With Ucas applications open and deadlines coming up in January, it is time for students to start thinking what undergraduate course they want to apply for and what university they want to attend. With a limit of five options for Ucas it can be challenging for students to decide what they want to study for the upcoming years.

However, deciding what to study can be straight forward if you have a guide where to start. Here are six ways to help students decide what is the best course for them. Picking a degree should align with what the course involves, interests, strengths, future careers and the opportunity it brings.

1. Consider what the course involves

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There are several things to consider when choosing a course that suits you. This can include the entry requirements for grades, course content, subject league table, employment rates, opportunities offered (such as study abroad, placements and employer links) and different study options.

Start from researching universities and identifying what interests you with the course and if you meet the criteria before applying. Different universities offer different benefits with their degrees, so finding a course from a university that fits your needs is crucial.

For example, in the Sociology degree there is an option to do a year abroad. If you are someone who wants to travel then this degree would be beneficial to you.

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2. Consider your interests

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Consider what activities and subjects you enjoy. Knowing your interests can make a significant difference as it sets you on a path to know what kind of degree you would enjoy doing as you will be studying that degree for the next three to four years.

Consider what subjects you find yourself delving deep into and reading about in your free time as that could be a sign that degree related to your interests could be for you.

For example, if you enjoy reading and analysing, a degree in English Literature could be for you. Identifying what makes you happy and fufills your interests can align with relevant degrees. As well as this, identifying subjects and activities that you don't enjoy can help with the process of elimination as you know what courses will not suit you.

3. Consider your strengths

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If you are strong at a certain subject or interest and you get the highest grade for that then it may be suitable to choose a degree relevant to that as choosing a degree you will be strong in is beneficial as you can come out with a potential first class honours instead of a pass or even a fail.

When identifying strengths consider are you good at analysising, writing, numerical problems, managing, building or helping others. Aim for a degree that fufills the skills you are strong in instead of a degree that might include skills you are less strong in.

For example, if you would describe yourself as a problem solver you could consider a maths degree.

4. Consider future careers

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Applying for universities and not knowing exactly what you want to do is perfectly normal as there are many people out there in the same position. There are too many jobs out there to know which one is the match for you, so research certain jobs of interest and consider what you might like to be doing.

For example, if you like to help people you can research the NHS or teaching jobs. Certain jobs do have requirements so having a rough idea what you want to do can help but if you don't know you have time during your university years to decide.

Choose a course that offers opportunities like placements or placements abroad. If you know what you want to do then choose a course related to that job and if you don't then choose a course that gives you the most opportunity for job search.

5. Consider the opportunities

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When choosing a degree aim for a degree that opens many doors and has a high employability rate. Consider choosing a degree that is relevant with what you want to do as a future career but will give you a wide range of opportunities.

With choosing a flexible degree this has enabled people to have access to a wide range of opportunities in the degree with optional modules that are related to different types of jobs. As well, this enables students to specialise in a subject as a masters and with a flexible degree this may be easier to meet the entry requirements for subjects.

For example, if you love Politics then consider choosing Politics degree. If you find yourself enjoying to write about Politics then consider doing a masters in Journalism.

After following this guide on the subject and university search you should have a clear understanding on what to apply for. Researching what you want to do for the next couple years is not a quick process, so spend some time alone or even with a family member to help you navigate through your research. What you decide can be flexible as it can suit your needs and your degree can open doors to many jobs out there. As long as you have a vision of your future, you can now work towards it!