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When leaving school, many people decide to continue their learning at a university.

 

A bit like at school, universities allow you to gain a qualification in a subject you’ve chosen to study. At university though, these qualifications – called degrees – are at a higher level, in fact pretty much the highest you can get. With one of them under your belt, you’ll be able to get all sorts of jobs that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. 

Why should I go to university?

What type of subjects can I study?

Engineering

An Engineering degree will allow you to develop your skills in Engineering. As part of this degree, you can specialise in an area of Engineering of your choice – whether this be Civil, Mechanical or Chemical. You’ll likely undertake general engineering classes in your first year before specialising in your area of interest in later years. Many of these courses involve a work placement, or an international exchange – allowing you to develop your knowledge with hands-on experience. Many students who graduate with an engineering degree, go onto obtain their Chartered Engineering status in their area of expertise.
Chemistry

A Chemistry degree will allow you to develop your skills in Chemistry to a high standard. You’ll gain practical hands-on lab-based experience, whilst gaining knowledge of both Chemistry and Mathematics. Many Chemistry courses involve a work placement which can allow you to develop crucial knowledge for industry. Often people who study Chemistry can go onto become forensic scientists, toxicologists, or many other science-focused roles.
French

A French degree will allow you to develop your skills in the French language to a high standard. You'll also learn about French culture and traditions. During a 4 year degree you’ll spend one year studying abroad in a French-speaking nation. Degrees in other languages like Spanish, German and Italian will involve the same. Many people who study a language at university go on to become teachers, diplomats, or translators.
History

Many subjects at university don’t prepare you for one specific career. They give you skills that will be useful in all sorts of jobs and allow you to study something you enjoy in depth. During a History degree, you’ll study different eras of the past, uncovering the changes and the forces that have shaped human society. You’ll look for information in sources and debate the causes and effects of historic events. Many people who study History go on to become teachers, researchers, journalists, or politicians.
Journalism

A Journalism degree will allow you to develop your writing skills and knowledge, whilst gaining first-hand experience and knowledge of the world of media. You’ll tailor your own writing styles, area of journalism whilst producing high quality pieces of work throughout your degree. You can often specialise in particular areas of journalism, including: Digital, Print, Sport, Politics or Science. Many people who study Journalism process to work in media-focused roles, or look to process into public relations, digital advertising or content creation.
Law

A Law degree will provide you with the relevant knowledge, skills and expertise to progress in your career within the legal profession. You’ll firstly gain a foundation knowledge of Law, before specialising in your chosen area – whether it be criminal, corporate, family or many others. Many of these courses will provide a qualification you can use to progress towards become a qualified lawyer post-university. Many people who study Law go on to work in legal practice, whilst some go towards government-focused jobs such as the Civil Service.
Medicine

If you want to be a doctor, you’ll need a degree in Medicine. You’ll study for 5 years, learning all about the human body and how to treat illnesses. Outside the classroom, you’ll gain experience in hospitals, putting what you’ve learned into practice with real patients.
Music

By studying Music at university, you’ll gain a knowledge of theory, composition whilst gaining valuable performance experience. During your 4 year degree, you’ll study within your area of interest, learning about culture, opportunities and development with your chosen area. Many individuals who study Music go on to become musicians, composers or teachers.

Politics

A Politics degree will provide you with relevant knowledge, case study experience and development opportunities within this area. The degree will provide an understanding into government policy, legislation, and worldwide relations. You’ll specialise in your later years as part of this degree programme, which can often be taken in combination with another similar subject. Many of those who study Politics proceed to work in local or national government, journalism, or teaching.

Psychology

A Psychology degree provides you with the required skills, knowledge and theory to progress into a specialised area of psychology. By having two options (BA / BSc), you can indicate your preference for the area of psychology which you study. By studying this course, you’ll gain an enhanced understanding of human behaviour, decision making and societal reactions. Many of those who study Psychology go on to become behavioural psychologists, educational psychologist, or work within a similar area.
Sports

A Sports degree will allow you to specialise in your area of sporting interest – whether it be business, coaching or science. Depending on your area of interest, you can take a research-focused approach gaining an understanding of the theory behind sport. Alternatively, you can take a hands-on approach, gaining practical placement experience where you can further develop your coaching abilities and skills. Many graduates within Sport work within sporting business, sports development or sport science.
Subject Chooser

FOCUS West have created a tool called the Subject Chooser. This tool will allow you to select the subjects which you currently enjoy at school, before making recommendations where your skills and future career opportunities are. Click this box to explore this tool.

Who goes to university?

 

All sorts of people go to university. More than 35,000 students began a university degree in Scotland last year - many of these students came straight from school.

 

And wherever you’re going… Did you know that these famous faces went to university? Have a look at what subjects they studied.

 

 

 

Ncuti Gatwa

FOCUS ON...

Ncuti Gatwa

 

 

After settling in Dundee after leaving his family’s country of Rwanda at a young age, Ncuti Gatwa moved to Glasgow to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Acting, Ncuti has become a revolutionary figure in pop culture, becoming the first person of colour to portray 15th Doctor, in the world famous TV series Doctor Who. The Conservatoire later awarded him an honorary doctorate at the class of 2022 graduation ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a graduate career or higher education course in mind?

Find out what subjects you need to choose to get there.