So you’ve decided to go to college or university but now the question you have is how to choose the right bachelor degree course? To learn how to pick a college and a course, don’t miss this quick guide. Our tips will help make the process less daunting!
1. Be a super sleuthYou will need to go on a fact finding mission. Write in for a prospectus from the institutions you are considering or download it from the website if available. This is so you can have a better understanding of the courses you are considering. From course modules to entry requirements, no two courses are the same! Some of the information you should look for include:
- Course objectives – what are the aims and focus of the course?
- Course modules – do the modules cover your interest areas and help you develop the skills you need?
- Course duration – how long is the programme, how many semesters in a year, and how long is the internship?
- Assessment methods – some courses have a bigger focus on exams while others emphasize on course work. What do you prefer and how does this affect your decision?
- Entry requirements – before you decide on a course, make sure that you meet the requirements, which often includes an English proficiency requirement, and in some cases, special pre-requisites.
- Course fees – It’s not an easy thing to talk about but you really need to make sure that you can afford the fees of the entire programme.
You need to choose a course which is relevant to the career you want to pursue. Find out what qualification is required by employers in your own country – is the course you are interested in accepted by the industry? Does the course help you develop the skills you need for the job?
3. Beat the budget bluesIf you are financing your own studies, you need to make sure that you choose something that fits your budget. Not only will you need to consider the course fees, you will also need to factor in expenses for books, projects, and cost of living. When planning your budget, it would be helpful to talk to students currently studying at the college you’re interested in. For example, what are the accommodation options and how much do they spend each month? Also, remember that the most expensive courses may not always be the best option.
Don’t forget to ask the college or university about financial aid like scholarships. Students also work part-time to earn some extra spending money.
4. Define your student lifestyleYou will be spending three to four years at college or university. It’s only reasonable that you’ll need to consider the kind of student lifestyle on campus, and whether it supports your academic and personal development. As such, do look into the learning and recreational facilities, accommodation options, student support services, size and location of institution, international mix of students at the institutions, academic and research facilities, internship opportunities, and others.
5. Get the quality of education you deserveIt is important to make sure that the institution you are applying to is approved by the relevant government authorities (such as the Ministry of Education) and that the course you have chosen has obtained accreditation status from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Logging on to the website of MQA (www.mqa.gov.my) will enable you to view the various universities’ MQA rating. In addition, if the career you plan to pursue requires a practising license, you need to make sure that the course you pursue is recognised by the relevant professional bodies.
What to study?
Need help deciding on what to study? Have you heard of the 27 fields of study? Would you like to explore and discover what courses and careers could be a good match for you?
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