Open day questions: social sciences students
Thinking of studying for a degree in geography, history, politics, or economics? Here are some questions you could ask tutors and students when you're at a university open day.
About the course
- What ranges of modules are available to me?
- Can I pick modules outside of my subject?
- What skills will I learn on this course? E.g. research methods, referencing, drawing graphs…
- Are there any guest lecturers or speakers who come to the university?
- Do I need maths or statistics?
Equipment and facilities
- What books are necessary for me to buy?
- How much reading is there each week?
- Are resources and reading material available to use online?
- Do I need to read anything before I start the course?
Work experience and field trips
- Are there any field trips?
- Where will they be – is there a choice?
- How much does a field trip cost and will I have help with this?
- What assignments are set during a field trip, and do these count towards my degree mark?
- Do I have to organise placements or work experience during my summer breaks from university? Will I have help from the uni to do this?
Assessments
- What is the split between exams / coursework / group projects?
- Do I need to do a presentation on this course?
- Do I need to complete a dissertation or research-based project?
- How do I decide on a dissertation subject?
- Can I move on to a related Masters or PhD after I finish my course? Is there funding for me to do this?