Can I Change My University Course?

If you’re asking yourself “Can I change my university course?”, take a breath. You’re not alone. Every year, lots of students realise that the degree they chose isn’t quite what they expected. Maybe the subject feels off. Maybe the learning style doesn’t suit you. Or maybe you’ve discovered that you want something more practical, more hands-on, and more connected to the real world. 

The good news? Changing your university course is often possible, and it doesn’t have to mean starting again. 

This guide is for students who are thinking about switching and want advice on what to do next. 

Short answer: yes, in many cases you can, and it doesn’t have to mean starting again. 

Students change course for all sorts of reasons, and universities are used to helping them do it. You might be able to: 

  • Switch courses within your current university
  • Move to a different institution
  • Or change direction entirely and choose a different style of degree 

The earlier you explore your options, the more flexibility you’ll usually have, but even if you’re partway through a course, it’s still worth finding out what’s possible. 

Why Do Students Decide to Switch? 

Most students don’t change course on a whim. Common reasons include: 

  • The course content isn’t what they expected
  • Learning feels too theoretical or exam-heavy
  • Motivation or confidence has dropped
  • Career goals have changed
  • The university environment just doesn’t feel like the right fit 

If any of this sounds familiar, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re learning what works for you. 

What Is Advanced Standing? 

If you’ve already started a degree, one of the biggest worries is often whether you will have to start all over again. 

That’s where the technical term advanced standing comes in. 

At NMITE and some other institutions (but not all), advanced standing means we may be able to recognise the learning you’ve already completed. If you’ve studied part of a relevant degree elsewhere or hold qualifications such as an HNC, HND or CertHE you might be able to join an NMITE programme at a later stage, rather than starting from the beginning. 

In other words: your previous effort doesn’t have to go to waste. Advanced standing allows you to build on what you’ve already achieved and move forward with confidence. 

A Different Kind of University Experience at NMITE 

Sometimes, it’s not just the subject that isn’t working, it’s the whole way learning happens. 

NMITE was created to do things differently. 

Our approach is: 

  • Hands-on and project-based, not lecture-led
  • Built around real-world challenges, not just theory
  • Designed for small cohorts, so you’re known and supported
  • Closely connected to industry and employers
  • Focused on developing skills you’ll actually use 

This style of learning suits students who want to get stuck in, learn by doing, and understand why what they’re learning matters. 

How to Change Your University Course: A Supportive Way Forward 

If you’re considering a switch, here’s how to approach it without panic: 

  1. Be honest with yourself 
    What isn’t working, the subject, the structure, or the environment?
  2. Talk it through 
    Speak with advisers, tutors, parents or careers teams. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
  3. Look beyond course titles 
    Teaching style, assessment, support and outcomes matter just as much as the subject itself.
  4. Explore advanced standing 
    If you’re interested in NMITE, find out whether your previous study could count towards your degree. Call or email the admissions department of other institutions you are interested in to have an informal conversation about switching.
  5. Remember: changing course is a positive choice 
    It’s about finding the right fit, not giving up. 
For Parents: How You Can Support a Course Change 

It’s completely natural to worry when your child says they’re thinking of switching courses. But staying on a degree that isn’t right can lead to disengagement, stress and poor outcomes. 

A well-planned change can: 

  • Restore confidence and motivation
  • Improve wellbeing
  • Lead to stronger academic results
  • Better align education with future careers 

Understanding options like advanced standing can help reassure you that changing direction doesn’t mean starting from scratch. 

Still Wondering? 

If you’re asking the question, it’s worth exploring the answer. 

Whether you switch subjects, universities, or move to a more hands-on, supportive environment like NMITE, you deserve an education that works for you. 

Changing course isn’t a setback. Sometimes, it’s exactly the step forward you need. 

 

Want to know more? 

 

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Three students round a desk smiling whilst working on a project