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University 101: Tips To Help You Decide Which Course You Should Take

There are so many different things to consider.

Cover image via iStock / edited by SAYS

1. Keep in mind that what you're good at and what you're interested in might not always be the same thing

While you may excel at one thing, your true interests may lie elsewhere. So you could be absolutely brilliant at something like accounting, but find that you're actually more interested in culinary arts. Either one makes for a good basis for when you're considering which course to pursue, just be sure that you're aware of the pros and cons of each option.

Going with what you're good at could give you an advantage that'll help you excel, while choosing what you're interested in might mean that you'll enjoy the course more and be more motivated.

2. Think about the kind of class, studying, and assessment style you prefer

Do you prefer to have exams at key points per semester or do assignments throughout the semester? Are you more comfortable with a studying style that requires you to just memorise information or one that requires you to think critically and apply what you've learned? Would you rather have classes that are more theory-based or ones with more hands-on application?

These are all important questions to ask yourself before you decide on a course. There's no one correct way, it's all about what works best for you, so make sure that you're choosing a course that matches your style.

3. Don’t just follow what all your friends are doing or what your parents want you to do

While it can be super tempting to sign up for whichever course most of your friends are in or to go along with your parents' expectations, it's best if you stop and think if that particular course is something you really want to pursue.

At the end of the day, it's YOUR life. Do you really want to spend your university days miserable in a course you don't enjoy?

4. If you’re torn between a couple options, look into whether the university allows ways to combine them

Uni isn't as rigid as you think. Most places offer lots of options for combining courses, giving you the freedom to design something that includes everything you want. For example, you could declare one option as your major and the other as your minor, or even do a double major.

Just make sure to do proper research on each course you're interested in, especially the time commitment and workload, so that you know what you're getting into.

5. Got a dream job that you’re working towards? Think about what kind of qualifications and skills you’ll need for it.

Then all you have to do is work backwards from there to see what course suits best. For some professions such as doctors, lawyers, or engineers, it's immediately clear which course you should take. But for others, there could be multiple options that are suitable.

For instance, if you want to work in advertising, courses in business, marketing, mass comm, or even graphic design are all applicable. So figuring out exactly what you want to do in the future will go a long way in helping you choose the right course that'll get you one step closer to your dream.

6. Pay careful attention to course outlines, unit guides, and subject details

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Many courses can sound similar so it's important that you discern what sets each one apart. This is where course outlines, unit guides, and subject details come in handy. Read them carefully to get a better understanding of exactly what you'll be learning.

You could even reach out to uni advisors, lecturers, tutors, and other students to find out more. This will help you determine whether the course you're interested in is truly the right one for you, or could also help you make up your mind if you're confused by similar courses.

7. Don't underestimate the importance of attending a university's open day

Open days are THE best time to get as much information as possible about the university and all the different courses. Go around and talk to everyone about the different progammes on offer, you never know which one might unexpectedly spark your interest.

Don't be shy and ask lots of questions to get the most out of it! You'll also be able to get a feel for what studying at the university will be like by going on guided tours and talking to current students, who will be able to give you first-hand information.

8. Remember that you can always change your mind

Choosing your course may seem like an all-important decision that'll define the rest of your life but rest assured that it's not the end of the world if you make the wrong choice. Your choice isn't a final and unchangeable jawapan muktamad.

If you change your mind about the course you're enrolled in, talk to the uni advisors about how you can switch over to something else. You may even be able to transfer credits in some cases.

No matter what course you decide on, Multimedia University Malaysia (MMU) is a great university that will meet all your needs. Their April 2019 intake is coming up soon, so don’t miss out on this chance to check them out!

Don't know where to start? Here are MMU's top courses:

  • Business & Accounting - Empowers students with expertise and knowledge, and offers programmes in a global context to enhance your depth and perception for successful careers in the business, government, and non-profit sectors.
  • Creative Multimedia - Placing students at the heart of creative learning, the Faculty of Creative Multimedia seeks to empower students with expertise and knowledge and is committed towards an active and dynamic learning environment that will enhance your depth and perception as well as employability.
  • Strategic Communication - If you’re seeking a successful career in the communication industry, gain the knowledge and develop the essential skills required to become budding leaders in a new era of communication.
  • Engineering - Listed in the Top 200 QS World University Rankings in Electrical and Electronic Engineering for three consecutive years in 2015, 2016 and 2017, MMU offers award-winning, practical and industry-ready degrees that will allow you to make a real and lasting impact as an engineer of the future.
  • Information Technology & Computer Science - Listed in the Top 300 QS World University Rankings in Computer Science and Information Systems 2017, this programme is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in the field of computer science.

Click here to find out more about MMU

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