Degrees which are in demand, good graduate schemes etc.

[jennylamb1]

Wondering which university degrees lead into good careers. My son is keen on history and geography, however is also getting good reports for science, although he is not super keen on maths. We have been encouraged to look at 6th form colleges options as part of supporting him in choosing his GCSEs. A local 6th form college strongly recommends taking A level maths if choosing a physics A level which I'm not sure he'll enjoy. He loves history but apart from generic 'any degree' graduate schemes it doesn't seem to lead him directly into a job. Given the cost of going through university we are keen to know a bit more about potential post-graduation destinations.

I was going to come on and suggest town planning too.
Geography will be very useful as undergrad with the option to do a postgraduate in planning (or anything else in that vein).

There's a lot of interesting topics and issues that will need geography and planning input, not just actually considering development proposals as a consultant or planning officer. But things like policy making to make sure flood defence/climate change mitigation/energy resources are in the right places and fully integrated into new development.

New topics include sustainable places, 20 minute neighbourhoods, renewable heat and power, energy resilience (where does the energy come from when Russia turns off the gas tap?), planning for all ages and mobilities, circular economy (how to reuse buildings and materials before needing to recycle).

Definitely agree with looking at the RTPI website, but also worth looking at some public sector agencies to see if ye is interested in what they do - eg Environment Agency, RSPB, English Heritage (historic England? Not sure of the name, I'm not in England), and so on. That can help him and you understand what he is drawn to, if it is planning or environmental topics, and what opportunities there may be.

He needs to study something he loves. DS most certainly did not do A levels that I wanted him to but it was his choice and he loved them so enjoyed them. He does however have the gift of the gab so I thought well he will be able to talk himself in to what he wants as long as he gets good grades and that’s what he has done. He is on a degree apprenticeship now with good prospects and already on close to 30k in year 2.

I would concentrate fully on improving his social skills and getting his OCD under some sort of control if possible. I have diagnosed OCD and it can be incredibly limiting, I have always had it even as a toddler I couldn’t stand sticky fingers apparently so my Easter eggs went untouched. I had some treatment a few years ago and though when stressed it rises its head it is far better than it used to be. DH and I were classed as weird at school, ah the seventies when it was open season and inclusivity was unheard of. We are very probably ND. DH and I work in higher education and the amount of ND people that work in HE is enormous. I had no idea it was weird that I taught myself to read before I went to school, apparently it is. I found all this out when the University sent me on a understanding disabilities course when I became responsible for housing all students with disabilities on campus. When the section on autism and ADHD came up I thought well DH and I do that and that and oh yes that as well. Hopefully your DS will find his tribe.

@jennylamb1 do encourage your DS to read what courses involve.

My DD1 was keen to do History A level then discovered that the syllabus offered by her 6th form was heavily focused on the Russian revolution. She dropped it like a stone!

If your DS is interested in any sort of joint degree then do encourage your DS to look at how it will work in practice.

DD2 did a joint science degree and found that the logistics never worked. She spent 3 years sorting out timetable clashes each semester.

@Hiddendoor Planners don’t plan flood mitigation. Environmental engineers or civil engineers do that. There are loads of regulations and requirements for new properties regarding water management.

I agree with looking at which A level syllabus is offered. Even at uni you don’t get to tailor the course exactly to
your interests.

I would concentrate fully on improving his social skills and getting his OCD under some sort of control if possible.

This is v good advice from @UnfortunatleyMilksGoneOff And on top of that I'd add making sure he's building on good study technique and learning in a way that works for him as an autistic person.

When appropriate, meeting with a university's learning support team and asking what support they provide for autism (and OCD) will be a good way of deciding what university may work. I've spoken to Southampton's about autism and they seemed good.

I also agree that for A levels he should do what he's interested in. He should think about potential careers generally but I don't think it should be a sticking point for him. His autism means he'll especially do much better with what he enjoys and is interested. There are some degrees where you will need certain A levels to apply to certain places, e.g maths a level for many economics courses. And other degrees where a certain spread of A levels will be preferable. But if he's thinking of studying history at university then he has some flexibility.

@WriterOfWrongs Usually you need History so not total flexibility.

Hence my use of the word ‘some’ in front of ‘flexibility’. Which, if you’re not aware, implies there may not be total flexibility.

I assumed from what the OP said that her DS will choose History for A level, it’s a case of what else to choose.

The OP also said they’re considering him studying history at Southampton. Which doesn’t require history A level, just one that’s an essay subject.

@TizerorFizz planners write the plans and policy that requires flood mitigation, also interpret what is required and ensure that proposed developments fulfill the flood risk assessment or mitigations required by the site.

Flood risk engineers design them.

The EA has a huge role. Greater than planners. Flood mitigation is a pretty big issue now and planners are not qualified to say what’s needed. They rely on the EA. There’s no specific qualification of flood risk engineer!

IMO contextual offers only go part way to address inequalities. Summer internships/ opportunities in eg London require family resources and /or money.

op you could try registering on prospects. They will let you know what grad opportunities there are. You’ll see many dont require a specific degree.

From what you’ve said thought landscape or town planning seems like a good option to explore.

Anyone here have a history or geography degree and have a decent paying job?

I'm all for do what you're interested in but it'd be a shame to spend all that time and money on a degree and end up working a nmw job.

Decree is one part. There’s more to being a successful graduate. Some degrees

Degree.

Great advice on the topics that are so relevant now, but they are not Planning professionals doing those things - they are Environmental Scientists/ Consultants and Landscape Architects - which geography is great start for either track. Any environmental degree right now will guarantee employment - we are crying out for environment graduates (private consultancy but also work witht Environment Agecy) so good job options post degree.

Environmental science is an area that’s grown a lot recently. However it doesn’t design solutions. I agree what you describe @EweCee is not the role of planners but if we want solutions to be designed to make a difference we need scientists and engineers working together. Definitely work is there but not always well paid.

The best paid history grads go on to be city solicitors or work in other city jobs. They can go into all sorts of management roles too. It’s a degree that teaches you how to develop your skills - it’s not a vocational degree in terms of using “history” for most grads.

Geography can be tailored more towards future career. In fact Geography at many unis includes lots of environment modules. Landscape architecture is also very interesting and can provide a good salary. Plus if anyone starts their own business they can earn well too if they get decent contracts.

I'll pass on your comments @EweCee and @TizerorFizz to my town planner colleagues, the ones who are doing all the things i listed 😂

The best thing you can do @jennylamb1 is to figure out with your son what it is he likes about his favourite topics - is it where people live and why they live there? How places have developed- geographically as well as historically? Once he has a clear idea of that, then you can explore the different subjects at uni and see what professions those graduating from the courses go on to do.

Lol, as a chartered Landscape Architect and environmental professional it's something we often experience - adjacent disciplines taking on scope that they aren't truly qualified for, even if they have some experience or some knowledge in the topic.

I wouldn't dream of doing planning scope activities even though I have some experience because it goes against my chartered status to take on work outside of my professional expertise. Its a real problem.
However, a collaborative approach between all these disciplines is what is needed and best for client and delivery, each drawing on each others professional expertise.

@EweCee excuse my ignorance but as a landscape architect do you need to have a generic architecture degree, or is there a specialist one?

Dep3nds on the university. When I studied, it was 3 year undergrad, 1 year out and then 1 year post grad. Then usually about 2 years to gain chartership once working.

Now a lot of the universities have moved Landscape Architecture to a postgraduate qualification, usually with Architecture as the undergraduate, but there are exceptions like Geography, Urban design or Planning undergrade followed by l.arch for post grad.

Thank you.

Lol yourself. It's all well within the scope of planning. It just may not be the same perspective your profession would have.

Sheffield uni still does landscape architecture BA. It’s one of the best.

@Hiddendoor Im afraid planners are not environmental engineers. Policies are one thing, walking the walk and designing schemes that work is another. Fortunately planners don’t take credit for designing bridges and sky scrapers. They know where they might be a as suitable addition to the landscape but that’s it.

Sheffield uni still does landscape architecture BA. It’s one of the best.

Thanks @TizerorFizz that's good to know, it's the sort of thing my DC2 is interested in, with a twist that I think will suit him. My DC1 has a current offer for Sheffield for a different subject, she won't be taking it up as it wasn't her favourite but we both liked it. Had a really good atmosphere.

Why on earth do you think that a history or geography degree from a decent university would lead to a NMW job, I would say it’s the perfect degree for someone who wants to keep their options open. Law accountancy, banking, project management, Marketong, PR, TV research and development. Literally anything non science

@RantyAnty yes. A friend did geography and went on a graduate training scheme and got in to recruitment for big retail firm. Earned enough to put her child through private school as a single parent.
And even without a degree you aren't fated to only do minimum wage jobs!