The Student Room Group

Uni degree question with languages on the side

I have already applied to my 5 unis through UCAS, and have started to receive some offers, but am worried I might have made a mistake:
I want to be able to study a language alongside my chosen subject (English), but not through a joint honours degree, simply as a side course on top of my main subject. I however simply applied for straight English, hoping that I would be able to opt for language modules later on…. but i’ve now realised I actually don’t know how to do this. How would I go about doing languages on the side at Uni when it comes to it.
Original post by mollie.wdy
I have already applied to my 5 unis through UCAS, and have started to receive some offers, but am worried I might have made a mistake:
I want to be able to study a language alongside my chosen subject (English), but not through a joint honours degree, simply as a side course on top of my main subject. I however simply applied for straight English, hoping that I would be able to opt for language modules later on…. but i’ve now realised I actually don’t know how to do this. How would I go about doing languages on the side at Uni when it comes to it.

Have you looked at the modules in each year of your English course, at each uni? These will be detailed non the uni's web site.

Many courses with have a combination of mandatory and optional modules, and often the optional modules can be taken from any other course at the uni (if it works from a timetabling perspective).
Original post by mollie.wdy
I have already applied to my 5 unis through UCAS, and have started to receive some offers, but am worried I might have made a mistake:
I want to be able to study a language alongside my chosen subject (English), but not through a joint honours degree, simply as a side course on top of my main subject. I however simply applied for straight English, hoping that I would be able to opt for language modules later on…. but i’ve now realised I actually don’t know how to do this. How would I go about doing languages on the side at Uni when it comes to it.

Hi @mollie.wdy!😊

I am so glad you are thinking about a degree in English! I have personally studied BA Business Management and Modern Languages at the University of Essex, and I can promise you that language learning is crucial at this day and age. While there is a possibility of choosing an optional module later on regardless of what you are studying, combining the two subjects would be more beneficial.🎓

There are two ways you could solve this issue:

1.

Stick with only English and then change the course when you will be accepted.

2.

Apply for Languages for All program which many universities have.

For the latter option, you would simply have an additional and optional module which would let you to learn a language up to A2/B1 level completely for free!

Let me know if you have any more questions - I'd be happy to help or chat about my experiences further!⭐️

Best wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas✌️
Original post by EssexStudentRep
Hi @mollie.wdy!😊
I am so glad you are thinking about a degree in English! I have personally studied BA Business Management and Modern Languages at the University of Essex, and I can promise you that language learning is crucial at this day and age. While there is a possibility of choosing an optional module later on regardless of what you are studying, combining the two subjects would be more beneficial.🎓
There are two ways you could solve this issue:

1.

Stick with only English and then change the course when you will be accepted.

2.

Apply for Languages for All program which many universities have.

For the latter option, you would simply have an additional and optional module which would let you to learn a language up to A2/B1 level completely for free!
Let me know if you have any more questions - I'd be happy to help or chat about my experiences further!⭐️
Best wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas✌️

What are your experiences and would you recommend doing a joint honours with a language?
Original post by mollie.wdy
I have already applied to my 5 unis through UCAS, and have started to receive some offers, but am worried I might have made a mistake:
I want to be able to study a language alongside my chosen subject (English), but not through a joint honours degree, simply as a side course on top of my main subject. I however simply applied for straight English, hoping that I would be able to opt for language modules later on…. but i’ve now realised I actually don’t know how to do this. How would I go about doing languages on the side at Uni when it comes to it.

Hi Mollie,

As others have mentioned, I’d recommend checking the course structure for your chosen universities to see if they allow you to take open/optional modules. This is common in a lot of universities, but the number of open modules can be limited and they aren’t always available from your first year, so it’s worth confirming what’s on offer.

Another option is to look into whether your universities have a language center. These centers often offer language courses or evening classes, though they usually come with a fee. The good news is that many universities usually provide discounts for current students. Some societies also run language classes, so that’s another thing to consider.

It’s also important to think about your language goals. Are you aiming to become conversational or reach a higher level of proficiency? Open modules and evening classes are great, but they might not provide enough hours or consistency if you’re aiming for a more intermediate level. If that’s your goal, a joint degree might be the best option in terms of time, cost, and structure.

I hope this helps let me know if you have any questions!
-Szara, BA International Relations and Arabic
Most unis let you take a certain number of credits of modules outside of your subject each year, and most unis with languages courses will also have a language centre which furnishes modules for non language degree students as well as training courses for academic staff or PhD students, as well as (paid) not for credit courses usually run in the evenings or summers which anyone can pay to take (and current students usually get a discount).

So you'd need to see if your course permits external options and if so see what for credit modules are available for non-language degree students, likely through the language centre. If your programme doesnt allow external options you can see what non-credit options they have for evening classes etc.

Quick Reply