How to choose the right subject or course

Choosing what to study can feel like a big decision, especially when there are lots of options available.

There isn't one 'right' choice for everyone. What matters most is finding options that fit your interests, strengths and future goals, while keeping doors open for what comes next.

Questions to ask yourself

Ask yourself these questions to start exploring what subject may suit you best.

What interests me?

Think about the subject and activities you enjoy most. Interest and enjoyment in a subject can make a big difference in motivation and success. Think about:

Topics you enjoy learning about
Activities you feel confident doing
Subjects you are curious to know more about
Feedback you've had about your skills and strengths from teachers, tutors or family

How do I prefer to learn?

Finding out how a subject is taught can help when choosing between different types of subjects. People learn in different ways, and most use a mix of approaches. You may prefer:

Visual learning. Reading, using diagrams and watching videos
Listening and discussion. Hearing an explanation, taking part in a conversation or group work
Practical learning. Be hands-on, doing experiments and applying your practical skills in what you do

What career do I want to do?

Some subjects are linked to particular routes and careers, while others support a wide range of options. Some subjects develop skills that are useful across many jobs, for example:

Languages. Useful in almost all jobs where communication, writing, reading and working with people are important
Maths. Needed in jobs where logical thinking, handling data and problem solving are key
Humanities. Useful in jobs where research, critical thinking and forming arguments are important
Practical and technical. Can support hands-on jobs in engineering, mechanics and construction

Some jobs may need certain subjects or grades, like:

Sciences for health and medical roles
GCSE grade 'C' or above in English/Welsh and Mathematic for teaching in Wales. Primary teaching also requires a grade 'C' or above in Science

If you are certain you want to study at university, you should always check the specific requirements for universities and courses on UCAS and Informed Choices.

Take action

Before making a decision it's worth taking time to:

Research your options

Finding out more makes it easier to choose with confidence. You need to know:

What each subject or course involves
How learning is assessed (exams, coursework or practical work)
What previous learners have gone on to study
If you need a certain grade or skill to study the course

It may be useful for you to also see an example of the type of work you'll be doing.

Look at Post 16 education and training to find out what's available in Wales.

List the pros and cons

Sometimes the easiest way to come to a decision is to write a list of the pros and cons for each of your subjects.

Go through your list and think about how important each point is to you. By the end you’ll have a better idea of what’s important to you and which option is best. Think about: