What can i study at uni? To improve my communication and public speak?

[Vibing]

Just that really....
Context -
I work in healthcare and have a degree.
I lost confidence over the years - usual tale...raised kids alone, now young adults. Divorced after 11 years. A relationship (if u could call it that for 8 years). In a relationship (if u could call it that lol of 5 years). I have a pattern, im aware doh.

Bullied at work these past 3 years (management aware)

And i feel like ive lost my voice. Speaking in front of people brings on a physical reaction...i shake, my voice shakes, my chest and neck go so blotchy, neon red face, sweating. Cant get my words out. Horrible.

Ive been working on myself, getting fitter, getting a routine at home. Securely attaching to myself. Work, ive storming through stuff.

Id like to go back to uni part-time. I have time for studies. The communication, not being able to voice myself in front of peers is my next thing to sort. Possibly my biggest challenge to overcome.

If i could study something that is to do with communication, strategy, networking, speaking.
That would be a bonus.

Ive searched a few local uni's. Lucky i live near leeds. Theres two uni's there. Theres also sheffield, manchester and liverpool at a push.

Ive been searching their brochures. But im not sure what to look for. I think i want to stay away from healthcare stuff.

Anything that would challenge my communication outside of my comfort zone - politics, business, project management but have no idea really

@Vibing

I wonder whether something different would be more appropriate as your next step, OP, something where you build on your confidence in speaking before embracing a new course of study.

I think that Toastmasters do that kind of thing.

https://toastmasterclub.org/portal.php?marknow=0

Oh ill have a look at that thank you!

I think this looks good @TheSquareMile . Do you know how much it is to join?

Perhaps join a local amateur dramatic group. You could start backstage and then audition for small speaking parts in plays..? Great way to develop speaking confidence. Or even a choir if you enjoy music!

Going to uni has to be for a subject you really love(otherwise you're likely to quit when it gets tough), not to overcome a skill you find difficult.

Uni is such an enormous investment of time, energy and time - I'd get yourself in a better place first.

I would advise therapy + a hobby/club that gets you out there as a first step. Again, pick something you enjoy or think you might enjoy. Maybe something with a short commitment first (a short course- 6-8 weeks?).

I agree with @TheSquareMile , havexa look for courses that build confidence in public speaking, something that can be completed in a couple of weeks / months rather than a uni course.

I think once you have ( literally) found your voice it will give you more confidence when applying for uni / work / life in general.
Also if you get the chance to practice amongst friends that may help.
Are you going to a birthday/ anniversary/ wake / prize giving ect where you could give a short toast to the person(s) to get some practice in.

@Vibing

I'm not sure how much it is, but I can see that they have a meeting next week!

There's a contact number on their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/leedscitytoastmasters

How about volunteering for a charity as a speaker I used to present to local groups (rotary, WI, that kind of thing) they give you all the information and practice makes perfect sense. I hadn't done it before!

This guy is world renowned for his teaching people how to speak in public , his course looks very interesting

https://www.bbcmaestro.com/courses/richard-greene/public-speaking-and-communication

Pretty sure that there is no student funding for a second degree unless it’s a healthcare degree

It doesn't feel like a uni course is what you need for the issues you describe. My first thought was stand-up comedy courses, of which there are many and most are not really about becoming a stand up but about building those skills for speaking confidently. There's loads if you search, including online ones: https://jill-edwards.co.uk/online-comedy-courses/online-stand-up-comedy-workshop

My other thought was this which can also be done online and have heard great things about it doing just the kind of thing you need -https://guiltyfeminist.com/big-speeches/

Or if you need in person, am sure there'll be classes that cover improv and such, to boost confidence and skills for speaking in public, owning your space and all of that good stuff. Really worth doing. Hope you find one and enjoy it.