BA or BSc?

[Nix]

Right, I'm just wondering what the general thought surrounding this is.

Basically, I've been offered the choice to choose which classification I get. I originally signed up for a BSc but due to the modules I have picked; a BA is more appropriate.

I'm likely to be awarded the BA, but i've been given the option of requesting a BSc with an explanation should I want to.

I have no initial problem with a BA classification, but recently a friend was over and subsequently saw the letter. When I said I was happy with a BA, he claimed that no-one really seems to care for BAs and BScs are worth more in terms of the workplace.

Am I incorrect to disagree with this? Would I really be better off with a BSc rather than a BA?

 

[Nix]

It's in Geography.

It's a strange subject as it steals from every other subject. It is essentially trying to understand the world around us; you have the physical stuff and you have the human aspect.

The physical side includes glaciers, coastal processes, etc. and the human side includes things such as politics, social science, history, etc.

I've mainly picked the latter group due to where my interests were but I have also done physical modules.

 

[Nix]

To me a BSc implies specific knowledge of a certain subject whereas a Ba implies a broader knowledge of a wider range of subjects, without the specific knowledge a BSc carries. Different, not better. I would have thought Geography is a Ba becuase a lot of it is not exactly black and white.

Exactly, that's how I view the subject too. You really need to be able to jump between subjects quickly, which is a skill in itself.

 

[Nix]

Well, I'm considering taking a year out then perhaps persuing a masters, so I'm pretty sure that they're more interested in the grade rather than the actual degree classification.

This is the first time I've come across the classification bias. Surely a degree is a degree nonetheless?

 

[Nix]

My thinking on this is if that if you want to do it, do it now, becuase after a year of earning money you wont want to go back. Thats what I'm considering anyway.

I can't afford to and I'm pretty drained with the whole university thing at the moment. I just want to start earning some money so I can stand on my feet again. Once I'm at that position, I'm more likely to entertain a masters.

 

[Nix]

So you're saying if I had this just as an example:

BSc (Hons) Subject - 2:1
BA (Hons) Subject - 2:1

The BSc has the advantage?

 

[Nix]

Well, in an ideal world I'd like to get into some form of writing, or travel-writing. One lecturer suggested after reading an essay that I get into journalism.

Even if I did decide to go for a BSc, what reason could I give that's reasonable enough to warrant it? So far, I'm still pretty happy with the idea of getting a BA as I honestly don't think it makes a blind bit of difference. It's a degree nonetheless, surely the grade and institution are the only important factors?