Quitting

greensmurf

I am currently at the end of the second year at Hull University. I registered for an English Literature degree, but only passed the year with an average of 35%, with grade C at A-level. I don't think the University is suited to me. My true interest is in Philosophy. I have been offered reassessments in August but these are capped. I also have debts of about £1500 as well as my student loan.

I feel it would have been useful to spend time considering my options. I did about 30 retakes in The Sixth Form, but was still encouraged to apply to University, even though I don't feel it has benefited me. I did not really know what subject I wanted to do at the time, so felt that sticking with a school subject was the safest option.

With ELQ rules, I am aware that it is not possible to apply for second degree funding, except in a limited range of specialised vocational cases.

I have no work experience. I have sent out 70+ applications in the last three weeks for every type of position, but not heard anything back. My GCSEs are mainly at grade C, with average A-levels.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Justicenpeace

Hi greensmurf,

Do you get on with your personal tutor? It may be worth making an appointment with/him her to discuss your options.

I think the main problem is that you are doing a degree programme that isn't what you really want to do. It is always very difficult to perform well if you are not really that 'into' the subject matter.

Try to explore the possibility of an internal transfer to Philosophy if that is your 'true interest'. The admissions tutor in the Philosophy department would be more likely to look favourably on this if you take the opportunity for the reassessments in your current subject.

The marks will be capped - but - in addition to the capped mark the transcript will also show the mark you achieved. I'd advise putting lots of work into the reassessments for this purpose. Also, you could qualify for a certificate or diploma (depending on how many credits you will have passed) should you choose to leave the university.

Good luck.

MrsManda

Hi, as Justicenpeace suggested you need to discuss your options with your personal tutor and see what they suggest you do.

You need to find out if you can do the reassessments and get a HND/HNC from your two completed years so that at least you'll have a qualification, and later in life you may want to top it up to a full degree.

Also as you've have completed two years, you won't be able to apply for a completely new degree under ELQ BUT you may be able to use your first year grades and transfer into the second year of a philosopy degree if that's what you really want to do. Student finance covers one repeat year.

If you're not sure of what you want to do you could consider asking your tutor if you could take a year out to get some work experience with the possibility of returning in september 2011 to retake the second year.

Firstly though you need to find out what your options are and the best way of doing that is to first talk to your personal tutor.

I wish you all the best

Oldernotwiser

You could consider finishing your second year successfully and then transfer your credits to the OU and finish your degree by studying Philosophy units.

PassedAtFailing

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

You could consider finishing your second year successfully and then transfer your credits to the OU and finish your degree by studying Philosophy units.

And for the grade-hungry, it is worth mentioning that your classification will come from the points completed with the OU only.

Voyager2002

Please bear in mind that Philosophy is unlikely to help you to earn a living. I think your first move should be to book an appointment with your Careers Service and consider your options.

And yes, it might indeed be possible for you to transfer to another degree within the university, but please consider the career implications before doing so.

Oldernotwiser

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Please bear in mind that Philosophy is unlikely to help you to earn a living. I think your first move should be to book an appointment with your Careers Service and consider your options.

Neither is English Literature really, although i agree about getting some careers guidance.

WolfSong2000

Actually, whilst it has no direct relevance to the workplace, philosophy offers a lot of skills that employers look favourably upon and is considered one of the best "non-vocational" degrees to do for that very reason.

I went to Aberdeen Uni (despite parents living in England) and changed from Philosophy to History...loved the course, but the department was having issues, hence my decision to switch. For me it really helped having a sympathetic (history) lecturer who said he'd help me in any way he could, and generally made the switch-over a lot easier.

I'd book appointments with your careers service and ask to speak to someone in the philsophy department with a view to switching.

MT90

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Please bear in mind that Philosophy is unlikely to help you to earn a living. I think your first move should be to book an appointment with your Careers Service and consider your options.

And yes, it might indeed be possible for you to transfer to another degree within the university, but please consider the career implications before doing so.

This just isn't true. Philosophy has time and time again been ranked at the top for none career specific degrees for employability.