The American undergraduate degree is, in a sense, most appropriate for school-leavers. It is a broad curriculum, requiring little specialisation, and therefore does not lock in young students. Instead, it allows for four years of academic exploration, in a sense, resulting in more mature choices, and a qualification, in preparation for a postgraduate specialisation. This sound preparation provides for informed choices at graduate level.
In South Africa, however, we have many undergraduate vocational degree programmes. Young adults have to decide at early ages whether or not they wish to study programmes such as chemical engineering, medicine, social work or law, to name a few. The irony is that these programmes rank high in the preferences of teachers, parents, and society at large, and many promising young learners are encouraged to put their academic prowess to good use by becoming a professional. However, because of relatively rigid curricula, early enthusiasm often give way to a stark realism, when students realise what it is they are studying. They are unable to exercise options and flexibility, and may opt to leave their course of study, but with limited credits for course already completed.
We also, though, have formative programmes, such as the BA, BSc and BSocSc degrees. These do not lead to professional qualifications, but are intended to be broad foundations, much like the US model. They are best followed by a further qualification such as an Honours degree, or a postgraduate diploma. Formative study programmes are seldom the preferred route for learners, as the path to employment is not always visible.
Formative degrees have a different role to vocational/professional degrees, and it is important to have the correct expectations from these study programmes. For years at UCT's annual Open Day, the Faculty of Humanities proudly hosted prospective students with a panel discussion which included the Director of the Graduate School of Business, a graduate of the faculty. Their message was simple, yet powerful: a BA could lead to a prominent position in the business world.
So, how do you make the right choices?
A correct choice has to have three ingredients: ability, interest and suitability.
Firstly, you must be able to pull it off before attempting it! If you are achieving 54% for physical science at school, why are you considering an engineering degree? I you do not like reading more than a few pages at a time, what are you doing applying to study law, which involved endless intense reading? Clues like this an assist you in making your selection.
Secondly, if you are planning on studying a programme, try to ensure that it grabs your interest. Failure to do so will result in underperformance academically. Simply think of your school report. A glance at your school will probably be enough to suggest which subject does, and which does not, grab your interest! It will show in your performance, of course. Why should higher education be any different?
Lastly, do not think of doing something if you do not possess the personal attributes to study that discipline, or in that particular mode. For example, don't bother with medicine if you are squeamish. Similarly, if you do not like the outdoors, forget about marine biology. Be sharp, and select wisely.
Once these three boxes have been ticked, ensure that you do not first select your institution and then go on to study what you are allowed to do there. This is exactly the opposite way of going about selecting your study programme.
Start with you! Identify your preferences, see where they are offered, and make your applications.
Good luck!
@carlwherman
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