cook etc) to get work experience and build your network. NTU also has far better nightlife! You also have the advantage of having your car which essentially means infinite freedom. When others are graduating and scraping for income you have 3 years of income to your advantage!

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