What It's Really Like to Study a Combined Honours Degree

When choosing what University to apply to at 17 years old, discovering Combined Honours degrees was game changing. I have had the best time in my studies over the past two years – but why did I end up choosing Combined Honours at Chester?

Why I chose a Combined Honours degree

I chose to study a Combined Honours over a Single Honours specifically because it was something Chester opened my eyes to. I didn't even consider combining two different subjects until I saw it in a University of Chester prospectus at my local UCAS fair, and it aligned perfectly with my future career goal.

Even so, moving to Chester wasn't on my radar; it was four hours away from my home and I didn't know anyone. But visiting the University at an Open Day and meeting the lecturers that care so much about their craft convinced me that this was the city I want to spend the next three years living in. So I packed up my room and got on the road, and I have never regretted that decision.

One degree, two subjects

People always ask me if studying two subjects means I'm doing double the work. That is absolutely not the case. My first year, I essentially took all of the mandatory modules from both subjects.

My second year the University introduced a new academic framework which gave me a term of solely the first subject, a term of solely the second subject, and then a final term doing experience in the subject I was majoring in! I found that, rather than taking away from my student experience, doing both a theory based and practical subject has made my days varied and fun, making my time in lectures just as memorable as my time outside of them!

Balancing the two subjects is a challenge that changes day by day; however, both have managed to complement each other in interesting ways (you would be surprised how much one subject is referenced within the other!). I find that I am able to keep my curious nature happy with all the studies and research I am able to do in a social science subject, and simultaneously being able to pour all of my creative energy into an artistic subject has meant that university has been nothing but well rounded and so much fun!

My student experience

One of the biggest struggles of studying a Combined Honours degree is finding a strong sense of community in both subjects. As much as I have made friends the stretch across both disciplines, I have never felt as immersed in the community built there as those studying Single Honours. That being said, I have formed my closest bonds with other students on my course even if we’re only sharing half a subject! We have our own smaller community that we cherish, and we always have something to bond over!

In terms of academic help, both departments have been amazing. My PAT is a drama specialist, but he has always made it very clear that while he cannot help in the same way as a psychology PAT could, he is able to offer me support in other ways! My lecturers are also nothing but understanding about my workload, and have always offered solutions where they can. In fact, this term I had a conversation with one of my lecturers about feeling overworked, and she was able to talk me through everything that is expected of me to stop me from feeling overwhelmed. While doing multiple subjects, it is so important to be communicative with your lecturers. They can't know something is wrong unless you tell them!

Developing skills and future opportunities

I think that the biggest benefit of studying a Combined Honours degree is how it has helped me broaden my future career options. In doing a creative arts subject I have gained experience in performing, backstage work, tech and applying theatre to different careers. In my social science subject I have gained experience in researching, presenting and collaboration alongside everything else I have learned in my studies. These skills are ones I may not have learnt doing a Single Honours and can be applied to many different disciplines, helping to increase my employability. I have also learned about so many career paths I would never have considered simply doing a Single Honours!

The best decision of my life

Studying a Combined Honours was the best decision of my life. It has done nothing but elevate my University experience, and while it comes with its own challenges, the advantages it brings far outweigh them. Choosing a Combined Honours has opened doors for me that would have otherwise remained closed, and I urge anyone who is considering studying one to seriously consider it!

Find out more about Chester's range of Combined Honours degrees.