
How to Choose Which College Course You Should Take
Choosing a college course is one of the most important decisions a young person can make. With so many options and factors to consider, it can feel overwhelming.
With only 36% of young people feeling prepared for their future career, it’s important to us at TMC to make sure we address this issue. With a little guidance, you can successfully navigate the process of choosing a college course that matches your dream career.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which post-16 course is right for you.
What college courses are out there?
Although there are lots of college courses to choose from, this can mean choosing the right course for you can be overwhelming and confusing!
Colleges offer courses in a wide range of subjects, such as arts, sciences, technology, business, and engineering. Whether you’re interested in traditional academic routes or hands-on training for specific careers, there’s no shortage of options.
However, availability can depend on your location, and local colleges may have limited course offerings compared to larger institutions. Colleges in larger cities, like The Manchester College, offer a wide range of courses in a wide variety of subject areas, giving students more freedom to explore their interests.
Explore our wide range of subject areas here.
Assess your college course options
Now that you’ve explored our course subject areas, it’s time to assess your choices. Ask yourself:
- Do these courses align with your passions or career goals?
- What career opportunities could they lead to?
Understanding what a course can offer you in terms of job prospects is key. For instance, a course in software development might open doors in the booming tech industry, while a culinary course might lead to exciting careers in hospitality.
Have a look at the course descriptions; look at what skills you’ll gain, the types of projects involved, and the career outcomes of past graduates. When you research this, you can get a clearer picture of whether a course is a good fit for you.
If you’re struggling on deciding on a career, that’s okay! We’ll address this in the next section.
Establish your career goals and personal interests
In the best-case scenario, you might already have some idea of your career goals before you choose a college course. This is so everything aligns, and you have any easy path to securing a job in your dream career.
However, if you don’t have a clear idea of the career you want to do in the future, that’s okay! We get it - choosing a career at this stage of your life can be overwhelming and confusing.
There can be a few reasons why you might not know what you want your future career to be:
- You’re aware of the careers that are out there, you just don’t know which one is right for you.
- You don’t fully know what careers are out there and you need extra guidance.
- There are a few careers that sound appealing, you just don’t know which one to choose.
If you fall in category 1 or 2, speaking to a professional careers advisor can help!
If you’re struggling with deciding from a few choices or are unsure about which course to choose, a careers advisor can help you understand which industries are booming with promising career prospects.
They can also help you choose the right course for a career in each industry based on your personal interests and future-proofed career prospects.
If you don't know what careers are out there, you can start with speaking to someone like a careers advisor or a current teacher. They can help explain what careers are available to you.
Choosing a college course based on your personal interests
As a young person, choosing a college course should essentially equip you with a qualification that has value when looking for a job. But we understand that choosing a career before a qualification can be overwhelming.
Some young people might have always had a career goal in mind - and some might not.
In this instance, think about your favourite subjects in school - were they art, PE, biology or IT?
Choosing a course that you simply enjoy is setting you on a great path for later down the line as when you decide on a career it should align with your personal interests.
Speak to fellow college students
Students who are already at college can offer valuable insights into college life. Chat with those enrolled on courses you’re considering or attending colleges on your shortlist. You might know people in your circle who are at college - but if you don’t, you can visit college open days!
Don’t copy what your friends are doing!
Progressing from secondary school to college can be daunting! If you’re scared about the next stage of your life, that's completely understandable. However, while it might be tempting to stick with your friends, their choices may not be right for you.
Focus on your aspirations instead. If you’re worried about feeling isolated, remember that colleges like TMC offer numerous ways to make friends and provide lots of support to make sure you have a great student experience.
How many courses can I take in college?
The number of courses you can take depends on the college and your schedule. In most cases, taking one well-chosen Level-3 course is enough to progress to university or into a career.
Can you change college courses?
If you realise early on that your chosen course isn’t the right fit, most colleges allow you to switch within the first two weeks of the academic year. The post-16 college period is between the ages of 16-19, so you have 3 years to get the qualifications you need.
If after one year you realise the course(s) you chose aren’t right for you, you can switch. But you should be completely sure, as you won’t be able to change again (for free), and you will be delayed by a year for university.
For younger students, flexibility is easier, but adult learners should carefully review their options as they will be paying for their course, unless they meet the criteria for exemptions.
When do college courses start?
In the UK, college courses typically begin in September or January. For post-16 courses they typically start in September – although you may sometimes be able to find one that starts in January. If you are an adult you’ll find more college courses which have a January start option.
How much is a college course in the UK?
For students under 19, many college courses are free. Adults may need to pay, especially for advanced or professional qualifications.
Some adults may be exempt from fees, for example, those with no previous qualifications or those with an education plan. However, student financial aid may be available to ease the cost, depending on the course.
Choose The Manchester College for your college course
Ready to take the next step?
At The Manchester College, we have expert careers advisors, a diverse range of courses, and all the tools needed to succeed. Explore our post -16 college courses and prepare for an exciting college journey today.
Need some career advice? Speak to our careers advisors for personalised advice!