Exploring unchartered academic fields

Picking a course to study can prove to be an arduous task if like me, you’re not exactly sure where your interests lie. This could be because you have so many that it’s hard to settle on one or perhaps that you’ve gone completely blank on what course may suit you best. Whichever the case may be, I can assure you that it’s perfectly okay to be unsure!

Having performed well in Biology, Chemistry and Economics for most of my academic career leading to university, the likely choice for my degree was to go with either of the three. However, upon reflection, I realised I didn’t particularly enjoy either. Although a pretty good incentive, I wouldn’t advise that you pick a degree solely on the basis that you’re good at the subject. There’s so much more to consider. For instance, career options, how best the degree matches your current skill set, what you ultimately want to gain after your university education, interests, personality and of course ….. entry requirements. 

There are several degrees that don’t require you to have any formal background in the subject; take a look at those. Take me for example! Before university, I had never studied Philosophy OR Psychology and that’s my degree now. It may seem daunting at first but it’s completely fine to explore new academic fields. Of course, you will need to do some preliminary research; perhaps talk to a few students who study those degrees but ultimately, you shouldn’t let inexperience stop you. 

For you, the path less travelled could make all the difference. you’ll never know unless you try!