Does it pay (literally) to have an honours degree?

Joint honours or Single Honours degree?

• I'm applying for university this year, but I can't decide between English and History because I love both. I'm thinking about applying for both English and History joint honours and History single honours. Joint honours usually have lower entry requirements for some reason, so I was going to apply to that course because it means I have a backup - I haven't found any universities I like that have lower entry requirements for single honours history! I've written my personal statement for both English and History However, I have heard joint honours are more work, less interesting due to the lack of flexibility compared to a single honours degree and harder to get a first in?? What should I do? Apply to single honours history? (and therefore re-write my personal statement with only 2 weeks to go?) Apply to joint honours history and english?

• Answer:

  It seems to me like if you love both and can't decide between the two, a joint degree would be the way to go. The fact that it is easier to get in to joint honors, and that you've already written your personal statement seem to reinforce that decision. The joint program may be more work, but if you love what you're learning, that shouldn't be a problem. Can you change once you're at university? If so, I recommend applying to the joint degree, and if you find that it isn't flexible enough or that it's too much work, switch into single honors history. Best of luck!!!