Choosing your studies the easy way – basic factors to consider

One of the toughest tasks of any young person’s life is choosing what to study at university. There are so many universities and courses available which makes the decision very difficult. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help pick the right option and make the process easier.

The task of choosing what and where to study is something that puts a lot of pressure on school graduates and is often considered difficult, especially if they do not have a clear image of what they want their career to be. In this day and age, the possibilities are virtually endless and we are spoilt for choice, which can be viewed as both a pro and a con. It is important to take advantage of the situation and make the most of your options by exploring all of them and finding what fits best. However, there are certain approaches that can make the process not so intimidating and can aid in deciding what the most fitting academic destination is. In doing so, a number of factors figures prominently.

Becoming aware of your career goal

The first step is to answer the question of whether you have already chosen a career or not. By knowing what career path you want to take, you narrow your options and thus it is simpler to base the choice on what specific requirements and qualifications the profession demands. For example, to practice medicine, it is necessary to have the proper degree in almost every country around the world. There are certain standards that need to be achieved in order to be fully prepared for the job, but sometimes they differ from one country to another, so that is another point that should be taken into account. On the other hand, some fields of work do not require a degree in a specific subject, but having studied them would help your career prospects – i.e. you do not need finance, economics or math for a career in marketing, but they could give you better chances and make you more successful in your job.

Discovering your own strengths

If you are yet to set your mind on a career, then it is best to consider what it is that you are good at and enjoy doing. It is not necessary to have your whole life planned ahead, but having an idea of a career that you would enjoy has great benefits. Studying something that you enjoy will give you better results and grades and will make you more passionate about pursuing a career. One way to make a decision is by comparing different options and exploring them. You can start by focusing on the subjects you perform well at and assessing your strengths and weaknesses. Another strategy is to research the career prospects and picture yourself doing it.

Seeking information about the course structure

What should also be considered when exploring a course is its structure and organization. You should consider how you will be assessed, whether the orientation will be more theoretical or practical, if there are a lot of exams and group work. There are different types of evaluation and while exams are the most common, others include essays, projects and written and oral performance tests. Some courses require a more practical approach and a “hands-on” style, while others are more theoretical. The course content is another fraction to be taken into account. You can find the curriculum and content beforehand and depending on your preferences settle on the best option.

Looking for the perfect place to study

Probably the most important factor influencing the choice of course is the university. There are different approaches that you can take when making the choice. It is essential that the university you choose offers the fitting program for you and covers the subjects you want to study. Schedules and programs differ from one university to another, so it is best to research them in advance.

Location

Another thing that should be considered is the location of the university. Some are situated in more rural areas, while others are in big cities and it all depends on personal preference. Both have advantages and disadvantages. For example, studying in a busy city would provide an exciting student life with many opportunities for new places to be discovered and even potential future internships, while a rural landscape would offer a more peaceful environment, which is what some seek.

Moving away or staying – that’s the pivotal question

The question whether to move away to a different town or country or to stay closer to home is another point that should be made. Moving away offers a new experience and a chance to explore a different place and culture and broadens one’s horizons. It can be seen as a challenge to grow and move out of one’s comfort zone. However, some may suffer a culture shock at first if they are immersed into an entirely different society. Some choose to stay closer to home, which also has its pros. A familiar place can lessen the stress of starting this new chapter in life. Living closer to home could also be beneficial for economic reasons. Either way the surroundings are of vital importance, because they contribute greatly to the experience and directly affect the studies, perhaps more than any other aspect of student life.

Taking advantage of open days to gain a realistic impression

Going to open days is highly recommended, because it helps to gain a better perspective of the campus, facilities and what the dynamic of the university is really like. While there you can talk to staff and ask any questions you may have and also explore the town to get a feel of what life there is really like. Talking to students would help as well to obtain a more realistic outlook.

What is the language of instruction?

The language of the course is another factor to be considered. Studying in a foreign language advances one’s language skills and enables personal development, which is useful for the future profession. A course in your native language on the other hand, can provide better understanding of the material and more confidence in the study process.

University rankings – indicators of excellent education and student support

For many, university rankings and reputation are some of the top factors that influence the choice of higher education. Various ranking tables and calculated averages can be consulted to determine the best alternative. The student-to-staff ratio is something to be considered. The lower it is, the more focus there is on students and their personal needs, which in turn makes the learning process more enjoyable and enables better understanding compared to larger classes, where it is more difficult to have open conversations and ask questions.

Although reputation is a relative term, there are some major factors concerning it. The first of which is how old the university is – a new and modern establishment may seem tempting, but usually the ones that have existed longer have a better reputation. Another point to be made is what amenities and opportunities they offer (e.g., state-of-the-art equipment, contacts with companies) but if they are rich it is likely they will also charge more for the education.

One of the most telling criteria is how selective the university is. If the number of students they accept is lower, it means that they value quality and talent over quantity and you would need high grades and achievements in order to be accepted.

Finally, you can look into the employment records for graduates. If employers tend to recruit many students from a certain university, it is a sign that you would have good chances of career prospects as well.

Facilities, accommodation and extracurricular activities

It is likely that you will also live at the university, so it is important to view accommodation options, such as private apartments, shared apartments. Other facilities such as the library, where you will be spending a lot of time studying, and any extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports, are not to be ignored either. However, they should not be a deciding factor.

Quality of education

It is hard to determine the quality of education a certain university can offer and distinguish “good” from “bad”, as it is often subjective and depends on both students’ willingness to learn and work and the staff. There are different methods to teaching and learning and while some provide a plan and structure to the studies, with smaller groups and everything organized, others are more flexible and give freedom to the students to manage their studies with minimal intervention from the teachers.

Getting to know the basic types of degree courses

When seeking to apply at a university, it is important to have a clear notion of the course format and plan. Nowadays, universities offer a variety of options.

Bachelor’s degree

The Bachelor’s degree is the first academic degree. A Bachelor degree program usually teaches the basis of the subject and fully prepares graduates to embark on a future career. The standard period of study is six semesters and an internship is usually required. There can be either one or two subjects (one major and another minor).

Some programs such as medicine, law or teaching end with a state examination, meaning that the final exam is organized and carried out by a government board. There are two state examinations, the first of which is theoretical. The second is after a practical training phase is completed.

Dual study programs are gaining more popularity, because they integrate work experience in companies and are more practically oriented. Students sign a contract with a company and the course takes place at two locations – at the company and at the institution. Dual programs are popular, because along with the academic degree you gain valuable experience and professional skills at the same time. By working in a company you establish connections which will be useful post graduation and will improve later chances of building a career.

For those who seek more flexibility in their studies, part-time programs are a valid option. Some universities offer their students more freedom and the opportunity to work and study at the same time. They can switch between full-time and part-time depending on their needs.

Nowadays online and distance learning courses are also possible. They are suitable for anyone who does not have the ability or time to attend university lectures full-time. Students from all over the world can attend a variety of online courses, either in their entirety or with short attendance periods. They include interactive personal tasks, video conferences, multimedia exchanges, projects, and support from tutors. It is important to research in advance whether the qualifications gained from the course are recognized by the country you have chosen to work in. Germany has agreements with many countries around the world.

The Bachelor’s degree enables graduates to further their studies and continue onto pursuing a Master’s degree program as the next academic qualification.

Master’s degree

Enrolling in a Master’s degree program requires a completed Bachelor’s degree. Master degree programs lead to a Master’s degree as the second academic qualification. The standard duration of Master degree programs is between two and four semesters. Such programs serve to enhance one’s abilities and knowledge or to help students specialize in a particular area. Some professions require a Master’s degree, such as most jobs in the medical field, education and psychology.

PhD

A doctoral degree is the highest level of education. It completes one’s competence in a certain field. To take part in a doctoral program, there are particular requirements to be met, the most standard of which are a recognized Master’s degree, language proficiency, and work experience.

Take the right application steps

The first step to applying at a university is to check the admission requirements. To study in Germany, you need a “higher education entrance qualification”, such as a high-school diploma. For international students, there are also language requirements, which need to be met with a certificate that serves as proof of proficiency. Another step to be made is having enough finances to cover living costs, but there are various scholarships, which you can apply for, if the costs are a concern. An application can be submitted either at the office of the university, or online. To better your chances, you can consider applying for numerous courses at different universities. In Germany, it is possible to apply twice a year – you can start your studies either in the winter or summer semester. It is essential to check the deadlines in advance. It is recommended to apply at least six weeks prior to the deadline date, if any corrections are to be made. Once you have been accepted, the final step is to enroll in the university.

The university experience – your path into a successful future

Studying at university is in every case a beneficial experience, which not only improves career prospects and employability, but also enables personal development and provides valuable skills and knowledge. Apart from quality of teaching, a university degree can increase the chances of finding a suitable and desired job by establishing connections with companies and presenting graduates with the right qualifications. It is without a doubt hard work to complete a high-level course, but a university degree paves the path for a career in the desired field and it ultimately pays off!