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Further education

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

Original poster

Any advice on last two uni choices please?

32 replies

ifonly4 · 02/10/2018 12:04

DD changed her mind re: her choice of university course. She's now interested in either sustainable development (which she is particularly interested in various aspects of) and if she goes down this route would like to work for a government depart dealing with sustainability issues alongside current day requirements. She is also interested in liberal arts as she loves her current A level subjects and would do modules (geography, music & philosophy) in these as well as incorporating some sustainability - she's always believed in not restricting your education. Her personal statement so far relates heavily to sustainability, but will include subjects like music and philosophy. She predicted AAA (A geography) and has chosen three unis to apply to requiring A*AA, AAA & ABB. She still has to decide on the other two: The choices are:

St Andrews, AAA, selection of modules in first two years then concentrating on sustainability for two years. Course perfect for her, but feels it's that step too far from home (400+ miles) and she'd feel cut off (she schools in another county so it's not nerves of moving from home). Also very similar to where she schools at the moment so doesn't feel like moving on to a new challenge.

Durham, AAA sustainability. She is already applying for an AAA course, is this too much applying for another aspirational and we haven't looked at it

Nottingham, AAA, new Liberal Arts course which looks good for her, nearer home, but they're looking for personal statement clearly geared to liberal arts (she'll have things geared to sustainable development, geography, philosophy and a strong link to music on PS).

Warwick has a number of global sustainability joint honours. She's already applying for SD course there, but has spoken to them and they've confirmed it won't go against her applying for two courses, in fact, it'll confirm how much she's interested in global sustainability with them. Does she put two eggs in one basket and apply for two courses there? Also, as with joint honours she could include philosophy (AAA) or might consider sociology (AAB). It's the closest to us (not that that actually matters to her). We feel the campus is perfect for her type of social life and interests and have no concerns about her being there whatsoever.

Sorry it's long winded, does anyone have any words of wisdom we can pass on.

OP posts:
Peonylover123 · 02/10/2018 15:27

I hugely advise against Warwick, it's in the middle of nowhere and doesn't give a full university experience.

I work with someone who went to St Andrews and whilst there's difficult getting a place, once it's secured, due to the lack of clearing, they still give you the place (usually).

Durham do not usually still give you the place if you miss the grade.

Nottingham is a great and fun city, respected Russell Group and great university experience.

I'd go St. Andrews and Nottingham

Original poster
ifonly4 · 02/10/2018 15:23

I'll mention that to her and quick. She told me at the weekend, her school's deadline for uni applications is 16 October, so hasn't got much time.

OP posts:
geogteach · 02/10/2018 15:02

Has she considered an additional personal statement? My son is applying for one course that is quite different to his others and it was suggested he contact them and ask if they would accept an additional statement from him and they said yes

Original poster
ifonly4 · 02/10/2018 14:47

Thanks for your comments, they're just what I need to put some comments together for DD.

She was actually considering Human Geography but SD seems to be her passion. Had a long discussion at Warwick and they said it helps your application if you have an end focus, which she does, but also not to the extent it's limited to that. There are a number of joint honours at Warwick, and personally I think they should be seriously considered especially philosophy as she's studying that at the moment and enjoys it. She just needs to work out which other options to rule out.

OP posts:
BubblesBuddy · 02/10/2018 13:46

She might like to know that housing developers have to consider sustainable development and there are jobs working for them. Just looking at the government is narrow and policy focussed.

BubblesBuddy · 02/10/2018 13:43

It looks to me that Liberal arts shouldn’t be in the mix. Two aspirational is fine. I would not go against applying for two at Warwick with one joint including SD. The joint honours gives the option of studying a broader range of subjects. I would be inclined to leave Sociology out. I don’t really see how this links with SD given the work she wants. Also lots of SD people do Geography degrees and go into SD for Masters. Also they may become town planners who work in this area. Geography keeps more doors open and is less prescriptive. SD is a narrower focus.

LizzieMacQueen · 02/10/2018 12:42

Just a quick edit point, your * to highlight the grade your daughter is to achieve have resulted in your post being highlighted.