Choosing a CAO course is challenging enough but it can feel especially overwhelming when several courses look almost identical on paper. Whether you’re comparing the same degree across different colleges or trying to decide between closely related subjects, small differences can have a big impact on your experience.
Here’s how to make a confident choice when your CAO options feel very similar.
Course titles can be misleading. Two courses with the same name may differ significantly in:
Modules offered
Teaching style
Assessment methods
Opportunities for specialisation
Always check the course content breakdown on each college’s website. Pay close attention to what you’ll study in first year, as this sets the foundation for the rest of the degree.
Some courses offer:
Broad first years with specialisation later
Mandatory work placements or internships
Options to study abroad or take electives
If you’re unsure about your long-term career goals, flexibility can be a major advantage. A course that allows you to change streams or explore different subjects may suit you better than one that locks you in early.
Ask yourself how you learn best. Some courses are:
More academic and theory-based
Strongly practical or skills-focused
Project-heavy with continuous assessment
Look at how marks are awarded. If one course relies heavily on exams while another includes projects, presentations, or group work, that difference could matter more than you think.
CAO points can vary between similar courses. While higher points don’t necessarily mean a “better” course, they can indicate:
Popularity and competition
Limited places
Demand from employers or postgraduate programmes
It’s wise to include a mix of aspirational and realistic choices on your CAO list, even if courses seem similar.
One of the most useful comparisons is where graduates end up. Look for:
Typical job roles
Further study pathways
Employment rates
Courses that appear similar may lead to different industries or career paths depending on the skills and experience they emphasise.
When deciding between similar courses, the college itself can be a deciding factor:
Location and campus size
Class sizes and contact hours
Student supports, societies, and facilities
Attending open days or virtual tours can help you picture yourself there and sometimes that “gut feeling” is important.
Current students and recent graduates can offer insights that course brochures can’t. Ask about:
Workload and assessment pressure
Lecturer support
Opportunities outside lectures
These conversations can reveal real differences between courses that aren’t obvious online.
Once you’ve done your research, remember to list courses on your CAO in genuine order of preference, not based on points alone. If you truly prefer one course over another, place it higher, even if the points are similar.
Choosing between similar CAO courses is about finding the best fit for you!
