The Iglu Guide | Blog
Which uni course is right for me?
Every year, hundreds of uni students start their chosen university course in Australia after months of research and consideration. If you have been dead set about a uni course forever and a day, the process couldn’t be easier. But if you’re on the fence, it can be hard to know where to begin. And as the time draws closer, it’s perfectly normal to question every decision you thought you had made. Here’s 8 ways to find the best university course for you.
1. Identify your academic strengths
Think about where you have consistently achieved the highest marks, and enjoyed studying the most. We tend to do best at subjects we enjoy, or those we are most naturally suited towards. You may find that some learning areas just come more easily to you than others. Talk to your teachers and peers and ask for feedback. This will help to gain external insight into your abilities and study habits. A subject that has been improving over time may be an indicator of an emerging skill. Consider your extra-curricular activities as these may help direct you towards a particular discipline such as debating or coding. The ideal uni course will combine your natural academic strength with your learning enjoyment. Finding that sweet spot will help you achieve the best academic results.
2. Explore your interests and passions
Throughout your studies you will be reading, researching and writing about particular topics for a pretty long time. So it stands to reason that it’s important to have plenty of natural enthusiasm for the subject area! Make a list of all your personal interests and think about what excites you most about those activities. Next, think about possible industries that interest you or spark curiosity, and see whether there is any alignment. Try to avoid the pressure of making a course choice based on family expectations. And try not to fall into the trap of making decisions just to maximise the use of your ATAR score. The final choice should ideally result from your personal interests, academic ability and uni course research.
3. Research potential career prospects
Ultimately, your uni course is designed to equip you with everything you need to land a job once you have graduated. Opinions differ wildly as to how useful certain degrees can be, but this can be a subjective debate with no defined answers. Humanities sceptics might argue the benefits of STEM and the sciences, whereas the arts faculty would likely highlight the benefits of critical thinking and strong communication skills in a world punctuated by the anonymity of AI. The truth is that every discipline has a set of transferable skills that will benefit your chosen career, even if it is not directly related to your uni course. But it’s always a good idea to do your research up front:
- Investigate job demand and graduate employability in your chosen field
- Consider the earning potential for the future
- Ensure your chosen course provides the required career skills
- Talk to past students and read about alumni success stories
4. Examine the course structure
Understanding how you prefer to study is an important factor when considering a uni course. It’s important to take the time to thoroughly review each course curriculum that interests you. Check which core subjects and electives are offered, and whether there are any opportunities to specialise. Know how the course is delivered and whether that will suit your particular learning preferences. Some students enjoy the benefits of flexible study, whereas others thrive more with face-to-face tutorials and small group environments. Once you have a short list of courses from a range of university options, it’s time to check the rankings to see how well they do across the field. Whilst this isn’t the only factor that will inform your course choice, it should definitely be taken into consideration as part of your wider research. Don’t forget to double check the course entry requirements and make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Finally, be sure to include some stretch options and a couple of courses that could act as a safety net.
5. Investigate internship and work experience opportunities
Many universities now offer internships as part of the course structure. Internships allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical situation, providing hands on experience with new tools and technologies. They are also a great opportunity to network and make industry-relevant connections. Internships and work placements can be mandatory as part of the course, such as with engineering or health sciences where they contribute towards your final grade. Where they are not mandatory, some university courses recommend internships as a way to elevate your career prospects. Always check the finer details with your course provider as to how the placements are allocated and any particular requirements.
6. Check course flexibility and specialisations
Gone are the days of the standard degree course. Today, students can benefit from custom-built degrees, flexible course delivery, study abroad programs and more. All of these opportunities will add to your wider student experience and better prepare you for the post-university world. This holistic approach to academic study allows students the opportunity to experience real-world learning, improve their employability factor and upskill with new qualifications along the way. The University of Melbourne has shifted entirely to the generalist system whereby specialism is only achieved subsequently at a Masters level. Look out for these options when researching your course:
- Flexible course structure with options to include online modules or evening study
- Courses tailored to your needs and goals with opportunity for cross-faculty electives
- A customised study schedule to suit your timings and reduce stress
- Study abroad as part of your degree
7. Choose your location
Studying in Australia is an absolute no-brainer, but choosing your location is a huge decision that needs some serious consideration. Think about the type of area you want to live in and what the campus culture and social environment will be like. Ask yourself how you like to spend your free time, what you might like to access and how easy that will be. If you’re into the beach, Sydney is definitely the place for you with endless sandy playgrounds at your fingertips. Culture vultures need look no further than the streets of Melbourne and sun seekers will find their natural home in Brisbane. Whichever city you choose, Australia consistently ranks as having some of the best universities in the world.
8. Calculate the cost
Studying overseas can be expensive, which makes getting your course choice right even more important. The tuition fees will vary by discipline, but some universities may offer access to bursaries or scholarships based on academic merit or financial need. Draw up a budget and check that you can afford your choice before committing to a course, taking into account visa application fees, student accommodation costs and living expenses which will vary by city . Getting to and from university can be expensive and will add to the overall cost of living. This is something to consider when choosing your student accommodation.
Take-away tips
- If you’re still stuck, take some time to think. A gap year is a great opportunity to refresh your thoughts, take a break from studying and see the world along the way. It can be a game changer for many students.
- Remember, whilst university rankings are a good indicator, they don’t always tell the whole story.
- Check out the online open days and talk to past students to get under the skin of the marketing.
- Making a change is entirely possible once your course has started. Talk to your uni course advisors if you are having any doubts.
