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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

Help needed please! Geog or History degree?

38 replies

Horsemad · 10/09/2016 09:45

DS is applying for 2017. He is studying Maths, Geog & History. Is reasonably good at all 3 but has no 'passion' for any of them.

AS results were AAC (C in Geog which was a surprise as he put a lot of work in but wasn't far off a B).
For background, he got A at GCSE for Geog & A* for History.

Doesn't know what he wants to do. Doesn't want a gap year.
Had been considering Geog after visiting several open days. Is now undecided whether to do Geog or History and is a bit 'rabbit in the headlights' as he needs to write a PS and doesn't know which subject he will apply for!

I think his C in Geog has made him reconsider but not sure what to advise him.

Any ideas please?

OP posts:
pilpiloni · 10/09/2016 10:48

I'd actually say geography if he's interested in the subject matter, especially physical. There's huge demand for people with skills in mapping, gis, geology, remote sensing

AnyTheWiser · 10/09/2016 10:40

Well, I know it was some time ago, but during years one and two we did a subsidiary course too, so he could choose history, archaeology, geology etc for those?

Original poster
Horsemad · 10/09/2016 10:28

He prefers physical to human but can't decide how to choose between Geog or History - enjoys both subjects!

OP posts:
Pestilence13610 · 10/09/2016 10:25

Geology?
How do his grades split between physical and political/human geography?
DD1 got As for all the physical stuff and Ds for human, changed schools to do geology.
Oceanography?
If he short lists some unis he could research all their options and may find one that appeals.

Original poster
Horsemad · 10/09/2016 10:14

He is very outdoorsy which is why I wasn't surprised when he opted for Geog after the open days.

I really do think his confidence has been jolted by his C in the AS and it's a panic reaction but don't want to sway him myself.

I personally think Geog would be the better course for him but it has to be his decision...

OP posts:
AnyTheWiser · 10/09/2016 10:08

Well, geography offers all that Harriet mentions, plus learning a lot of IT/computing skills, maths and statistics, practical skills such as surveying, sampling etc. Geography is actually very good for working in almost any field afterwards as it's classed as an academic degree but has a lot of skills taught on it.
I've never used my actual degree subject for a job, but the skills I learnt during it I've been employed for in every job since.
Lots of healthy outdoor types on the course though, so beware if he doesn't like the outdoors! He'll have to do Human courses :-)

HarrietVane99 · 10/09/2016 10:00

History offers a lot of transferable skills - being able to read and assimilate and extract relevant information; construct an argument with supporting evidence; write coherently to a word limit and a deadline; give a presentation, if the course requires students to give seminars.

Pestilence13610 · 10/09/2016 09:58

Has he thought outside the box a bit and considered something like anthropology?
May reignite his passion to do something related but different.

Original poster
Horsemad · 10/09/2016 09:57

He wants to do a degree as he realises that without one his career options are narrowed.

Where we live decent jobs are scarce and pay is low so he recognises that further study would be better.

OP posts:
gallicgirl · 10/09/2016 09:57

I agree. He might be better looking at entry level jobs with career training or apprenticeships.

Can the careers service help him?

HarrietVane99 · 10/09/2016 09:55

Has he considered the amount of reading he'll need to do if he opts for history? Most universities put their reading lists online these days. Get him to have a look, if he hasn't already.

But I would question whether he should be applying for university at all if at this stage he doesn't know what he wants to study. Why does he want to go? What does he think is the point of doing a degree?

Original poster
Horsemad · 10/09/2016 09:51

His current thinking is to do History and possibly a Law conversion.

I just want to know which degree offers most transferable skills?

OP posts:
BombadierFritz · 10/09/2016 09:48

gosh i'd be advising him to just get a job. he doesnt sound ready to spend upwards of 50K on a uni degree if he cant decide between geography and history. its quite 'small thinking' as well to stick to the a level topics. has he looked into other related type degrees?

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