GCE Just Ended. Now What? A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your UBa Degree
So you've done your GCE. You've waited for the results. You've either celebrated or cried or done a little of both.
Now comes the hard part: What do you do next?
Everyone is asking you. "Which course are you taking?" "What do you want to study?" "Have you decided yet?"
And you're sitting there thinking, "I have absolutely no idea."
You are not alone. Most students don't know what they want to study. The ones who say they do? Half of them will change their minds by next year. And that's okay.
What matters is that you make a choice that sets you up for success. And that's what this guide is for.
The Passion vs. Practicality Dilemma
This is the biggest question students ask: "Should I study what I love, or what will get me a job?"
Let me be straight with you:
Studying something you have zero interest in is a recipe for misery. You will wake up every day for years and dread going to class. You'll put in the minimum effort. You won't enjoy university.
On the other hand, studying something with no job market will leave you frustrated after graduation. You'll have a degree you love but no one is hiring for it.
The sweet spot: Find something you're genuinely interested in that also has real opportunities. It doesn't have to be your absolute dream, but it should be something you can see yourself doing for years.
What you should ask yourself:
- What subjects did you enjoy in secondary school?
- What do you find yourself reading about in your free time?
- What kind of work environment do you want?
- What kind of lifestyle do you want after university?
Pro tip: Talk to people who are working in the fields you're considering. Ask them what their day-to-day is actually like. University tells you the theory. They'll tell you the reality.
How to Assess Your Strengths, Interests, and Personality
Before you choose a course, you need to know yourself. This is the most important step and the one most students skip.
Step 1: Take a strengths inventory
- What are you naturally good at?
- What do people ask you for help with?
- What comes easily to you that seems hard for others?
- What are your grades telling you about your strengths?
Step 2: Identify your interests
- What topics keep you up at night?
- What podcasts, videos, or books do you choose in your free time?
- What problems do you want to solve in the world?
- What would you do even if you weren't paid?
Step 3: Understand your personality
- Are you outgoing or more reserved?
- Do you prefer working alone or in teams?
- Do you enjoy routine or variety?
- Are you more analytical or creative?
Pro tip: Take a free personality test online. It won't give you all the answers, but it will give you a framework to think about yourself.
A Breakdown of UBa Faculties and What They Actually Lead To
Here is a practical breakdown of what you can study at UBa and where it can take you.
Faculty of Arts
- What you study: Languages, Literature, History, Philosophy, Geography, Sociology, Psychology
- What it leads to: Teaching, journalism, research, social work, public relations, international organizations, policy work
- Is it for you? If you enjoy reading, writing, and understanding people and society, yes.
Faculty of Science
- What you study: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Biochemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science
- What it leads to: Research, pharmaceuticals, education, technology, data science, engineering (further study), academia
- Is it for you? If you're curious about how things work and enjoy experiments, analysis, and logic, yes.
Faculty of Social Sciences
- What you study: Economics, Accounting, Sociology, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work
- What it leads to: Banking, finance, government, NGOs, social services, consulting, business
- Is it for you? If you're interested in how society is organized and enjoy systems thinking, yes.
Faculty of Education
- What you study: Teaching methods, Educational Psychology, subject specialization
- What it leads to: Teaching, school administration, curriculum development, educational policy
- Is it for you? If you love learning, enjoy helping others, and want to shape the next generation, yes.
Higher Teacher Training College (ENSET)
- What you study: Teacher training with specialization in specific subjects
- What it leads to: Teaching, education, academic, educational leadership
- Is it for you? If you want to teach at the secondary or technical level, yes.
Faculty of Health Sciences
- What you study: Nursing, Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, Nutrition
- What it leads to: Healthcare, hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, research
- Is it for you? If you care about health and wellbeing and want to help people, yes.
High-Demand Courses vs. Courses with Limited Job Markets
You need to know the market reality. This is not to discourage you, but to prepare you.
Courses with high demand:
- Computer Science and related fields (IT, programming, networking)
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Nursing and health sciences
- Education (if you're willing to teach where there's demand)
- Law (competitive but always needed)
Courses that require more creativity or additional skills:
- Humanities and Arts (combine with digital skills)
- Social Sciences (combine with data skills)
- History and Geography (combine with research skills)
- Pure Sciences (combine with teaching or further study)
What to remember: No course is completely useless. But some courses require you to think more strategically about your career path.
Pro tip: If you're studying something with a limited market, plan for additional skills. Learn digital marketing, web development, graphic design, or data analysis. These skills will open doors.
The "I Don't Know What I Want" Solution
You're still reading because you're still confused. That's okay. Here is what you do.
Solution 1: Go to university with an open mind
You don't have to know your career path on day one. Many students find their passion in their second or third year. Start with a broad faculty and narrow down as you discover what you enjoy.
Solution 2: Talk to people
Talk to your seniors. Talk to graduates. Ask them what they studied and what they do now. Ask them what they would do differently. Their insights are gold.
Solution 3: Gain experience
Volunteer. Join clubs. Take on projects. The best way to know what you want is to try things. Experience is the best teacher.
Solution 4: Visit FavourLand
We've helped hundreds of students figure out their path. We know UBa. We know the job market. We know what works. Walk in and talk to us.
Pro tip: You don't have to know everything right now. You just have to be willing to learn and adjust as you go.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing Courses
Learn from the mistakes of those who came before you.
Mistake 1: Choosing a course because a friend is choosing it
Your friend won't be sitting for your exams. Your friend won't be applying for your job. Your friend's interests are not your interests.
Mistake 2: Choosing a course because your parents want you to
Your parents want the best for you. But they also have their own biases. Listen to their advice, but make your own decision. You are the one who will live your life.
Mistake 3: Choosing a course based only on earning potential
Money is important. But doing something you hate just for the money will drain your spirit. There has to be balance.
Mistake 4: Choosing a course without researching the career options
Know what you can do with your degree. Know what skills you'll need to get hired. Research before you commit.
Mistake 5: Thinking you're locked into a course forever
You can change your mind. You can switch courses. You can take additional skills. Your degree is not your life sentence.
Real Testimonials from UBa Graduates
"I studied Economics and now I work in microfinance. I love it."
— Sarah, Economics graduate, 2022
"I studied Biochemistry and I'm now in pharmaceutical sales. My degree gave me the foundation, I built the rest."
— John, Biochemistry graduate, 2021
"I studied English and now I work in communications. Writing and editing is my everyday life."
— Rose, English graduate, 2023
"I didn't know what to study. I ended up in Education and I've never been happier. Teaching is my calling."
— Peter, Education graduate, 2022
Final Words
Choosing your career path is a big decision. But it's not a life sentence. You can change direction. You can learn new skills. You can build a career that works for you.
What matters is that you start. That you stay curious. That you work hard. And that you reach out for help when you need it.
We are here to help.
Still Unsure? Walk Into FavourLand and Talk to Us.
We've helped hundreds of students figure out their path. Walk in and we'll help you too.
Ready to choose your path? Visit us at FavourLand or send us a WhatsApp message.
At FavourLand, we help UBa students succeed. From printing and binding to project writing and registration, we handle the academic work so you can focus on your studies.