Researching universities and courses

Please note - this text was created based on text provided by By Alishba Shuja and Lydia Messenger, Student Recruitment Assistants at the University of Sheffield for the Students' Guide to University brochure

Research. A slightly daunting word. It is often used at universities to indicate a high level of in-depth analysis within a topic. This article offers some of our top tips to help you research universities and courses.

First of all, there’s no right or wrong approach. You might prioritise your course of interest, or you might be more motivated by the university itself because of its status, reputation, and location. Either way, here are a few useful ways to explore the vast array of different universities and courses on offer, so you will find the option that suits you best.

What subjects do you find interesting? Is there a certain subject you want to learn more about?

Don’t worry if there’s no immediate answer to these questions, or if there isn’t a particular subject you feel passionate about. Try considering whether there’s a specific topic within a subject that you enjoy.

Take biology, for example. You might not like the whole subject, but genetics might fascinate you as a topic. And the great thing about university is that it gives you the opportunity to deep-dive into niche areas.

If you’re really struggling for inspiration, you could use a process of elimination. You could look into all the degree courses out there that you’ve never had the chance to explore at school or college. You can do this on university webpages and by using prospectuses. Some universities even offer online subject taster sessions.

League tables can be a great research tool. They won’t just tell you the top ranking universities. They can also be used to find out specific information about your chosen course at different universities, such as its ranking or the percentage of students that go into full-time employment afterwards.

Your chosen university will become your second home for the next three to five years, so it’s important you feel confident with your choice. Even if you don’t move away from home, you’ll still be spending a lot of time at your chosen institution.

The best way to find out more about a university’s location is to attend an open day. They’re a great opportunity for prospective students to look around, talk to current students, see the university’s facilities, visit their accommodation, and explore the city or surrounding area.

Open days can be a dealbreaker. They’ll give you a feel for what your university experience will be like, and they can really help you to make a decision about where to apply.

You can involve lots of people in your university research, or just a few, but ultimately it’s a personal decision. You’ll be the one studying that subject and attending that university every day. It has to feel right for you, and only you. Good luck on your journey!