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Siyamthanda
Student
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Questions
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Last year I wanted to become an astrophysicist, but because of the small chances that I might be able to pursue that career in this country, I started researching other careers that might spark an interest in me. This year I found a great interest in medicine, specifically neurosurgeon, so now I'm stuck between two amazing careers in two different fields. I want to know if it's possible to study both careers or what to do if you can't decide between which career to choose??
I just started the FET phase in high school and I'm feeling the pressure of having to decide on what career I'm going to do for the rest of my life,so I really want to know what to do when faced with this situation?
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Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
564
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Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Siyamthanda,
I think you are located in South Africa? It might help to know in which province you attend school and want to go to university.
It's great to hear that you have already identified two very interesting career options in astrophysics and neurosurgery.
But don't get ahead of yourself. You don't have to decide your career for the rest of your life just yet if you are still in high-school. You just need to get on the right path and keep your options open.
Let's have a look at your interests and options. Since you are interested in astrophysics and neurosurgery, I assume you are good in math and sciences.
You need to choose your high-school subjects to prepare for a career in science. You'll take your compulsory subjects (language, life orientation), of course. Then, VERY IMPORTANT, you need to take PURE MATHS (not math literacy). Then you take all the science classes you can take. That way you keep all your options open.
I am emphasizing math, because in science, engineering, most medical careers and some other number-based fields like accounting, math is a pre-requisite for admission.
Ok, astrophysics: You would not enroll in astrophysics from year 1 of your undergrad. You would enroll in physics or maybe physics and math. You would earn a bachelors degree in physics in 3 years. If you are good, you can add another year to earn an Honors degree. You can get funding for your bachelors from NSFAS.
You only really start specializing in Honors and during your Masters (~2 years) and PhD (~3-4 years). If you still want to do astrophysics, you can. But maybe you'll be fascinated by something else by then.
In general, I would agree that astrophysics is not the most "practical" specialization. But South Africa has the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP), which is internationally well regarded. Astrophysicists are actually in short supply. NASSP has some pretty good bursaries for Honors and Masters students too.
Now, Neurosurgery: If you want to do neurosurgery, you need to go to Medical School. The undergraduate program to earn a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) takes 6 years. Once you graduate from that you can apply for a program to earn a MMed Neurosurgery which lasts 4 to 5 years.
I am leaving some links to more information from different universities below. Keep in mind that each university has somewhat different entry requirements and program structure. Make sure you get current information from universities you would consider. You can also contact the admissions offices and/or departments.
In summary: astrophysics or neurosurgery are postgraduate specializations after you obtain your undergraduate degree. In high-school you need to prepare for a science degree and get excellent grades and distinctions. For university you need to decide on medicine or physics. You can not study both. You'll be busy either way.
There are many other options you could study too. There is no need to rush a decision now.
I hope this helps for now! All the best to you!
KP
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:3c1339f3-39b7-4f01-b63a-5283fbc4427d
https://www.star.ac.za/
https://health.uct.ac.za/neurosurgery/education/postgraduate-training
https://www.up.ac.za/faculty-of-health-sciences/programmes/programme/10250192/year/2024
https://www.wits.ac.za/course-finder/undergraduate/health/medicine-and-surgery
I think you are located in South Africa? It might help to know in which province you attend school and want to go to university.
It's great to hear that you have already identified two very interesting career options in astrophysics and neurosurgery.
But don't get ahead of yourself. You don't have to decide your career for the rest of your life just yet if you are still in high-school. You just need to get on the right path and keep your options open.
Let's have a look at your interests and options. Since you are interested in astrophysics and neurosurgery, I assume you are good in math and sciences.
You need to choose your high-school subjects to prepare for a career in science. You'll take your compulsory subjects (language, life orientation), of course. Then, VERY IMPORTANT, you need to take PURE MATHS (not math literacy). Then you take all the science classes you can take. That way you keep all your options open.
I am emphasizing math, because in science, engineering, most medical careers and some other number-based fields like accounting, math is a pre-requisite for admission.
Ok, astrophysics: You would not enroll in astrophysics from year 1 of your undergrad. You would enroll in physics or maybe physics and math. You would earn a bachelors degree in physics in 3 years. If you are good, you can add another year to earn an Honors degree. You can get funding for your bachelors from NSFAS.
You only really start specializing in Honors and during your Masters (~2 years) and PhD (~3-4 years). If you still want to do astrophysics, you can. But maybe you'll be fascinated by something else by then.
In general, I would agree that astrophysics is not the most "practical" specialization. But South Africa has the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP), which is internationally well regarded. Astrophysicists are actually in short supply. NASSP has some pretty good bursaries for Honors and Masters students too.
Now, Neurosurgery: If you want to do neurosurgery, you need to go to Medical School. The undergraduate program to earn a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) takes 6 years. Once you graduate from that you can apply for a program to earn a MMed Neurosurgery which lasts 4 to 5 years.
I am leaving some links to more information from different universities below. Keep in mind that each university has somewhat different entry requirements and program structure. Make sure you get current information from universities you would consider. You can also contact the admissions offices and/or departments.
In summary: astrophysics or neurosurgery are postgraduate specializations after you obtain your undergraduate degree. In high-school you need to prepare for a science degree and get excellent grades and distinctions. For university you need to decide on medicine or physics. You can not study both. You'll be busy either way.
There are many other options you could study too. There is no need to rush a decision now.
I hope this helps for now! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: