My experience in moving degrees is… more extensive than the average. All in all, I’ve changed degrees three times! While the admin experience will differ from Uni to Uni, I’ve switched both within schools and across schools at Newcastle.
I interview here my fellow student Cory, who has switched degrees twice. Cory provides a great account of what it’s like to step over the edge into a new degree, to leave what you thought you’d be doing behind. It’s surprisingly daunting, and, at least for me, took many months and lots of tears to build up the courage for.
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What it’s like to switching degrees across schools
“I switched from Physics with Astrophysics to English Literature with Creative Writing. It was an incredibly bittersweet moment realising I was going to have to let go of Physics, the grades I’d worked so hard for, the sphere I’d thrown myself into, the friends that became my world.
Ultimately, I couldn’t have found myself without English Literature. As a trans man, I was so preoccupied in my teens with following a masculine, STEM-based, socially acceptable route. I wanted people to know I was smart when they heard about my degree, to be impressed with me. I’m now used to the glance over the glasses when I say I write poetry for a degree, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I sincerely adore my degree now – to an embarrassingly uncool extent. I gave up the dream of scientific recognition, a three figure salary, or impressing cis white boys at the pub, but I gained a community, a sense of belonging, and more books than I could ever conceivably fit in my tiny Newcastle terrace flat.
The process of changing degrees was much more of an internal stress than anything else – I felt I was letting myself down more than anyone else did. Ultimately, the people working at uni have seen it all – it seems world ending at the time, but for them it’s just another Tuesday and a few emails worth of forms to fill out.”
He’s absolutely right. The pressures from within can really exacerbate any external pressures or persuasion. After all, it’s us who have to actually turn up and DO the degree!
Switching degrees within schools
“There’s literally nothing to say about it. Worst case scenario is a middle aged man with a cardigan rolling his eyes at you before filling out a form. Again, it may seem like a big deal, but no one in academia is paid enough to care whether you want to do English with History or English with Politics. They just want you to do whatever course increases the chances of you showing up to their 9am seminar (you still won’t).”
I can only concur. Especially after the headache of switching schools from Law to English Literature, changing degrees within the same school was as easy as a single document to fill in.
Not sure whether to take the leap and switch? Here’s some things to ask yourself:
Will this change make me happier (and therefore yield better grades)?
Can I sit in on a class/ have a day in the life to get a taste before committing?
What would the drawbacks be?
What career path will this change set me on?
Am I making a rash decision? (Perhaps while crying in the library…)
The most important thing to consider is if the change will make you happier. If you’re happy, you’re going to be more motivated, committed, and driven, which all yield better results!
FAQs on What Switching Degrees Is Really Like
Begin by speaking to your current course administrator or personal tutor, then contact the admissions team for the course you want to join. They will check entry requirements, space on the course, and whether your current credits are a good fit.
The earlier the better. Many students switch at the end of semester one or between years. Mid year moves can be possible, but deadlines vary by university and by course availability. Ask about cut off dates before you commit.
Often yes if your completed modules match the learning outcomes of the new course. You may need to repeat or take extra modules to fill gaps. The receiving department will map your transcript and confirm what carries over.
Changes in course length or repeating a year can affect funding. Check with Student Finance before you switch. International students must also speak to the university compliance team to ensure visa conditions are still met after any change.
It can. If modules do not align you might need an extra term or year, which adds tuition and living costs. Ask the new department for a written study plan that shows your expected finish date and any extra fees.
Some faculties ask for a brief statement that explains your reasons, what you have learned so far, and how the new course fits your goals. References are usually not needed for internal moves, but policies differ by university.
Use your personal tutor, careers service, and student support or wellbeing teams. They can help you weigh pros and cons, explore careers, and plan a smooth academic transition without harming your progress.