Why Study Languages?

• www.studyinglanguages.ac.uk  Have a look at this website written by students for students to give you an insight into studying languages in Higher Education.

Which are the best Universities?

When choosing your university there is a lot to consider. Make sure you look carefully at the modules you are able to study; some courses will be  literature-based, others more practical with modules in interpreting and/or translating, and others may focus more on the history, geography, politics or economy of the target language country, so check carefully the combination of modules available for each year of your course.

It is often possible to take up a new language from scratch (ab initio) and then continue with both languages to obtain a Joint Honours degree. Look into the possibilities of learning additional languages as part of your course.

Look very carefully at the opportunities available for the year abroad. Which countries and locations will you be able to study/work in? Will it be a placement at a university, as an assistant in a school or in another type of work placement? What accommodation will be available? What support will you receive during that year? It is a really rewarding experience, but can be really daunting, so look into it very carefully. Is the university part of the Erasmus scheme, which gives grants to students to help fund the year abroad? www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus_about_erasmus.htm

What facilities does the university languages department have? Is there a languages lab? What are the IT facilities like?

What are the teaching methods used on the course? How will the course be assessed?

Look at the league tables, but view them with caution, and make sure you go on open days at every university you are considering applying to - there is only so much you can tell from a prospectus! www.opendays.com

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2011/may/17/university-guide-modern-languages-linguistics

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings?s=French

What skills will you develop?

www.prospects.ac.uk/using_your_language_skills.htm

What other languages related degrees are there?

There are so many! You will find combined courses for languages with a really wide variety of other subjects.

What does it lead on to and what are the chances?

• www.languageswork.org.uk This site has lots of information about careers in languages, including case studies of people who currently use languages in their jobs.
• www.prospects.ac.uk/options_modern_languages_job_options.htm   There is a lot of information on here including statistics on what graduates of different disciplines go on to do after university. See this link: www.prospects.ac.uk/what_do_graduates_do_arts_subjects.htm

How much am I likely to earn?

This is very hard to say, but employers do welcome graduates with language skills. See the websites above.

What current developments?

(this section is vital in writing a Personal statement)

How can you gain vital Experience?

Try to spend some time during school holidays in the country of the language you wish to study. Make sure that you read foreign language newspapers, listen to the radio and keep up to date with current affairs. Try to read novels and watch films from the target language country and develop an interest in the culture of the country. Look into the possibilities of organising work experience in the target language country during your sixth form studies; have a look at this from the British Council on the European Volunteer Scheme http://www.britishcouncil.org/youthinaction-action2-evs-for-young_people.htm  Please note, you have to be 18 or over to take part, but it is something you could possibly do in the summer before you go to university. There may also be further useful information here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/BritonsLivingAbroad/EducationAndJobs/DG_4014679