Degree dilemma

[PinkArcher]

Not an AIBU but I've posted in the Higher Education board and they're all snoozing/studying/watching I'm a Celeb, so thought I'd post here.

Archer

I am a mature student and my passion is animals. I have several level 3 qualifications in the subject as well as a foundation degree in canine behaviour.

Now, my dilemma is I really want to do a BSc degree in animal management as it seems a logical next step. However job wise there's not really any money to be made in the industry (unless you're a vet) and so it's kind of not going to lead anywhere.
I am thinking about doing a course which enables me to teach animal management at college, which I am already qualified for with the qualifications I already have.

The other degree I'm thinking of doing is a BA in Health and Social Care. Now, I'm not passionate about the subject but it's what I do at the moment (animal jobs are scarce and it fits in nicely around my children). I enjoy the job and a degree in the subject allows me to progress, and I could become an NVQ/Apprenticeship assessor which are highly needed as there are so many health care assistants being trained every year.

Which degree do I do????

If you are already qualified to teach, why do you need a teaching qualification? But in any case, this is the route I would go as it is in the area you love and pay would be on par with the health care.

Sorry I didn't make myself clear. To teach animal management at college you need a level 3 or higher in an animal related subject plus experience - which I have, but you also need a diploma in education and training to enable you to teach. The diplomas are at level 3 or 5. I'm just doing the 3 because my subject is vocational. For academic subjects such as English or maths you ideally need a level 5 or a PGCE which is degree level.

And thank you for your opinion. My heart says the animal course too.

Follow your heart, apply to teach animal management, work as a bank HCA until you gain employment, good luck

I've worked at land-based colleges and universities where animal related degrees were taught and in all cases graduate employment was good.

When in doubt, follow your heart and your passion and study what you love.

I'm a mature student and I definitely, definitely would choose your passion. Whatever you choose, you will have to sacrifice family time and fun things to study - at least part of the time. If you're not 110% interested in it and motivated, then what is already hard will be an absolute nightmare and that stress will negatively impact your family - as well as being horrible to go through yourself.

As a mature student and parent, passion is far more important than for the average 18 year old student.

I have a family member who teaches animal management, loves it

Thank you all for your input. I think I will go for the animal one.

I'm a FE teacher. You could apply for the job regardless of teaching qualification. FE colleges regularly employ unqualified teachers and then immediately enrol them into the DET (teaching qual). It's a hard 2 years but you earn a full time salary and then move up the scale once qualified. It's more important to be industry competent and vocationally qualified than teaching ad that can be easily done.

Oh really @Mummabear2212 that's interesting. I might look into that. Thanks.