Choosing the Right Course
Expert guidance and powerful tools for your university journey
Work through each factor to make informed decisions about your university choices.
The atmosphere and environment where you'll spend 3-5 years matters more than you think. City universities offer urban integration while campus universities create close-knit communities.
Key questions to ask yourself:
- Do I prefer a close-knit campus community or being part of a city?
- How important is nightlife vs countryside access?
- Do I want modern facilities or historic buildings?
- How far from home am I comfortable being?
How to research this:
- Watch student vlogs on YouTube for authentic campus tours
- Attend Open Days (virtual or in-person) to feel the atmosphere
- Check Google Maps Street View to explore the surrounding area
- Look at student reviews on Whatuni and The Student Room
University reputation varies by subject. A university might rank highly overall but have a weaker department in your chosen field. Competition tiers help you understand how selective each course is.
Key questions to ask yourself:
- Am I applying to gain skills or prestige (or both)?
- How does this specific course rank vs the university overall?
- What do employers in my target industry value?
- Is this university known for strong industry connections?
How to research this:
- Check subject-specific league tables (Guardian, Complete University Guide)
- Look at Research Excellence Framework (REF) scores for departments
- Use our competition tiers to gauge selectivity (Very High → Low)
- Research which employers actively recruit from each university
Understanding your realistic chances helps you build a balanced shortlist. Compare your predicted grades and admissions test scores to what successful applicants typically achieve.
Key questions to ask yourself:
- Are my predicted grades realistic for this course's requirements?
- How did students with similar grades fare in previous years?
- Does this course require an admissions test? How am I preparing?
- Are contextual offers available that might apply to me?
How to research this:
- Check our Offer Database to see real outcomes from past applicants
- Compare your predicted grades to the course's typical offer
- Research admissions test requirements and average scores
- Look into contextual offers if you meet eligibility criteria
The same subject can be taught very differently at different universities. Look at what you'll actually study year by year, optional modules, and specialisation opportunities.
Key questions to ask yourself:
- Does the Year 2 and 3 content genuinely excite me?
- Are there optional modules that match my specific interests?
- Is there a year abroad or industry placement option?
- How much flexibility is there to explore related topics?
How to research this:
- Download the full module handbook from the course page
- Look at final year dissertation/project topics from current students
- Check if modules you're excited about are core or optional
- Compare how the same subject differs across your shortlisted universities
How you'll be assessed significantly impacts your university experience. Some courses are exam-heavy, others rely on coursework, group projects, or practical assessments.
Key questions to ask yourself:
- Do I thrive under exam pressure or prefer coursework?
- How much independent research and writing is expected?
- Are there group projects? How do I feel about collaborative work?
- Is there a dissertation or major final year project?
How to research this:
- Check the course page for assessment breakdown (exams vs coursework %)
- Look at module descriptions for specific assessment types
- Ask current students about workload distribution across the year
- Consider how assessment style affects your study patterns
University isn't just about studying. Consider where you'll live, what societies you could join, part-time work opportunities, and the overall cost of living.
Key questions to ask yourself:
- Can I afford to live in this city? What's the rent like?
- Are there societies and clubs that match my interests?
- What part-time job opportunities exist in the area?
- What's the accommodation like in first year and beyond?
How to research this:
- Check the Student Union website for society listings
- Research average rent on SpareRoom or Rightmove
- Look at NUS cost of living comparisons between cities
- Read accommodation reviews on Unipol or university forums
Where do graduates from this course actually end up? Understanding career outcomes helps you assess whether this course leads to opportunities you're interested in.
Key questions to ask yourself:
- Do graduates go into careers that genuinely interest me?
- What's the graduate employment rate within 6 months?
- Does this university have strong employer connections in my target industry?
- Are there internship or placement opportunities built into the course?
How to research this:
- Check Discover Uni for graduate outcomes data
- Search LinkedIn for alumni to see their career paths
- Look for employer partnerships and careers fairs
- Research starting salaries for graduates from this course
Course selection guides below 👇
