How to Choose a University Course

1) ______

You’ve decided you want to do a course. Whether you would like to make a career, to find a good job or simply to learn something new, it’s a good idea to think carefully first. Here’s a guide to help you.

2)______

Qualifications prove you’ve acquired knowledge or developed skills. For some careers like medicine and law, it’s essential you have specific qualifications. For others, such as journalism, it helps to have a particular qualification.

Most universities set entry requirements for degree courses. Mature entrants don’t always need formal qualifications, but need evidence of recent study, relevant work experience or professional qualifications. Professional bodies may grant you membership if you have certain qualifications. It’s not always essential to have a qualification. Working knowledge, such as being able to use computer software, can be just as important.

3)______

Your motives will help you choose the best course for your aims and goals. If you are career-driven, you’ll need a course relevant to the profession you’ve chosen. If you are interested in self-development and meeting people, you should find out who else will be on the course. There are work-related (vocational) and academic courses. Further education colleges offer academic courses and work-related courses. Universities offer higher education qualifications, such as academic first degrees, and higher degrees, and the more vocational diplomas.

For career in plumbing, for instance, a vocational course is essential. For teaching you need a degree. However, for many jobs, you have a choice between academic and vocational courses. A vocational course is better if you like doing things and learning practical skills. You might prefer an academic course if you like researching, analyzing and presenting arguments.

4)______

Do you prefer on-the-job training – or do you prefer to research and gather facts? Do you like working in a group covering the same topics and working towards the same goal? If you prefer to work on your own, at your own pace, an open or distance learning course might suit you. You study from home, with the help of tuition packs, computers and tutor support via telephone or e-mail. You can speed through the course or take your time. But for this you do need self-discipline and motivation.

5)______

You might also prefer open or distance learning if:

· you're working and aren't sure how much time a week you can commit to studies;

· you work irregular hours;

· you're at home for some reasons.

Many colleges and training centers now offer flexible open-learning courses, where you can study at your own pace.

6)______

You've decided which subject and type of course you want, and how to study it. You now need to choose between different course titles and providers. There are many courses and they are not of equal value. The only way to assess the quality and value of a course is by research. Read the prospectus (course guide) carefully and note if a course is accredited or validated by a recognized body (this might be an awarding body or a professional body.) This can add extra weight to your qualification.

Don't take everything you read at face value; check out the facts about each course yourself. Ask the course tutor as many questions as you want.

7)______

Be clear of your goal. If you've decided on a particular job, get an idea of what the job's about and if you'll like it. Read careers information, buy trade magazines, and speak to people currently working in the job. This research is well worth it. It's better to take your time rather than doing a course that leads to a job you might not really want. You'll ensure that you don't waste any time or money.

8)______

Plan for when you finish. If you're aiming for a particular job, do voluntary work while studying. If you're doing a language course and want to be a journalist, you could write for the student newspaper or work on the radio. If you want to specialize, or enter your chosen field at a higher level, you could do a more advanced course after completing your first course.