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Which university?

I am currently in college studying classic civilisation, religious studies and philosophy with predicated grades of A*AA. I am currently stuck between going to Chester university (entry requirement BBC) and doing philosophy, religion & ethics or doing a split degree in philosophy and history at university of York (entry requirement AAB). My end goal is to be a religious studies teacher so I’d either go to Chester and then continue to do a masters and pgce or switch to go there from York after my undergraduate. I have pros and cons for both, Chester is more directly linked to what I want to do, but the course at York is more interesting, York seems to be full of more students but it’s also extremely expensive so I’d barely have any money to do anything else, and if I go to Chester I feel like I won’t be pushing myself and I’ve heard that it’s a lot of older students which I’m not sure how I feel about . So my main question is that if you are student of either university can you tell me the pros and cons, literally anything, sorry for the long paragraph

Reply 1

University of York

Official Rep

Hey!

It's so lovely to see how much thought you’re putting into your options and overall your future. 👏

With predicted grades of A*AA, you are in a very strong position academically. That gives you the opportunity to choose somewhere that will stretch and challenge you. It’s completely understandable to weigh up entry requirements and think about where you’ll feel comfortable, but you’re clearly capable of meeting York’s offer - and sometimes being in an environment that pushes you a little is where you grow the most.

You mentioned that the course at York sounds more interesting to you, and I think that’s really important. You’ll be studying this subject for three years, reading extensively, writing essays, and having in-depth discussions. Being genuinely excited by what you’re learning makes a huge difference to your motivation and enjoyment. Philosophy combined with History would give you a really strong academic grounding too, not just in abstract thinking and ethics, but in historical context, argument, and analysis. Those are incredibly valuable skills for someone who wants to teach Religious Studies. In many ways, it could actually make you a more versatile and well-rounded humanities teacher in the long term.

In terms of career pathways, both routes can absolutely lead you to becoming a Religious Studies teacher. Ultimately, you’ll need a relevant degree and then a PGCE or equivalent teacher training qualification. A Philosophy and History degree from York would not close any doors! If anything, it keeps more options open. You could still pursue a Master’s in Religious Studies afterwards if you wanted to specialise further, and having studied at a research-intensive university can be beneficial when applying for competitive postgraduate courses.

You also mentioned wanting to push yourself which stands out. If part of you feels that Chester might not challenge you enough, it’s worth listening to that instinct. University is one of the few times in life where you’re encouraged to immerse yourself in academic exploration and really test your abilities. With your predicted grades, you clearly have the potential to thrive in a demanding environment.💛

Regarding student life, York has a large and vibrant undergraduate community - especially with our college system offering that mico-community within it all. It’s very much a traditional university setting with over 250 societies, social sports clubs, academic discussion, and people who are enthusiastic about their subjects. If you’re hoping to be surrounded by students who are academically driven and similar in age, York is likely to offer that kind of environment. The size of the student body can actually be a positive - it means more opportunities, more societies, and more chances to meet people with similar interests. The campus aspect definitely makes it feel more welcoming and cosy too, it's lovely seeing familiar faces regularly. 🏡

The financial concern is completely valid, and it’s sensible that you’re thinking about it. York can defo be financially student-friendly, and our students are always sharing money saving tips and tricks. . Many students budget carefully, or take on part-time work if they need to, and still have a fulfilling university experience - our 6 on campus venues means loads of students work on campus which makes it super accessible and social in and of itself. It’s worth looking closely at maintenance loans, accommodation options, and realistic living costs before assuming you’d struggle significantly. For many students, it’s manageable with planning and it’s an investment in three years of education and personal development.

Whatever you choose, you absolutely can become a Religious Studies teacher. But given your grades, your ambition, and the desire to challenge yourself, York sounds like a place where you could really find your best self.💚

You can always have a look at some student vlogs and blogs if you want more insight overall!
Watch student vlogs
Read student blogs

Best of luck,
-T😊