How do you find university course?

[Areyousorted12]

DH or I never went to university. DD is going GCSEs this summer but is being asked to pick A levels now. I said think about what you want to do at university. I have no idea says DD. What do I say to help her pick something? What should she be looking at? Any tips/advice very welcome.

Thanks Xenia. I think we are getting somewhere now.
I will re read the threads about IB vs A levels and points vs grades then DD will gave more of an idea about how to move forward.

Geography can be a very versatile topic, as well as being an incredibly interesting one.

• Town Planning
• tourism and travel journalism
• meteorology
• useful when paired with humancentric topics such as Anthropology, or Sociology.

You can't go far wrong with geography!

Sorry, I meant to add that the list I've given are options of careers using Geography.

Probably not in line with the OPs DDs interests but I know a physical geographer who's doing research ... doubt it's well paid but sounds very interesting. The definition of geography may need expanding, they don't necessarily confine themselves to the study of the Earth nowadays!

What does she enjoy, what is she good at, what kind of job/lifestyle would she want? Sometimes all of these match up - good. If not theN Prioritise between these 3. If not sure, then make choices to keep options open - eg do subject combinations that can allow for a wide range of further study/jobs (

If she is not daunted by the organisation and effort required for the IB then it would be a good choice for her. Maintaining some maths and a science would be helpful for geography or economics. English ditto for many careers including law. German of course would be included. If well taught theory of knowledge and international slant would be interesting for somebody like her who may be heading towards social sciences or combined degrees. Suggest to her to look at the syllabuses for her preferred subjects in IB and A level in case one appeals more than another. Also look at how good the exam grades are for A levels versus IB students at the sixth form.

I know Geographers who are also Chartered Surveyors and others that work for mining companies. Another is an expert drink buyer for a multi national food company. It is a degree with a wide range of careers available. It’s desire to earn well and specific interests that separates students out into various careers and luck!

Being an activist is usually a “career” for the unwaged from whatever background!

I too would say she could convert to law post degree. She should do maths if she wants Economics. Whatever she does, look at any specific A levels wanted for her possible degree. For the environment side of geography, biology is useful but not essential. Combinations of subjects are worth considering because geography has many options.

Maintaining some maths and a science would be helpful for geography or economics

The geographer I know did geography, maths, physics plus English lit to A level. She did this at Cambridge, and the college she applied to would have been happy if she'd kept the Eng Lit and dropped the geography - as they'd be teaching her that. Obviously this doesn't apply everywhere but it's indicative of the fact that geography degrees don't necessarily have specific required subjects, and rather suggests they valued the maths and physics A levels more. Obviously this particular combination may be particularly relevant for those more interested in the physical than human side. ('geography' covers many disparate elements, I guess courses/options vary accordingly)