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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

What to do with these A levels?

56 replies

NameforMN · 10/04/2023 11:31

DD is in yr 12 studying English literature & Language, Psychology and Film Studies.

She has no idea about what degree she could do so I'm doing some reading. What would any of you suggest?

I let her choose her A levels, but now regretting not pushing her to take something like Geography , as I'm worried her choices are all a bit light.

Also very aware she has no hobbies and spends most of her time lolling about on her iPad and talking to friends. What on earth do people put in their personal statements? She seems a pretty average teen, so can't be the only one who doesn't do alot.

OP posts:
QuintanaRoo · 10/04/2023 11:34

She’d be best off looking at university websites/prospectuses and seeing if anything interests her. There’s a lot of degrees which don’t specify a level subject, just ucas points. Obviously there’s others which she won’t be able to do. Has she any thoughts on career?

Original poster
NameforMN · 10/04/2023 11:35

No. She hasn't got a clue what she wants to do.

OP posts:
CurlewKate · 10/04/2023 11:37

Is she leaning in any particular direction? Personal statements should really be showing how interested and committed to the subject she is. So you don't need lots of whizzy extra curriculars- if you think about it, it wouldn't be fair because lots of kids don't have the opportunities. Extra curriculars directly related to the subject are good,and anything which shows commitment. But really, she should be looking as well. Maybe think first about where she would like to go then what's available with her predicted grades.

Ylvamoon · 10/04/2023 11:38

Speach & language therapy - course entry is very competitive but she'll get a 5k bursary and has great career opportunities afterwards.

I appreciate its niche but with these A levels a perfect match!

CurlewKate · 10/04/2023 11:38

And remember that university is not compulsory!

QuintanaRoo · 10/04/2023 11:38

NameforMN · 10/04/2023 11:35

No. She hasn't got a clue what she wants to do.

Maybe start by looking at the national careers service website and seeing if that sparks anything then working backwards to degree subject just in case she discovers a career which needs a specific degree.

QuintanaRoo · 10/04/2023 11:39

CurlewKate · 10/04/2023 11:38

And remember that university is not compulsory!

Yes, there’s also the Not Going To Uni website

Original poster
NameforMN · 10/04/2023 11:39

She mentions Psychology more when talking about her A levels. It's a bit frustrating as she's very logical and problem focussed and would probably do well in a tech job, but she turns her nose up when mention it and I fear her A levels will have excluded those options.

OP posts:
Ylvamoon · 10/04/2023 11:40

NameforMN · 10/04/2023 11:35

No. She hasn't got a clue what she wants to do.

Maybe take 1-2 years out and work in an industry she's vaguely interested in?

Inthebathagain · 10/04/2023 11:41

Exactly the same dilemma here.

DD wants to go, but has no clue what to do.

I bought her The Times Good university guide as a start, and she might get round to opening it this week 🤦

Piggywaspushed · 10/04/2023 11:59

I teach film and English (and sociology...), and a lot of students with those A levels as a combination, or very similar. I don't know why geography would magically be more useful, in all honesty! Her choices definitely aren't 'light' whatever that means ... two essay based subjects (one with added creativity) and one science/ social science subject is good.

My past film students (usually they also have English/politics/history/RS/ sociology but also things like graphics ) have done degrees like:

English
Film (both practical and academic)
Creative writing with English/film
Media/journalism
psychology
law
sociology
marketing

Speech therapy is a good shout. Maybe also OT?

Piggywaspushed · 10/04/2023 12:04

Her A Levels definitely haven't excluded a tech job, especially digital media and marketing.

VanCleefArpels · 10/04/2023 12:21

Now is the time to call in any and all favours you can and get her some work experience - if only to rule things out!

hellypad · 10/04/2023 12:45

Has she looked at Liberal Arts courses, her A levels would probably suit that?

Hellocatshome · 10/04/2023 12:50

I will never understand people doing A levels and then a degree just for the sake of it. If she doesnt know what she wants to do why not get out there into the workplace and life and find out what type of work she enjoys/finds rewarding. You can always do a degree later although most of the time its not necessary.

unclebuck · 10/04/2023 12:53

Trying to show her a range of courses etc is the wrong approach. I would encourage her to get a job, any job. Be very cheerful and say "No point heading to uni unless you know what you want" etc
If you help her choose something and she hates it, or fails, or runs up debt and gets a poor degree then ime they often blame parents who tried to help.

Piggywaspushed · 10/04/2023 13:05

You don't do a degree 'just for the sake of it' - and, in all honesty, most year 12s are a bit undecided. It's normal. MN has become very anti degree lately.

Doing a degree is part of the process of maturing, learning, and finding your niche. It opens up new avenues, increases employment and life chances, and future earnings.

Many, many higher paid (and even medium paid!) jobs these days are graduate professions.

The OP hasn't said her DD doesn't want to go to university. I agree now is the time to be browsing some prospectuses, booking open days and getting , if there is anything decent locally, some work experience. Does the school sign up to Unifrog? It's really helpful for gaining ideas.

The only exception I make to my list above is digital marketing which has some great apprenticeships - but for that you'd have to be sure that's what you wanted to do.

Hellocatshome · 10/04/2023 13:13

Piggywaspushed · 10/04/2023 13:05

You don't do a degree 'just for the sake of it' - and, in all honesty, most year 12s are a bit undecided. It's normal. MN has become very anti degree lately.

Doing a degree is part of the process of maturing, learning, and finding your niche. It opens up new avenues, increases employment and life chances, and future earnings.

Many, many higher paid (and even medium paid!) jobs these days are graduate professions.

The OP hasn't said her DD doesn't want to go to university. I agree now is the time to be browsing some prospectuses, booking open days and getting , if there is anything decent locally, some work experience. Does the school sign up to Unifrog? It's really helpful for gaining ideas.

The only exception I make to my list above is digital marketing which has some great apprenticeships - but for that you'd have to be sure that's what you wanted to do.

Unfortunately lots if people do do a degree just for the sake of it then they end up applying for jobs they could have got straight out of school.

If you have a career in mind that requires degree level education then that is one thing. If you haven't got a clue then why not wait until you do have a clue before committing yourself to thousands of pounds and 3 years of your life.

Piggywaspushed · 10/04/2023 13:13

then they end up applying for jobs they could have got straight out of school.

For example?

Piggywaspushed · 10/04/2023 13:15

Being a more mature student isn't for everyone. It ahs higher drop out rates. And, actually various studies show that form some socio economic and ethnic groups , going to the best university you can university straight away is better for career prospects and future earnings.

Biscuitsneeded · 10/04/2023 13:16

If psychology is the one she is mentioning most, maybe encourage her to consider that as a degree and look at the career possibilities that can follow a psychology degree?

Hellocatshome · 10/04/2023 13:17

Piggywaspushed · 10/04/2023 13:13

then they end up applying for jobs they could have got straight out of school.

For example?

For example the 30 odd applications I have had from graduates for the latest basic admin job I am recruiting for.

Magnoliasky · 10/04/2023 13:19

if unsure of what to study she should take a year or two out of education and get some life experience, hold down a job related to an area of interest, volunteer in areas she’s interested in, travel.

Original poster
NameforMN · 10/04/2023 13:21

She says she doesn't want to do a psychology degree 🙄

Speech and language therapy has come up before (from me) but she turns her nose up. I think it would suit her as she doesn't want a desk job. I am trying to help her with work experience but I doubt speech and language therapists would allow a 17 year old shadow them for a week.

OP posts:
Piggywaspushed · 10/04/2023 13:23

Hellocatshome · 10/04/2023 13:17

For example the 30 odd applications I have had from graduates for the latest basic admin job I am recruiting for.

Show quote history

OK, well, fair enough but I don't think not going to uni changes any of that!

The OP asked a question and already loads of people are saying 'don't go to uni'. Getting a worthwhile job at 18 is easy (reactively) if you live in a big city or place with good employment - otherwise , not so much.

I'm not saying don't take time out - but it's not what the OP asked!