From Architecture to Urban Planning or Business to Sociology – your A-Z of Go Higher degree pathways

Posted on: 11 February 2023 by Dr Claire Jones, Go Higher Director in alumni stories

This is always an exciting time of the Go Higher year: at the beginning of semester two, in January or February, Go Highers make their choice of undergraduate programmes and apply for the degree they hope to pursue after completing the Diploma. Some have made their choice before they became a Go Higher, but by no means everyone knows the route they will be taking in September.

One thing that makes Go Higher different to most other foundation programmes or access courses is that students get a chance to experience different subjects before they make their final choice. The core subjects taught on Go Higher are History, Law, Literature, Philosophy and Sociology, alongside Study Skills and Maths for university entry.

As a Go Higher student, you’ll get a good foundation in all the humanities, both the arts and social sciences, so whatever degree you progress on to, you’re sure to be well prepared.

During the Go Higher year, you will also have opportunity to experience lectures from other disciplines, including for example Music, Irish Studies, Psychology, Business and Architecture - all degree programmes that are popular progression routes. The chance to discover the extent of what is available is indispensable to mature students choosing a degree. Go Highers, who may be tipping their toes back into learning after a long time out of formal education or school, can find the huge range of opportunities a little overwhelming.

Even Go Highers who are changing career mid-course to embark on a different degree can be surprised by the breadth of options available. But there is always help on hand; as well as the chance to hear lectures and talk to academics and undergraduate students on various programmes, your personal tutor will guide your through your choices and the degree application process.

What degrees do our students choose for undergraduate entry in September?

History, both Ancient and Modern, alongside Literature or Philosophy are always in demand, sometimes studied together as a combined honours degree. Our students have also chosen modern languages such as Italian or French, often following a 4-year ‘beginners’ degree programme. Psychology is always popular, as are Law, Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy. For students who prefer the arts, Egyptology, Music, Archaeology and Communications and Media are all subject areas well-represented by Go Higher undergraduates.

The above list of degree pathways is not exhaustive. You can check the whole range of opportunities available on the Go Higher web pages here.

The Go Higher part-time, one-day a week diploma programme begins in September with successful students beginning their undergraduate degree programmes the following September. No prior entry qualifications are needed. Applications are open from October through to June.