Hi everyone, this blog post is on choosing the right course for you! 

Deciding what to study at university can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s easy to worry about making the wrong choice. In this blog, I will be sharing my top tips on choosing a course with confidence. 

Research is key 

The first most important thing to do is spend time exploring university course pages. Look beyond the course title and dig into details like: 

• What modules will you study?  

• How is the course assessed—through exams, coursework, presentations, or practical projects? 

• Is there opportunities for a year abroad or placement?  

Understanding the structure of a degree can give you a realistic idea of what your day-to-day academic life will look like. I would also watch YouTube videos of “the day in my life” of students to see whether I could envision myself doing a similar thing. Imogen, an RO Ambassador, has made a day in the life video as Psychology student. Watch it here! 

A course might sound quite interesting at first however think about whether the teaching and assessment style suits your strengths. 

Have a taster of the course  

You don’t have to wait until university to experience a subject at a deeper level -> you can test it out by reading a university-level book, watching online lectures, or exploring free courses. This kind of exposure helps you move beyond assumptions and gives you a clearer sense of whether you genuinely enjoy the subject. I’d also recommend getting some related work experience or talking to people already studying or working in that field. 

Think about what you enjoy 

Reflecting on what you genuinely enjoy will help you to choose a course that keeps you motivated over the long term. Do you like practical, hands-on learning, or do you prefer writing essays and analysing ideas? 

It’s okay to not know yet 

It’s completely normal to feel unsure but choosing a course is about narrowing down your options, not guaranteeing your entire future. Take your time to think about these points and do some research which I found helped massively. 

Trailing different subject fields if you’re unsure can be a great starting point and many skills you gain during your degree like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving are transferable across different careers.  

Choosing the right course takes time, research, and self-reflection. By exploring course details, testing your interests, and thinking about your strengths, you can make a more informed decision. If you have any specific queries or are struggling to get started, feel free to reach out to me by the RO ambassador email (ro.ambassador@newcastle.ac.uk) and I’d be happy to help 😊  

Varsika