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Understanding the Differences Between a BA and a BSc Hons Degree

Understanding the Differences Between a BA and a BSc Hons Degree

Are you considering pursuing a bachelor’s degree but unsure which one is better for your career? After all, the choice between pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) can be a tricky one for many students. Both degrees have their own merits, and understanding the differences between the two can help you make the right decision. In this blog piece, we’ll break down the key differences between both bachelor’s degrees, including the types of subjects you’ll study, the skills you’ll develop, and the career opportunities available to you after you graduate. By the end, we hope you’ll have a clearer understanding of which degree is the best fit for your interests and goals. So, let’s get started!

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is an undergraduate degree that typically takes three to four years to complete. It is a liberal arts degree that offers a broad range of subjects across different disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, fine arts, literature and languages. A BA degree aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that helps them develop skills such as time management, communication and problem-solving that are useful in a wide range of careers.

In a BA degree program, students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions by selecting courses from a variety of subjects. For example, a student pursuing a BA degree may choose to study subjects such as history, philosophy, literature, psychology, sociology, or anthropology. This type of degree often requires students to complete a thesis or final-year project that demonstrates their understanding of a particular subject.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree

A Bachelor of Science (BSc) Hons degree is an undergraduate degree that typically takes the same time to complete as a BA degree. It is a degree that focuses more on scientific and technical subjects, such as maths, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering. A BSc degree provides students with a deep understanding of their chosen subject area and the technical skills necessary to pursue a career in that field. For example, a student pursuing a BSc in Computer Science may take modules in programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, etc. Moreover, this type of degree often requires students to complete a final-year dissertation or research project that demonstrates their understanding of a particular topic.

Key Differences

One of the key differences between these two bachelor’s degrees is the types of subjects that are studied. BA degrees cover a broader range of subjects across different disciplines, while BSc Hons degrees are more focused on science-related subjects. While the majority of transferable skills are comparable, each type of degree can differ in the knowledge and specialist skills that are developed.

Another key difference between BA and BSc Hons degrees is the type of career opportunities that are available after graduation. The career opportunities for both bachelor’s degrees vary depending on the subject area and the specific skills that are developed. However, both types of degrees offer a wide range of career opportunities. BA degree graduates may pursue careers in fields such as teaching, journalism, public relations, marketing, law, and business, whereas BSc degree graduates can apply for science and tech-related job roles such as software engineer, data analyst, economist, or cybersecurity specialist.

It’s important to note that these are generalisations and that there are exceptions. Some subjects, such as psychology and anthropology, can be offered as both a BA and a BSc Hons degree. Overall, both types of degrees provide a wide range of career options for students.

BA vs BSc Hons – Which is Right for You?

Choosing between a BA and a BSc Hons degree can be a difficult decision for many students, especially if they are still exploring their career options. The key is to choose a degree type that aligns with your interests and career goals. If you have a passion for arts, music, design, culture, or history, a BA degree may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in science, technology, engineering, or maths, a BSc degree may be the best fit for you. However, there are exceptions, as some subjects can offer a combination of both types of degrees. For example, an environmental science degree may include courses in both biology and sociology. Ultimately, the best way to decide which bachelor’s degree is right for you is to research the different courses available and speak to academic advisors or career counsellors at college.

To Sum Up

Understanding the differences between a BA and a BSc Hons degree can help students make more informed decisions about their future education. While each bachelor’s degree type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, it all comes down to the student’s interests and career goals. A BA degree offers a broad, multidisciplinary education that allows for more flexibility in career paths, whereas a BSc Hons degree can be more specialised and technical, which is ideal for careers in science, engineering, and technology. By weighing the pros and cons of each degree type and considering your personal goals and ambitions, you can make an informed choice that sets you on a path towards success.

SEE ALSO: Tips for Acing Your Final Exams

Girl studies for post-graduate degree with head in her books

Applying for a Post-Graduate Degree

When we get to the end of our studies, many of us are at a loss as to the next steps in our careers and our lives. At this stage, it can be tempting to apply for a post-graduate degree.

After all, more time spent at college seems like fun!

But it is vital to go into post-graduate study for the right reasons. It is important to make measured decisions and not act on impulse or whim. At the end of the day, you will be investing a lot of time and—more importantly—money in the program. And some may question if a college degree is worth the effort.

Read on for useful tips to bear in mind when contemplating to apply for post-graduate study.

Don’t rush into it

First of all, you should think about whether heading straight back into studying is the right option for you. Maybe you should take a year out to relax and earn some cash before embarking on your next challenge.

Contrary to what you might think, many employers look favorably upon those who have removed themselves from their comfort zone to work and travel abroad. It demonstrates a certain quality of independence most employers will value.

Also, don’t simply go into post-graduate study because you want to stall your entrance into the ‘real world’. You should think carefully about whether the course you intend to enrol in is going to help you with your career down the line.

Rather than undertake a post-graduate degree because you’re unsure of the next step to take, you should ask yourself: will it be worth my time and money? Where will this course get me?

On that note, if you haven’t already, make some goals and objectives.

What are your goals with a post-graduate degree?

Before making any major life decision, it is always a good idea to set out some targets and goals.

In this case, some questions to get you started could include: what are you trying to achieve from your move into post-graduate study? What do you hope to get out of it? How will this course further your career ambitions—if at all?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you might want to consider why you are thinking about a post-graduate degree. You should also reflect on whether you could achieve your career goals via other means.

Of course, some professions require a master’s degree or higher level of academic qualification. But others—such as journalism, business, finance and marketing—offer industry-standard qualifications at a fraction of the cost of a post-graduate degree. For this reason, think about how you can get better value for money.

Earn while you learn

Making money while studying is, for most of us, the only feasible way to fund a post-graduate degree. Therefore, it is crucial to consider if your chosen mode of study is compatible with part-time work. If not, you may struggle financially, making your degree more stressful than it needs to be.

Many post-graduate degrees offer the option of part-time study. Opting for this route will ensure you get the most out of your degree without compromising your ability to make ends meet.

Why not take a job in a café, bar or restaurant? Hospitality work can be a fun way to make new friends. You could even meet influential figures who might help you out.

Weigh up the rewards of a post-graduate degree

Think about what this course is going to do for you.

Will it help you obtain skills in employability? Or do you already possess those skills? Is the cost of the degree going to be outweighed by potential future earnings? Will you be able to pay back your loans?

All the above questions are vital when you consider a post-graduate degree. Think about their answers sensibly to avoid disappointment or a difficult financial situation later on.

Remember: be realistic about what post-graduate study is; it’s not a golden ticket to employment!

Be ready for a challenge

After you have deliberated on all of the above, if you still think a post-graduate degree is right for you, be ready to embrace a challenge.

Post-graduate study is much harder than undergraduate.

You will be expected to do more reading and researching than ever before. If you think this workload will be too tough, perhaps post-graduate study is not for you.

Think carefully about whether you are willing to devote a whole new year of your life to intense study. Post-grads are expected to explore their subjects in comprehensive depth and detail. Be prepared for this and bring your A game!

So, before you fill out that application form, consider the above tips to ensure you make an informed decision.

 

College Degree to be Successful

Do You Need a College Degree to be Successful?

With potential loan debts and tuition costs rising every year, it’s no wonder half the millennial population is asking: do you need a college degree to be successful? The answer isn’t simple. There is no definitive proof that a degree can secure you the job of your dreams or lead to the ultimate “success” (especially because success is in the eye of the beholder). One person’s idea of being successful may be different to another’s. But, for now, lets assume that it means you have effectively climbed to the top of your field and earn a reasonably high salary.

A career prerequisite

Before considering whether you wish to attend college, you may want to reflect on what you have a real passion for. This is almost always the thing you will excel at. From there, you should surmise whether a degree is necessary in order to enter this vocation. For many industries, a degree isn’t a prerequisite for an entry-level position. In such circumstances, some students may feel a degree would simply postpone any possible opportunities. However, a degree may be an absolute must for certain fields—the obvious ones being medicine, the sciences, engineering and architecture.

Having realistic expectations is important at this stage of your decision-making. This is not to say don’t aim high, but be honest with yourself about what you can achieve. If your objectives are ambitious, devise a plausible plan that will make your dreams a reality. You may aspire to be a professional swimmer, but you should appreciate that this profession may be slightly out of reach. Instead, becoming the best swimming instructor in the region may be more achievable. Identifying a suitable location with a gap in the market may facilitate you founding a swimming school, which could even lead to a franchise.

What’s it worth?

There are various elements that can determine the value of your college degree: the amount you will ultimately pay to attend, your desired career path and your post-graduation living situation—each can contribute to its worth. One way to determine whether your college costs will stack up against your potential income is to use the Major ROI tool on the Discover Student Loans’ website. The website covers the potential average salary for different subject majors. For industries with six figure salaries, you can afford to pay for a more expensive institution. If the rewards are low, you may wish to consider a more economic method for achieving your goals.

Let’s not forget that financial aid is still available in the form of scholarships for those who need help with offsetting the cost of a college degree. Community colleges and state universities are also options that shouldn’t be cast aside. Both can provide quality educational courses for people with a subject or occupation in mind.

Pro college degree

  • Shows passion and dedication to the field you are applying for.
  • Prepares individuals for the workplace by developing independence, introducing important connections and improving social skills.
  • Provides resources that students can tap into for in-depth insight into various topics—experienced lecturers stand as a fountain of knowledge and expertise.
  • A college degree has become the standard for which many candidates are measured—mostly due to the imbalance of the job-to-candidate ratio.
  • According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2016, earning potential and educational attainment are directly related; lower earners had completed fewer levels of academia in every category.

Pro no college degree

  • Free from debt and tuition fees.
  • Internship and apprenticeship programs can introduce young people into the workplace—securing such a position doesn’t necessarily require a college degree to be successful.
  • Fostering ambition and making valuable business connections is possible via websites such as LinkedIn and Quora.
  • Online courses and certifications provide useful self-educational tools, providing knowledge needed for the workplace or specific industry.
  • The CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey 2017 reported that business owners without a four-year degree far outnumber those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

What the experts say

Several famous personalities have managed to prosper without the help of a college degree; Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey, Coco Chanel and Steve Jobs, to name a few. This adheres with the data produced by the CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey from 2017. It found that entrepreneurs who didn’t finish or attend college outnumbered those with higher-level degrees across both genders and every age group apart from the over 65s. However, all business owners who had skipped higher level education all shared common personality traits: each had a distinct attitude of independence, determination, a great idea and the willingness to take risks.

Jacqueline Gold, founder of the Ann Summers adult retail empire is another example of a self-made businesswoman, who climbed her way to the top without a degree. “I was acutely aware when I started Ann Summers Party Plan that I had no formal business training, but what started out as a disadvantage actually turned into one of my biggest advantages. I had to rely entirely on listening to customer feedback, which led to the rapid growth of Party Plan turning over £86,000 in its first year.” While Gold believes that college is undeniably beneficial, she also champions those that follow alternative paths. “I’m excited that there are individuals that want to do something different and create their own career and get straight in to the work place.”

On the topic, Chuck Runyon—co-founder of the 24-hour gym chain Anytime Fitness—commented: “If you want to get out of college and try to hustle, it still requires a great deal of capacity.” Runyon decided to leave college after he identified a gap in the market for a gym that was always open, one whose equipment focused solely on what was most frequently used by members. “I want to make it clear: you have to work every bit as hard, if not harder.”

The brain behind Microsoft, Bill Gates, agreed with Runyon’s sentiments. In a blog post in 2015, Gates said, “Although I dropped out of college and got lucky pursuing a career in software, getting a degree is a much surer path to success.” While the majority of successful entrepreneurs show that college degrees aren’t the only way to succeed in life, none seem to show a dislike for higher education, either.

Whether you decide to get a college degree or jump straight into work, it is clear that the key to succeed in life is to aim high, work your hardest, take risks, stretch your creativity, and—no matter what—follow your dreams.

Further reading: Free Courses to Boost Your Resume