At Alfonso X el Sabio University (UAX), we support students through the ‘Plan Despega’ programme, a resource centre offering guidance to help you discover what to study and how to choose a university degree wisely.
In this video, you’ll learn a practical method for answering the big question: how do you choose a university degree without making a mistake?
These are the key factors that yield the best results when making your decision.
1. Start by getting to know yourself: your strengths, interests and values
Before looking at degree programmes, it’s essential to look within. Ask yourself what activities you enjoy, which subjects spark your curiosity and in which situations you feel most motivated. Sometimes the answer to what to study is closer than it seems: in your habits, your tastes and your experiences.
Think about your values too. Some students seek stability, others prefer creative environments, whilst some value innovation or social impact. The clearer you are about what drives you, the easier it will be to narrow down your options and make a choice.
2. Find out what each degree actually involves
Many wrong decisions stem from choosing a degree course simply because of its name. To avoid this, look closely at the content of each degree programme: subjects, teaching methods, academic rigour and the sort of projects you’ll have to undertake. This will not only give you a realistic picture, but will also help you imagine your day-to-day life as a student.
Here, it’s useful to refer to a short checklist:
- Do the subjects match your interests?
- Is the approach more theoretical, practical or project-based?
- Can you see yourself studying this material for several years?
If, after reviewing the information, you feel curious rather than put off, that’s a good sign.
This analysis is very useful when you’re choosing a degree course whilst preparing for the PAU/EBAU, a time when organisation and a clear head are essential. This is also reflected in the recommendations on on how to pass the PAU stress-free, with advice from an examiner , which looks at how to manage this stage effectively so you can make decisions with greater confidence.
3. Use vocational tests as a guide… but don’t rely on them alone
Tests can open up paths you hadn’t considered, but they should only be part of the process. Use them as a starting point, not an end point. They’re particularly useful for helping you organise your thoughts, confirm your intuitions or start a conversation with careers advisers and teachers. Interpretation is always more important than the result.
Career aptitude tests can help you to:
- Discover new areas of interest
- Confirm intuitions you already had
- Start conversations with careers advisers or students in that field
But remember: they are a support tool, not a definitive answer.
4. Look at the job market with a broader perspective
Understanding the professional context of each degree course can give you a more complete picture. Researching which roles are in demand, how each sector is evolving and what sort of opportunities certain degree programmes offer will help you make a more realistic decision.
Look for information on:
- Professions in highest demand
- Growing sectors
- Types of jobs typically held by graduates
- Skills sought after by the job market
This doesn’t mean simply choosing ‘whatever offers the best career prospects’, but rather seeing which options align with your goals and offer you a future with real possibilities.
5. Listen to those around you, but make your own decision
The people around you can provide valuable information: your family, your teachers, former students or people working in a specific sector can offer perspectives that help you gain a clearer picture of your situation. Even so, the final decision must be yours. You are the one who will be studying that degree and building a career path based on it, so your judgement should carry the most weight.
