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Conflicted on whether i should do classics at a good university or finance and accounting at mid university ?
Im resitting my alevels in math and economics, with classics as a new alevel, i previously failed physics, honestly i would really enjoy classics but it clashes with expectations, its unconventional to my parents, who’s approval i would need to gain, but F&A is vocational and straightforward, but i would only apply to mid tier Russel groups, compared to applying to classics at ucl, kcl- even though i am a resit student. Any advice?
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Joseph’s Answer
The first thing I would say is drop the perception of tier status from your decision. The gap in perceived value between Russell Group universities is probably smaller than you think. Unless you're going to the extreme of uni reputation at Oxbridge or the other end (former polytechnic colleges), all the other (redbrick) unis are much of a muchness. Sure, some come out slightly higher than others on particular rankings, but in the real world, few if any people/employers notice that difference - and it's also subject-dependent anyway.
What you do need to have a think about is what you enjoy and don't enjoy about these subjects, and weigh that against the careers it might lead to. Finance is likely to make you more employable, but if you'll hate studying it and/or will hate working in that area, then there's no point - choose something you'll be happy with instead. Especially as you've noted you're resitting maths, that's a sign to be cautious - if you're struggling at A-Level, you'll likely need to put in a lot of work not to fall behind with the maths topics you'll use in finance.
Classics on the other hand - there's a lot fewer jobs that lead directly off from it, but of the humanities subjects it is traditionally considered one of the more valuable, and has led some notable people into various positions in politics, entertainment, history, public service and more; so if that's the route you want to go down, there's career options to explore, although they might be less opportunities and less obvious paths than in finance.
At the end of the day, it's your next few years study and your rest of your career - you need to take the decision based on what's best for you and your future, not necessarily what your parents might want for you.
What you do need to have a think about is what you enjoy and don't enjoy about these subjects, and weigh that against the careers it might lead to. Finance is likely to make you more employable, but if you'll hate studying it and/or will hate working in that area, then there's no point - choose something you'll be happy with instead. Especially as you've noted you're resitting maths, that's a sign to be cautious - if you're struggling at A-Level, you'll likely need to put in a lot of work not to fall behind with the maths topics you'll use in finance.
Classics on the other hand - there's a lot fewer jobs that lead directly off from it, but of the humanities subjects it is traditionally considered one of the more valuable, and has led some notable people into various positions in politics, entertainment, history, public service and more; so if that's the route you want to go down, there's career options to explore, although they might be less opportunities and less obvious paths than in finance.
At the end of the day, it's your next few years study and your rest of your career - you need to take the decision based on what's best for you and your future, not necessarily what your parents might want for you.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Mae,
I think you're looking at two separate decisions that have become tangled together: what you want to study, and what career you want to build.
A lot of students assume that a vocational degree automatically leads to a better career outcome, while a subject like Classics is a passion degree with limited prospects. The reality is more complicated. Many employers, especially in fields such as law, consulting, public policy, civil service, communications, and business, care less about the title of your degree and more about the skills you develop. Classics can build strong analytical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills that are valued in many professions.
The bigger question is whether you can genuinely see yourself studying Finance and Accounting for three or four years. University is challenging enough when you're interested in the subject. If you're choosing a degree primarily because it seems practical or because it meets other people's expectations, it's worth asking whether you'll stay motivated when the coursework becomes demanding.
At the same time, your parents' concerns are understandable. They may be thinking about employment, financial security, and clear career pathways. If you decide to pursue Classics, you'll need to show them that you've thought seriously about what comes next. Research graduate outcomes, potential career paths, internships, and postgraduate options. A decision tends to be easier for families to support when it comes with a plan.
One thing that stood out to me is that when you describe Classics, you say you would really enjoy it. When you describe Finance and Accounting, you focus on it being vocational and straightforward. That difference in language is worth paying attention to.
Before making a final decision, try to picture yourself five years from now. Are you more likely to regret studying Classics and later discovering you needed a more specialized qualification? Or are you more likely to regret choosing Finance and Accounting and never giving yourself the chance to study the subject that genuinely excited you?
Neither choice is inherently wrong. Both can lead to successful careers. The best option is usually the one that balances your interests with a realistic plan for the future, rather than choosing solely for prestige, rankings, or other people's expectations.
Good luck with your resits. The fact that you're thinking carefully about this now suggests you'll make a more informed decision than many students do.
Best wishes!
I think you're looking at two separate decisions that have become tangled together: what you want to study, and what career you want to build.
A lot of students assume that a vocational degree automatically leads to a better career outcome, while a subject like Classics is a passion degree with limited prospects. The reality is more complicated. Many employers, especially in fields such as law, consulting, public policy, civil service, communications, and business, care less about the title of your degree and more about the skills you develop. Classics can build strong analytical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills that are valued in many professions.
The bigger question is whether you can genuinely see yourself studying Finance and Accounting for three or four years. University is challenging enough when you're interested in the subject. If you're choosing a degree primarily because it seems practical or because it meets other people's expectations, it's worth asking whether you'll stay motivated when the coursework becomes demanding.
At the same time, your parents' concerns are understandable. They may be thinking about employment, financial security, and clear career pathways. If you decide to pursue Classics, you'll need to show them that you've thought seriously about what comes next. Research graduate outcomes, potential career paths, internships, and postgraduate options. A decision tends to be easier for families to support when it comes with a plan.
One thing that stood out to me is that when you describe Classics, you say you would really enjoy it. When you describe Finance and Accounting, you focus on it being vocational and straightforward. That difference in language is worth paying attention to.
Before making a final decision, try to picture yourself five years from now. Are you more likely to regret studying Classics and later discovering you needed a more specialized qualification? Or are you more likely to regret choosing Finance and Accounting and never giving yourself the chance to study the subject that genuinely excited you?
Neither choice is inherently wrong. Both can lead to successful careers. The best option is usually the one that balances your interests with a realistic plan for the future, rather than choosing solely for prestige, rankings, or other people's expectations.
Good luck with your resits. The fact that you're thinking carefully about this now suggests you'll make a more informed decision than many students do.
Best wishes!
Updated
Sanjeev’s Answer
Mae,
I hope you are having a great day. This is a great question, and it is important to remember that your future should be shaped by the things you are truly interested in. Accounting and Finance can open many strong career paths, including banking, CPA, auditing, consulting, and corporate finance roles. These fields offer a lot of opportunities, but they also require focus, commitment, and a willingness to keep learning. Going to an Ivy League college can be a great advantage if that opportunity is available, but a degree from a lesser-known college can also open doors if you work hard, build the right skills, and make the most of every opportunity.
I would encourage you to research the subjects instead of focusing only on getting into the “best” college. Think about what you want to achieve after college and what kind of career will make you feel successful and fulfilled. Your end goal matters, so take time to research career options, salary ranges, job growth, certifications, and the skills employers are looking for. Once you have done that research and feel confident in your decision, you can have a stronger conversation with your family by sharing facts, data, and a clear plan. The choices you make now can shape your future, so stay curious, ask questions, do your homework, and choose a path that gives you both opportunity and purpose.
I hope you are having a great day. This is a great question, and it is important to remember that your future should be shaped by the things you are truly interested in. Accounting and Finance can open many strong career paths, including banking, CPA, auditing, consulting, and corporate finance roles. These fields offer a lot of opportunities, but they also require focus, commitment, and a willingness to keep learning. Going to an Ivy League college can be a great advantage if that opportunity is available, but a degree from a lesser-known college can also open doors if you work hard, build the right skills, and make the most of every opportunity.
I would encourage you to research the subjects instead of focusing only on getting into the “best” college. Think about what you want to achieve after college and what kind of career will make you feel successful and fulfilled. Your end goal matters, so take time to research career options, salary ranges, job growth, certifications, and the skills employers are looking for. Once you have done that research and feel confident in your decision, you can have a stronger conversation with your family by sharing facts, data, and a clear plan. The choices you make now can shape your future, so stay curious, ask questions, do your homework, and choose a path that gives you both opportunity and purpose.
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
53
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Larry’s Answer
Mae -- you will gradute into an era of AI when careers will be different. It is not clear just how this future will occur, but it does seem that those with a wide world view and decision-making abilities will be well served.
From that standpoint, I suggest you enter into the Classics program. Learn all you can about the literature and history of the past. Understand the personal and global issues that affected past generations. Carry forth these issues to the present in your own mind.
Additionally, you will have a life to lead after your working career. A respect and appreciation of literature and it's evolution will serve you well in these post-career years.
Should you find that classics courses are not appealing to you, you can always change your major to F&A. I wish you every success and enjoyment in your college career.
From that standpoint, I suggest you enter into the Classics program. Learn all you can about the literature and history of the past. Understand the personal and global issues that affected past generations. Carry forth these issues to the present in your own mind.
Additionally, you will have a life to lead after your working career. A respect and appreciation of literature and it's evolution will serve you well in these post-career years.
Should you find that classics courses are not appealing to you, you can always change your major to F&A. I wish you every success and enjoyment in your college career.
I would add a note of caution to this - the question relates to the UK university system, where you largely select a whole programme of study up-front rather than selecting courses across different disciplines as you go. This means a "change of major" can be much more of a back-to-square-one decision than it is in the US system. It's of course still possible to change to a different degree programme if you're really not getting on with the subject, but it's a much more significant change than I understand it is in the US major-minor system and often can mean restarting the next year, so it's much more necessary to have a clear idea of direction before you make the choice.
Joseph Neilson
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
Hi, I would recommend you take a look at what energizes you before jumping to conclusions:
Step 1: look at your past week/month/year:
- how much time did you spend on literature, language & classics?
- how much time did you spend organizing your finances, compare purchase decisions?
- Do these activities give you energy or do they drain you?
- Are you motivated by the process or by outcomes and achievements?
Step 2: evaluate your options:
- look at the curriculum: what do people in Classics & F&A actually do on a weekly basis? -> do these activities match with what energizes you
- Evaluate the curriculum & jobs people do after for:
- theory vs hands on applications
- discussion vs data driven arguments
- subjective judging vs objective & predictable results
Step 3: based on the matches between your drivers and options decide your preferred option
Worst case you spend a year on something that energizes you.
Step 1: look at your past week/month/year:
- how much time did you spend on literature, language & classics?
- how much time did you spend organizing your finances, compare purchase decisions?
- Do these activities give you energy or do they drain you?
- Are you motivated by the process or by outcomes and achievements?
Step 2: evaluate your options:
- look at the curriculum: what do people in Classics & F&A actually do on a weekly basis? -> do these activities match with what energizes you
- Evaluate the curriculum & jobs people do after for:
- theory vs hands on applications
- discussion vs data driven arguments
- subjective judging vs objective & predictable results
Step 3: based on the matches between your drivers and options decide your preferred option
Worst case you spend a year on something that energizes you.