Should I Go to University? And if so, which course should I do?
About to finish A-Levels or college and feeling like you’re at a crossroads? Stressful isn’t it! You aren’t alone. Right now, it feels like every decision determines your entire future.
You don’t have to make a perfect decision, just a thoughtful one.
Choosing a path that fits how you actually learn will make the next few years a lot more enjoyable. Whether you are aiming for the traditional campus experience, a hands-on apprenticeship, or something in between, here is how to cut through the noise.
The Decision Checklist: What’s your learning DNA?
Before looking at UCAS codes, take a second to see which of these sounds most like you. There are no wrong answers,only different paths.
| If you think you would feel most comfortable when... | You might prefer... |
|---|---|
| You’re deep diving into theory and writing research papers. | Traditional University |
| You’re earning an initial wage and mastering one specific job role. | Apprenticeship |
| You’re building prototypes and solving real-world problems in a team. | The NMITE Way |
The Day-in-the-Life Audit: Choose A or B
Read each scenario and pick the option that feels most like you.
The Exams Test
A – You perform best in a three-hour exam in a silent hall
B – You’d rather be assessed on a practical project you’ve built over a month
The Lecture Test
A – You enjoy sitting in a lecture theatre with 200 people, taking notes
B – You get restless if you’re not actively doing something
The Career Test
A – You want a broad, traditional academic foundation
B – You’re itching to work with real companies on real problems
Chose mostly A's?
You may prefer a conventional university experience. It’s still worth exploring different course styles to find the best fit for how you learn.
Chose mostly B's?
You’re probably someone who learns best by doing. You like being hands-on, tackling real problems, and seeing the results of your work — not just revising for exams.
That’s exactly the kind of learner NMITE is designed for. NMITE might be a great fit for you!
How to Decide Which Course is Best
When every prospectus looks the same, use these three tips to find "The One":
- Don't just look at the degree title. Look at the hours. Do you want 10 hours of lectures a week, or a 9-to-5 "studio" environment that mimics a real workplace?
- Think about the world’s big challenges. Do you want to study the history of engineering, or do you want to work on a challenge set by a company like Heineken in your first month?
- Open three tabs, a traditional course, an apprenticeship, and the NMITE degree's page. Spend 5 minutes on each. Which one made you feel excited?
Who is NMITE for?
We don't do things the ‘old way,’ and neither do our students. You’ll thrive here if you are:
- A Tinkerer: You’d rather take a machine apart than read the manual.
- A Team Player: You enjoy the brainstorming phase and hitting goals as a group.
- A Visual Thinker: You find it easier to explain an idea with a sketch than a 3,000-word report.
- You have Grit: You aren't afraid to try, fail, and iterate until a solution works.
The Parent’s Corner: Talking Points
It’s normal for parents to be protective of the Traditional Route, it’s what they know! If you’re trying to explain why NMITE feels right for you, here are three quick facts to share:
- It’s a real degree: NMITE has New Degree Awarding Powers, it is a fully validated, high-quality HE institution.
- It’s faster: You can get a Master’s (MEng) in just 3 years instead of the usual 4, getting you into a career, and earning, sooner.
- It’s what employers want: We were built with industry. Our 9-to-5 studio model means NMITE graduates don't need onboarding, they already know how to work.
Don't Let the Clock Win
If you're reading this and feeling the January Deadline panic, take a breath.
- UCAS isn't the only way: You can apply to NMITE directly through our website, even after the main deadlines have passed.
- We look at the person, not just the grades: We don't require A-Level Maths or Physics to start. We teach you those skills in context, using our Academic Skills and Knowhow (ASK) centre.
The best way to find out if somewhere is the right fit for you is to see it in person. Our Open Days aren't just tours; they are a chance to see our studios in action. Book an NMITE Open Day here.
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