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How do I go about choosing a degree?

Key tips

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Take note of what you are interested in and good at This will generate ideas for you. Use these as a starting point for researching options within a field of study.

Make time to explore your ideas and options in more detail Speak to subject and course specialists in faculties, careers advisors, more experienced students and people in the workplace. Ask about the content of courses and scope of the degree.

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Be adventurous

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Be realistic

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Career uncertainty is part of the process

Find out about courses. Don’t just stick to what you know or what has been suggested to you.

Look at entrance requirements. This includes required subjects and grades.

There is plenty of time to investigate different career options at university; you don’t need to decide on a career before applying.

Remember this is your journey. Take ownership of your choices. You are choosing a course of study, but you will spend a lifetime developing your career.

We Offer One-on-One Career Consultations To help learners from Grade 11 onwards make better informed study choices, we provide paid one-on-one career consultation service. To book an appointment, email us at careers.service@uct.ac.za.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is it normal to feel very anxious about choosing a degree?

Yes, feeling anxious is normal as transitioning from high school to university is a big change. Don’t be concerned if your plans are not yet fully developed. Career planning and development are processes that take place throughout your life.

As you develop your self-awareness and gain knowledge, skills and experience you will feel more informed and confident in your choices and career journey.

Significant people in your life may have advice and ideas and may tell you what to do, but the decision about what to study is ultimately yours.

How do you know you are making the right study decision?

One reduces the risk if choices are made after thoroughly researching your options and being realistic about your choices in relation to your interests and abilities. Knowing what the course is about will help you to feel more secure about your choice.

If one has finished studying, what does one do to get the job you want?

When it comes to applying for work, your degree is not the only thing that is required. Become involved in some extra-curricular activities that help develop skills outside of the academic programme as employers look for a variety of skills, in addition to discipline specific skills. Other essential tools are to have a good CV, knowledge of the organisation you are applying to and background on how to prepare for the selection process.

Would an aptitude test help me to decide on a course of study?

Aptitude tests might generate some ideas but will not provide THE answer. YOU will still have to do your own research, check entrance requirements and make decisions!

What if I choose to study something and find I have made a mistake?

This can happen, but it need not be a disastrous false start. Depending on the faculty you can sometimes move from one course to another without losing too much time. Sometimes you may have to start a new course from the beginning or even take time off to thoroughly research your next step. You can lessen the chance of a false start by making sure you understand what the course you are choosing actually entails.

Is taking a gap year a waste of time?

If used well, it can be a valuable time to gather information about study options, get work experience and do career research. If you feel overwhelmed about making a study choice and feel you need more time, taking a gap year may help. Matric can be very busy and stressful, and many learners feel they need more time to gather information to take informed decisions about what to study. There is no law that says you have to study straight after school!