Durham; can DS change his course before he's started?

[Suki2]

Just that. DS has an offer to read English. He now wants to study history. He's an all rounder who found it difficult to choose just one subject to study and as the months have passed he's just finding that he's more drawn towards history.
Do you think there's any chance he could change courses before he gets there and if so when would be the best time to try to do it?

Yes. It's a good year to change - student numbers will be very low. I would try now. And again later if they say no.

Ring them

Yes he could if they have places. Don't ring, email - everyone is working from home!

I'm not at all sure that numbers for History at Durham will be 'very low' this year. What makes you think that?

Hahaha - as if Durham will have History places going spare. We have kids at our school with Oxbridge offers rejected by Durham including History.

However if you don't ask you won't know.
However remember unis are being asked to be flexible with their offer holders so they may have to prioritise offer holders who miss their grades. Is his English an A*AA offer? Most History ones are.

DD has just rejected an unconditional History offer at Durham for Exeter.

I think Durham do a liberal arts degree where he could perhaps continue with both?

Thanks for the messages; it confirmed what I was thinking, that he should ask. He's predicted A A A* so he should have the grades.

SeasonFinale yes I had heard some people say that it is more difficult to get into Durham to read history than Oxford, so maybe the answer would be a blanket no; maybe you don't get people giving up their Durham history places.

I'll speak to him about asking them. Errorofjudgement it would be nice to think he could have your DD's place! When did she reject the offer?

Suki - yesterday

Thanks errorofjudegemnt; amazing she got an unconditional offer; I presume she has done something amazing to get that? Understand if you don't want to disclose to protect privacy.

She’s on a gap year

Some students may defer because of COVID so it is worth asking at least. History at Durham is great.