Some people think that all university students should study whatever

they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study
subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to
science and technology.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Challenging the idea of students as consumers, termed to be learners and that
universities are not just service providers, education is progressively becoming
a commodity that people are buying into. Some people believe that exposure to
varied courses is one of the important aspects of university learning experience.
While others believe that subjects have to be chosen so as to not only challenge
the existing knowledge but also to hone the existing skills which help in future
career prospective. In my view, student choice remains an extremely positive
feature allowing to choose, specialise and pursue areas of specific interests. So a
choice is important for the student, and for the university to offer engaging and
challenging educational setting.

Substantially, selecting a particular course comes with its own expectations and
if the university provides it accordingly it motivates students to enrol
themselves in the course programme. One such incident happened in the
University of Hyderabad, when I was a student pursuing mass communication
studies. There were specialised courses in the field of advertising that were
recently introduced for freshers in the campus, which were advertised publicly
with placards, posters and banners. In this way people who prefer to make
choices of available courses get encouraged to improvise their career
prospective.

Subsequently, students shall make a choice in terms of choosing the subjects

that they wish to study. To add to that, technology is futuristic too. The case in
point is that a friend of mine who is a graphic designer, has joined an animation
course offered in the university, as the future of technology is closely connected
to creating visual effects. Thus, advancing the potential of existing knowledge is
of utmost importance.
Alternately, learners need to have a say in their course content that gives them
an opportunity to take increased responsibility for their own learning. A relative
of mine who got an admit into Auburn University found it impelling to choose,
apply and accept the offer of the university for the course of Urban Psychology
where she has had hands on experience in applying the principles by way of
visiting a nearby city. Therefore, whether a course be of practical skill or a
philosophical concept, it has to be motivating and inspiring at the same time.

Interestingly, individuals interested in specialised subjects may choose specific

field of interest that are in the forefront of lifesaving methods. Say, one of my
cousins has selected genetic engineering and has piloted a research project in
improving resilience, nutritional value and growth of crops such as potatoes,
tomatoes and rice and had won accolades from his peers. Therefore, selection of
subjects, if done with a future objective in mind, shall definitely yield good
results.

In a nutshell, I believe that every student has to be given room to choose

subjects that they like to learn because that provides ample scope to discover
their potential through exposure to different courses. Alongside for those who
choose specialised subjects, university education undoubtedly acts as a
beginning of career path. So universities need to stop being rigid and start
offering freedom to students to choose courses of their interest.