How to Choose the Right Bachelor’s Degree

Choosing a suitable bachelor’s degree is vital for building a secure future and avoiding being stuck in a job you’re not passionate about. 

It can be difficult to choose between all the options undergraduate studies offer. While this can be overwhelming, it’s also beneficial since you can find a degree that suits your exact needs and goals. 

MANCOSA offers numerous undergraduate programmes, including business degrees, education degrees, IT degrees, and more. 

In this article, we’ll give you the six steps you can follow to determine what undergraduate programme is perfect for you. We’ll also list some of the most notable degrees you can consider based on growing industries.

6 steps to take when selecting your bachelor’s degree

It can be challenging to choose a degree, especially if you’re multi-passionate and have many interests. While the financial stability a degree can provide is an important consideration, it isn’t the only thing to think about. 

When choosing a degree, you must consider your passions and what you want your life to look like. Below are the steps you can follow to determine what degree and related career path may best suit your personality, individual goals, and aspirations. 

1. Create a list of your interests and study possibilities

Write down all your interests and career possibilities, considering the environment you enjoy. 

For example, perhaps you enjoy a fast-paced office environment or working with children. You may even dream of pursuing entrepreneurship and building a business around something you enjoy, like being an event planner, baker, florist, etc. 

First, think about the things you enjoy doing. Then, research possible careers by typing the following phrase into Google: “Career for someone who enjoys [your passion]”. 

2. Look at what industries are growing

After you’ve compiled a list of possible careers, you can research industries experiencing growth. Some of the fastest-growing industries in South Africa include pharmaceuticals and the healthcare sector, finances and banking, and information technology. 

Going into one of these industries drastically increases your chances of getting a career with vast job options and opportunities for growth. 

3. Consider the type of degree that suits your needs

Once you know what career you want to pursue, it’s time to think about the best degree that may support you. 

For example, a degree in education may be best if you’re a prospective teacher. In contrast, a business degree may suit you if you want to work in business management or a similar position. 

4. Make sure you’re eligible

Some courses have certain academic and language proficiency requirements, and it’s essential to know what these are before applying. 

For example, most undergraduate degree programmes require at least a National Senior Certificate. 

5. Industry remuneration

While remuneration isn’t everything, making a living and supporting your family and lifestyle is essential. This may influence the type of degree and career path you choose. 

For example, some careers, such as those in technology, typically offer higher salaries than those in education. 

6. Research further study opportunities

It’s also beneficial to examine whether studying further and growing in a particular field is possible. For example, you can determine whether your career has management and senior opportunities you can attain by building your skills and further study. 

What kinds of undergraduate degrees are available?

There are numerous undergraduate degrees available in different areas of study. These include business degrees, healthcare degrees, financial degrees, and more. Here are some of the most notable MANCOSA degrees on offer. 

• The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting teaches you to function in various financial and accounting roles and ultimately add value to companies in the private and public sectors.
• The Bachelor of Business Administration gives you an understanding of the business and operational environments by developing your intellectual skills, executive personality, and managerial abilities. 
• The Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship provides knowledge, skills, and understanding to those aspiring to start businesses or contribute to successful entrepreneurial ventures. 
• The Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management helps you develop financial and managerial skills that equip you to meet the demand for specialists and leaders in the financial sector.
• The Bachelor of Information and Technology Management enables you to offer and manage business solutions through information-supported technology.
• The Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education provides teaching and learning skills, equipping you to teach in primary and secondary schools.
• The Bachelor of Commerce in International Business helps you gain critical knowledge in commerce and a comprehensive understanding of the business and commercial practices relevant to multinational companies. 

We also offer other qualifications, including higher certificates and diplomas. Have a look at our various undergraduate options here. 

Beyond the bachelor’s degree: consider location logistics

In-person studies and online studies both have advantages and disadvantages. However, with the rise of online education, options like MANCOSA’s online programmes offer accredited education with flexibility.

Depending on your personality and needs, studying in person may be more comfortable and help you learn more efficiently in a traditional classroom. It also lets you network with professors, fellow students, and professionals in person.

On the other hand, studying online gives you opportunities for personal growth, independence, and the ultimate flexibility to study while having other responsibilities. In addition, it doesn’t require you to travel, and you can study in the comfort of your home. 

Some of the main advantages of studying one of MANCOSA’s online undergraduate degrees include the following: 

• Flexible schedule
• Accessible, regardless of your location
• Cost-effective, priced far lower than traditional studies
• Career advancement opportunities as you can work while studying and already build up experience
• Networking opportunities through virtual classrooms, online events, and discussion forums

Register for a MANCOSA Bachelor’s degree online  

Now that you’ve seen the multiple options available, you can follow the above mentioned steps to determine your passions. After that, you can consider different growing industries and choose a career you know you’d enjoy. 

Consider enrolling in one of the many online programmes MANCOSA offers based on your unique interests and career goals.