Choosing a degree

When you decide what to study you should consider your interests and strengths. You should also check if the teaching and assessment methods used in the degree programme suit you.

How to choose what you want to study

It's essential that you are really interested in what you hope to study. You should try to match your degree programme to your abilities to ensure you'll succeed. 

If you're undecided, the following questions might help: 

  • What subject have you previously enjoyed studying? 
  • Will you still be interested in that subject in a few years' time? 
  • In which subjects have you performed well? 
  • Are there any new subject areas which interest you? 
  • Do you have a particular career in mind? 

The four-year degree structure

Many of our degree programmes allow you to try a range of subjects before specialising. 

Degree structures 

Research your options 

Once you have decided on a subject area or areas, take the time to do some in-depth research into the degree programmes available in your area of interest. 

You should check the entry requirements, this means the subjects and grades you need, for the degree programmes you are interested in. 

An explanation of our entry requirements 

You should also look at: 

  • what you will study 
  • how you will be taught  
  • how you will be assessed 

Although a particular degree programme may have a similar title at different universities, the content can vary considerably. Make sure you review what is on offer at each institution. 

Degree finder

You can find out more about our degree programmes, methods of teaching and assessments in our degree finder: 

Undergraduate degree finder 

Visit us

Virtual visits, in-person visits and open days are a great way for you to find out about student life in Edinburgh. They also give you a chance to get a feel for the environment and whether it is for you. 

You can: 

  • explore the campus 
  • learn more about available degree programmes
  • ask questions about admissions, accommodation, career prospects or anything else you want to know 

Open days, events and visits

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