How to pick the right uni course for you: a practical guide

If you’re just starting to think about what to study at university, you’re probably experiencing a range of emotions; excitement, anticipation and enthusiasm chief among them.  

There are so many courses you can choose from. And there’s a lot to consider when picking a university course, such as the day-to-day work you’ll be doing throughout the degree and the career opportunities that will be available once you finish your course. 

With so many options on the table, you might also be feeling a little overwhelmed. But you’re not alone; feeling unsure about what you want to study is a common conundrum.  

That’s where we come in with this article (breaking the fourth wall, here). 

Introducing our how-to guide for picking the right uni course for you.  

We chatted to Deakin University’s future student engagement coordinator, Luke Ridgwell, to get the low-down on how to pick the right university course.  

We then distilled his (wise) words into a handy how-to guide to help demystify the process of picking a university course. 

How to pick a uni course: consider your interests  

If you’re heading to university straight after year 12, one of the biggest shocks to the system is that classes are optional.  

In high school, attendance is mandatory, but university typically offers more flexibility. 

So, it’s vital to choose a course you’re genuinely interested in. If you’re not engaged in the course, you’re less likely to attend classes and, by extension, complete your degree. 

Picking a uni course that aligns with your interests will go a long way in setting you up for success at uni.  

‘At university, you’re an adult and you don’t necessarily have to go to class if you don’t want to,’ Luke says. ‘You’re only going to make the effort to do well if you’re truly enjoying what you’re studying.’ 

Deciding what to study 101 

If a university qualification and student life more generally appeal to you but you have no idea what to study, Luke suggests using a course guide.  

Taking the time to read through each course description will help you get a feel for what you’re interested in – and what you’re not interested in.  

‘Start with the subjects you’re interested in and go from there,’ Luke suggests.  

Still unsure what to study? Luke recommends choosing general degrees such as Commerce, Arts or Health Science, which allows you to sample a range of subjects and narrow down what you really want to pursue. 

‘Study a broad range of subjects in your first year, then decide your area of specialty or major once you’ve tried a few subjects,’ Luke says.  

Focus on your learning style when considering what university course you should do 

If you’re struggling to pick a uni course, it’s important to note that every course is structured differently and requires different levels of know-how (AKA prerequisites).  

Some courses are centred around lectures and assignments, while others require work placements, exams and time in the lab.  

So crucial are these factors that ‘many students change their course after their first year,’ says Ridgwell. 

‘Courses at university are taught very differently depending on the study area,’ Luke says. ‘Does the course you’re considering include practical learning or field trips, or is it all theoretical? Are there lots of assignments or more emphasis on exams?’ 

So, when you’re picking a course, consider how it’s taught and whether this matches your learning style. 

How to pick a uni course: subject offerings 

Something else to consider is subject selection. Before choosing a course, it’s important to look at the compulsory and elective subjects. Consider whether they’ll hold your interest and fit with your learning style. 

‘In nutrition-based courses, there are subjects like chemistry; in sport science there are actually a small number of physics subjects; and in optometry there are business and accounting units,’ Luke explains. ‘It can be surprising to see subjects in a course that you may not expect.’ 

Whether you’re more interested in practical or theoretical subjects, enjoying what you study goes a long way in helping you feel confident in your choice!  

 Still not sure what to study? Go broad  

Students tend to fall into two categories, explains Luke: those who know what they want to study and have an idea where they’d like to work after graduation, and those who have a broad area of interest but no clear career path. 

If you fall into the latter category and you’re not sure how to pick a uni course that meets your personal criteria, he says it’s okay to have only a vague idea of what you’d like to study.  

You don’t have to decide your career path before you begin your course; it’s likely that during your course you’ll eventually work out what you enjoy and what you don’t. 

‘Most students have a rough idea of what they want to do, and they build on that idea as they progress through their course,’ Luke says.  

‘During your time at university, you’ll learn what you’re good at and what you enjoy, and this will help you understand how to pick courses and subjects that best suit your interests and make future decisions with confidence.’ 

Ultimately, deciding what university course you want to do is an individual decision (emphasis on the ‘i’) and shouldn’t be influenced by others.  

Remember, it’s your choice to make, and only you can decide what’s best for your future.