Study options
For students who wish to continue their language study, there is a variety of courses available in higher education.
Specialised and combined degrees
Single honours courses involve the study of one subject with a subsidiary subject studied in the first two years. Joint honours courses involve the study of two subjects which have equal weighting throughout the course. It is possible to study two languages or two different subjects. You can study almost any subject at University (Politics, Business, Media Studies etc) with a foreign language. Some universities even offer triple language degrees, with each language counting for a third of the final award. Some universities and colleges offer combined honours courses involving the study of several subjects with some specialisation later on in the programme.
Language modules
Many students choose to study a foreign language on a modular basis at university, by studying semi-independently in the university language centre. Some choose to study a new language from scratch while others develop their existing knowledge of a language they had from home, or one that they started at school or college and dropped in favour of other subjects. This learning can be part of a compulsory course programme, or may simply be the student’s own choice. A wide range of languages is on offer at a variety of attainment levels. Students following this route would not normally expect to become as proficient as those undertaking specialist language study as a part of their degree.
Time abroad
It is also possible to learn a language through a period of residence abroad while at university. This is a popular option for specialist linguists, and is also possible in many non-language degree programmes. Increasing numbers of students take the opportunity to gain work experience during this time. There will usually be an opportunity to study the language before placement abroad, either through tailored modules such as ‘German for Engineers’ or through a more generic language course.
For more information on language study in higher education, go to Factsheets and information, and our Links page.