How did you research which course was best for you?

[LiberalIdleOlogy]

I wonder if anyone can share their experience of deciding which course to apply for. I have two options, each at different universities, plus the 'do-neither' option if they don't seem a good fit. I have looked up the course outlines in the prospectus, and visited one university (will visit the other soon), but feel that this is a big and expensive decision to make on the basis of a sales pitch and a side of A4 blurb. Just wonder how others have made the decision. Are department staff normally amendable to an informal chat, may I be able to speak to current/former students? Any course material I should ask to see?

Not sure why I'm struggling at this first hurdle... but then I have been out of education for a LONG time!

It doesn't sound like you're struggling, more like you've got a difficult decision to make. Before starting my degree, I emailed admissions tutors and course tutors to get the precise info that I needed. Uni staff are normally amenable, in terms of an informal chat, although if you want to get into a popular uni, they'll probably want to give you a formal interview.

HTH

PS What courses are you thinking of doing? If it's MFL, I can give you a bit more detail.

Have you looked up your course on unistats.co.uk

(rubbish name I know)

Then you can see about levels of student satisfaction, what they go on to etc.

If you talk with admissions tutors then it is their job to help you and to advise you eg. about how you can see the detailed course outline, whether you can go to an open day etc.

Good luck!