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Should I apply for modern languages or something else at Uni?

Hi, I've just finished my A-Levels and I'm trying to figure out what to do next and I'm finding it very difficult. I'm currently thinking about studying modern languages as that is my favourite thing to study but I'm not too sure what I would do with it beyond degree level. I know I definitely do not want a job that is office based and I'm not really keen on becoming a teacher, although I would considering becoming a TEFL teacher for a bit for the opportunity to engage with people and travel to lots of places as I think that would be really rewarding. My main two interests are music and football, so a job in either of those would make me happy everyday but language jobs within those seem hard to get into and that worries me. Initially I applied for Sport Science at uni and then considered a different route in physiotherapy, but I hate the idea of a physiotherapy degree as the learning and the placements don't appeal to me even though the job prospects after it seem interesting (eg sport physio). I know modern languages and physio are very very different paths, but I need to figure out which one to do because one I love, one I don't. One offers good career prospects, the other doesn't. I have been/will be going to uni open days to help me make my decision, but I'm looking to see if anyone has any advice. Thank you!
Remember that many academic subjects are offered 'with study abroad' so you dont need to be studying a language at degree level to get that experience.

Also - there are many degrees that allow you to study several different subjects as part of one degree.
Look at Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Flexible honours, Combined honours etc.
mcfc0161 There is much to consider when determining which subject you should study at university.

The course you choose should be where your passion lies and in the area where you would most love to work, as university usually lasts 3-4 years, and your career will be much longer.

At USW, many of our students have had successful careers in music and sport. We have a postgraduate course in TESOL, which can complement whatever degree you choose.

So, you have options. To make sure you're making the right choice it's beneficial to attend an Open Day to learn more about the courses and facilities and to get a feel for the university itself.

Whatever direction you choose, we wish you the best of luck.

Leanne🙂
Original post by mcfc0161
Hi, I've just finished my A-Levels and I'm trying to figure out what to do next and I'm finding it very difficult. I'm currently thinking about studying modern languages as that is my favourite thing to study but I'm not too sure what I would do with it beyond degree level. I know I definitely do not want a job that is office based and I'm not really keen on becoming a teacher, although I would considering becoming a TEFL teacher for a bit for the opportunity to engage with people and travel to lots of places as I think that would be really rewarding. My main two interests are music and football, so a job in either of those would make me happy everyday but language jobs within those seem hard to get into and that worries me. Initially I applied for Sport Science at uni and then considered a different route in physiotherapy, but I hate the idea of a physiotherapy degree as the learning and the placements don't appeal to me even though the job prospects after it seem interesting (eg sport physio). I know modern languages and physio are very very different paths, but I need to figure out which one to do because one I love, one I don't. One offers good career prospects, the other doesn't. I have been/will be going to uni open days to help me make my decision, but I'm looking to see if anyone has any advice. Thank you!

Hi @mcfc0161 !

I am a Second Year 'Spanish Studies and Linguistics' student at Lancaster University (LU). I've really enjoyed studying a modern language at university because there's always an opportunity to practice speaking your second language with your course-mates. DELC (Department of Languages and Cultures) is a very close-knit community at Lancaster that holds Lunch Clubs every week where students speak in their second languages, they do international karaoke nights and foreign language film screenings.

LU offer a lot of courses with a year abroad that aren't just for modern language degrees, here's a link to all of the undergraduate courses: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/ (we offer 'Sports and Exercise Science with a Year Abroad').

The most important thing is that you make the choice that's right for you- I'd recommend choosing a course/subject that you enjoy studying and are really interested in as you'll be studying the subject for at least 3 years.

Hope this has been helpful!

Poppy - Student Ambassador 😀

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