How to Choose a Course or Field of Study
A structured approach to investigating course and field-of-study decisions without following pressure or guesswork.
Choosing a course or field of study is one of the highest-stakes decisions a young person makes. This guide provides a structured approach to investigating course decisions so you can choose based on alignment, not guesswork.
1. Start With Yourself
Before looking at university prospectuses, define your baseline. Write down your:
2. Understand the Course
Do not choose a course based on its title alone. Dig into the actual reality of the day-to-day study.
3. Investigate Outcomes
Do not assume a course guarantees a specific career. Understand the pathways.
4. Test the Assumption
The Golden Rule of Course Choice:
Never commit years of your life and significant money to a path without speaking to someone who is currently walking it, and someone who has finished it.
Intelligence Summary
Investigation Incomplete
To make a safe decision about this course, ensure you complete the Golden Rule checklist (speak to a current student) and investigate the specific modules you will be studying.
Related Resources
Student Career Discovery Guide
A focused guide for students who are unsure where to begin with career exploration.
Career Discovery Toolkit
A practical guide to understanding yourself, exploring your strengths and skills, investigating careers and making more informed career decisions.
Student Career Comparison Worksheet
Help students compare multiple career directions using meaningful dimensions — not just salary or popularity.