Choosing a degree can feel like picking a life path while blindfolded. What if you could quietly test degree choice first, without locking yourself into years of study and thousands in fees?
You can. There are plenty of low-pressure ways to “try before you buy”, from online tasters to open days and shadowing. Used well, they help you check if a course matches your interests, strengths, and the life you want after graduation.
This guide walks you through simple, practical ways to trial a degree so you can make a confident choice, even if you are still unsure right now.
Key Takeaways
- You can safely test degree choice using free tasters, open days, and real-life experience before you apply.
- Focus on three things when testing: the subject content, the teaching style, and the lifestyle that comes with the course.
- Keep notes, compare options, and use evidence, not pressure or panic, to make your final decision.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why Quietly Testing Your Degree Choice Matters
- Try Free Online Tasters To Test Degree Choice
- Get Real-Life Experience Of The Subject
- Use Open Days And Subject Talks Smartly
- Trial The Study Lifestyle, Not Just The Topic
- Turn What You Learn Into A Decision
- Conclusion: Quiet Tests, Confident Choice
- Frequently Asked Questions About Quietly Testing A Degree Choice
Why Quietly Testing Your Degree Choice Matters
A degree is a big commitment of time, money, and energy. Guessing based on a school subject you “sort of” liked is risky.
Quiet testing reduces that risk. You get a feel for what you will actually study, not just the glossy prospectus pitch. That includes how the subject is taught, how much reading or maths is involved, and how the work is assessed.
It also helps you see how the degree links to your future plans. If earning potential is a big factor, you might want to compare subjects with strong outcomes using guides to best degree choices for high-salary jobs. The aim is not to chase money only, but to balance interest, ability, and long-term opportunities.
Think of it like trying on shoes before buying them. You are checking comfort and fit, not just the colour.
Try Free Online Tasters To Test Degree Choice
Online tasters are one of the safest ways to test degree choice without anyone even knowing you are unsure.
Short courses and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) let you sample university-style content in subjects like psychology, law, computing, or economics. Articles on MOOCs and university tasters explain how these tasters work and how they link to real degree programmes.
You can also sign up for free taster courses from the University of London. Pick a course that is close to the degree you are considering, then treat it like a mini trial:
- Do you enjoy the lectures and readings?
- Can you cope with the pace and depth?
- Are you curious to keep going, or relieved when it ends?
Even doing a single module can tell you a lot. If you struggle with motivation or find the material dull, that is useful feedback before you commit to three years of it.
Get Real-Life Experience Of The Subject
Online tasters are great, but they do not give the full picture. Real-life experience shows you what people with that degree actually do.
Here are practical ways to get that experience:
- Shadow someone in a related job for a day or two. This works well for careers like teaching, law, engineering, or healthcare.
- Volunteer in a setting linked to the subject, such as a museum for history, a charity for social policy, or a coding club for computer science.
- Talk to students already on the course. Ask what surprised them, what is hardest, and what a normal week looks like.
Many universities run summer schools or subject days for sixth-form and college students. These are ideal places to test degree choice in a focused way, as you get tasters of lectures, workshops, and campus life all in one go.
Keep a simple log of what you notice and how it makes you feel. Patterns will start to appear.
Use Open Days And Subject Talks Smartly
Open days are not just for collecting free pens and tote bags. Used well, they are one of the best ways to test degree choice quietly and in depth.
Before you go, learn how to prepare for a university open day. Plan which subject talks, tours, and Q&A sessions you want to attend.
When you are there, focus on:
- Course content: What modules are compulsory? Do they sound interesting?
- Assessment: Is it heavy on exams, coursework, presentations, or group work?
- Teaching style: Large lectures, small seminars, labs, placements, or a mix?
The UCAS guide to researching university options also points to “subject spotlights” and tasters from lecturers. These are useful if you cannot travel to every campus in person.
After each open day, write quick answers to three questions: What did I like? What worried me? Could I picture myself here?
Trial The Study Lifestyle, Not Just The Topic
You are not only choosing a subject, you are choosing a lifestyle. Two degrees in the same field can feel very different day to day.
Try to copy the study rhythm for a week or two:
- Look at sample reading lists or module outlines and follow them at home.
- Set aside the same weekly study hours the course expects.
- Mix in lectures (videos), reading, and problem sets, not just one type of task.
Notice how your energy holds up. If a course expects 20 hours of maths problems weekly and you are wiped out after 5, that is a warning sign. On the other hand, if you find yourself going beyond the set work because you are interested, that is a strong positive clue.
Turn What You Learn Into A Decision
After a few weeks of testing, your head may feel full. This is normal. Now you need to turn scattered experiences into a clear degree choice.
Try this simple process:
- Rank your options from “excited” to “dreading it”, based on your actual trials, not just what sounds impressive.
- Write one honest paragraph about each course: what worked, what did not, and how it fits your strengths.
- Check the facts one last time, such as entry requirements, costs, and career routes.
If you still feel torn, look at which option you would regret not trying. That feeling often points to the course you care about most.
Conclusion: Quiet Tests, Confident Choice
Quiet testing is not about being indecisive, it is about being informed. By sampling content, visiting campuses, and watching how you cope with the workload, you give yourself real evidence instead of guesses.
You might confirm the course you already loved, or you might pivot to a better fit. Either way, you will apply with more clarity and less anxiety.
Start small this week, even one online taster or email to a current student can move you closer to a degree that genuinely suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quietly Testing A Degree Choice
How early should I start to test degree choice?
Ideally start in Year 11 or the first year of college, when you are choosing subjects and thinking about UCAS. But it is never “too late”. Even in Year 13, a few weeks of focused testing can still prevent a wrong course choice.
What if my parents want a different degree than I do?
Use your testing evidence. Show them notes from tasters, open days, and conversations with students. Explain why one course fits your strengths and goals better. It is easier to have that talk when you can say, “I have tried both and here is what I found.”
Can I rely only on MOOCs and online tasters?
They are a strong start, but try to combine them with at least one open day, subject talk, or chat with a current student. Online tasters show you the content, while in-person experiences reveal teaching style, culture, and workload.
What if I still feel unsure after testing different degrees?
Some uncertainty is normal. At that point, focus on removing “bad fit” options rather than chasing a perfect one. Choose a course that is interesting, matches your abilities, and keeps several career doors open. Remember, many graduates work in areas that are not an exact match to their degree title.
