Case Study Two
When I first thought about courses I was unsure whether to choose a course with an academic focus or a more practical one – as I had an interest in both. In the end I chose the design route and applied to do the MDes Textiles, this course has particular links with the textiles industry which appealed to me and had the additional advantage of being an integrated master’s degree.
As early as the first week I was having doubts about my choice, I didn’t think I was up to the expected standard, and had little, or no contact with tutors with which to ally my fears.
However, from talking to friends in Halls and course colleagues I put this down to being homesick and part of the process of settling in the life at the University. I had doubts again when I had to do my first project but having been home for Christmas I was determined to give it a proper chance.
This lasted until the end of the first semester (February), I had had enough of being unsure and still not convinced that this was the course for me. I spoke initially to course colleagues and friends, and having looked up details on this website I spoke to a careers counsellor.
I then did some active research into a possible new course, found one in the prospectus, contacted the course leader and having discussed it in some detail I was accepted and was on my new course by the start of semester two.
Once I had made the decision to definitely change courses the process was straightforward – I spoke to my current tutors and informed Registry of my change in details.
I have been fortunate in that my grades from my first course can be carried over into this new one, though I will have exams at the end of the year – some of the questions are likely be on topics I didn’t study – having missed semester one – but I’m confident I can catch up.
I am really enjoying my new course which is much more academic, I have more contact with tutors and I enjoy the structure of lectures and seminars – design courses seem to be much more self directed.
Top tips
- Follow your instincts but take time to think through your options – talk to people where you can.
- Make a decision for yourself – some of the early choices I made about the course were led by others.
- Timing is important – different courses have different rules about leave dates but the earlier you make a decision the less likely you will have to start over again.
- You are not alone
- If you thinking about changing or leaving your course, you owe it to yourself to investigate it and make a decision – you don’t study, apply, leave home and turn up to university for anyone else!