Study a subject you're passionate about?

[Mamasunshine]

Or not?

My passion is English, I would love to study English literature at degree level.

However, I have studied a science based diploma and was thinking the obvious would be a science degree. I could continue with study to end up in a career I was working towards - pre dc!

But, I've alway loved reading, writing etc. I always wanted to study English from college, but my parents wouldn't allow it. They pushed me towards the science subjects.

I will soon be starting back at work (having 3 young dc), just part time, but good pay. This would enable me to study for pleasure and my future career. Part of me says stick with science a it seems more sensible.

The rest of me thinks just go for it! Study English, follow my passion! I could see myself doing further study, beyond degree level, writing, teaching etc.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, thank you.

I think if you will be spending time and money studying, you should do
something you enjoy.

I am a second year English student and I have gained so much from the course. I have developed my Interest and understanding of literature, especially nineteenth century lit.

I hope to do a PGCE and teach at secondary level, and bore pass my love of English literature on to another generation.

I totally agree - study what you love. Many large companies want to see a good degree rather than a certain degree discipline so you will still have lots of options should you not choose to follow it to a career.

Enjoy - life's too short not to!

Thank you both...I would say the same thing if someone asked me, but I'm finding it difficult to take the plunge?! I think because I've always been told no this wouldn't be good enough by dm and df. Time to toughen up and start doing something that will make me beyond excited just needed reassurance that I'm not mad gp for thinking it's totally reasonable!

Good luck with your plans missmogwi!

Now to change my course!

I was pushed into science subjects, as a child, although English was my passion, as well.

DO THE ENGLISH DEGREE!

(I think you might have inspired me to do the same.)

Oh excellent Handmadetail lets be rebels together

I actually get butterflies thinking about spending my time reading/writing/talking about literature !!

Do the English degree absolutely. I picked History over English but only because I still get to read, my degree offers some modules related to literature, I can read literature still and have a relative who is as barmy as me about books and who I call up and talk to for hours, but when DH isnt looking I will be doing an English degree once this one, a Masters and a PGCE are complete because I cant let it go.

Unless you want to be a scientist of course.

Do the English degree!

I have a nursing diploma and several degree level nursing courses. The sensible thing would have been to pull all that together and do a single course to top it up to a health and social care degree.

But I thought sod it, and started from scratch on an English Literature degree. I have loved doing it and I have learnt so much, I finish next year and I think I am prouder than proud of myself and I know that I will never had that regret that I didn't pursue another passion.

I might even think about a PGCE. I figure I've survived 10 years in nursing, surely teaching couldn't kill me off.....

It hasn't improved my spelling or grammar though, as you can see

Mamasunshine, if Eng Lit is what you are passionate about, then by all means do it. However, I must give you a few warnings from what I've learned through personal experience!

I was also passionate about English (loved reading, wrote and published poetry, etc) so studying English at Uni with regard to becoming a teacher seemed the natural thing for me to do.

Because of my aspirations, I was encouraged to do a combined Eng Lit/Lang course which for the most part I loved, though some elements of the Language part I hated with a vengeance. I made up for this by choosing the optional subjects I was interested in for my degree (including some film and folklore subjects!).

When I graduated, I discovered that finding a job as an English teacher was much more difficult than I'd anticipated - there's fierce competition, and you'd be unlikely to get funding to cover living expenses etc. (whereas it's much easier for science/maths based potential teachers).

On the other hand, studying something you're not passionate about for 3-6 years (depending on whether full or part time?) will be hell. I honestly think you should be passionate about your subject to study something for that long! Just be aware of the possible negative aspects of your choice before committing, especially as it's so much harder to study when you have DCs in tow!

Best of luck whatever your decision

Argh I've done it!! This morning I applied to start a degree in English Literature with the OU starting in October I am SO excited!!! I honestly didn't think I would find the courage but I've been dwelling on it for months and knew I'd regret not doing it.

I'm grinning like a Cheshire cat and can't wait to start reading!

very exciting making mama, doesn't it feel so much better when you have made the decision - my experience with the OU has been great. i love it when the box with the books arrives - but not quite the same euphoria when the first essays are due though but then i am queen of procrastination

What about Joint Honors Degrees???

Well done to you mama! I was in the same mind frame about starting the Masters course in English with the OU. I am starting in October! Like others have said...do what you love because you only have one short life to live. Best of luck to you!

Thanks I've ordered the books from the reading list...cannot wait to get stuck-in! Don't think there's a joint honours I would want to do Literature all the way for me (at least at the moment that's how I feel). It all seems very organised with the OU, I just need to try to keep up with the work load and not fall into bad habits (have form!!)

Do the english - there is no point doing a subject that isn't 'you'!

Mama? Are you me?!

I also studied sciences after being forced encouraged to by my parents...I ended up dropping out part way throught my second year of a degree course at Uni...I've now just finished my first year of an English degree after finally taking the plunge and LOVING it.

Follow your heart.

Im glad Ive found this thread as Ive been having the same dilemma (though not the same subject) - Im 30, youngest starts school in sept and Im going to be doing an access course then, with a view to go on and study History at degree level. Ive always been into history, from a young age when my dad would take me to ancient villages, and give me old glass bottles that he'd dug up at work I remember touching old the stone walls of the ruins and imagining who might've been sheltered by them... Im completely fascinated by it all.

Then you read or hear someones opinions that throw you a bit and make you wonder if you should be doing something just because its your passion rather than thinking more in terms of employment.... Ive never been to uni before, and also figured that loving something was exactly the reason to study it. I think Id lose interest otherwise and it'd be so hard to complete.

This thread has really helped me know Im choosing the right thing.

I'm studying English Lit full time. I have 3DC and a part time job. I adore it. I have just finished my second year and got a first in both years, so need to keep my momentum going. A secondary English PGCE is available with 100% bursary if you have a first class degree.

I really want to do a PhD but financially don't think I'll be able to. I would be hopeful for funding for that but funding for a masters is very hard to come by and me and DH wouldn't be able to pay for it.

Good luck Dillinger I occasionally get little doubts due to the reasons you've put, but then something switched in my head and I just KNOW I'm doing the right thing - following my heart!

Well done FemaleProtagonist, you sound like superwoman!! I didn't realise you had full funding with PGCE if a 1st - gives me a reason to work extra hard!!!

Ah I'm going to be so happy having to be stuck in my books in a month...just bought my desk Cannot wait to put it up!!!