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joint honours course- weighting between subjects

Basically the course I'm applying to is Modern Languages and Linguistics, which has a specified 50/50 split in one university I'm applying to and I'm guessing a 75/25 in a couple of the others.

However, in one uni I'm applying to the title of the course is Linguistics and Modern Languages, meaning the split is more weighted towards linguistics. How should I split the weighting of my personal statement with these two subjects, since almost every uni has a different split? I've already started writing my ps and it's kind of mixed between both subjects.

Also, if I haven't decided what language I want to study yet, should I just mention a couple i'm interested in because I have done a couple of things for each that I can mention.
(edited 5 months ago)

Reply 1

You should be fine provided that you discuss both subjects. With joint honours, unis should know that a lot of courses across the country will have different content splits so i doubt they’ll discard your application over it or anything. If you’re not sure on the exact split then look at the modules offered and work it out 🙂
https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-university/writing-your-personal-statement/how-write-personal-statement-works-multiple-courses
https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-university/writing-your-personal-statement/how-write-personal-statement-works-multiple-courses-2026-entry

Reply 2

Original post
by meoow
Basically the course I'm applying to is Modern Languages and Linguistics, which has a specified 50/50 split in one university I'm applying to and I'm guessing a 75/20 in a couple of the others.
However, in one uni I'm applying to the title of the course is Linguistics and Modern Languages, meaning the split is more weighted towards linguistics. How should I split the weighting of my personal statement with these two subjects, since almost every uni has a different split? I've already started writing my ps and it's kind of mixed between both subjects.
Also, if I haven't decided what language I want to study yet, should I just mention a couple i'm interested in because I have done a couple of things for each that I can mention.

Hi @meoow !!

Glad to hear you are thinking of studying languages and linguistics at university!
Firstly - please don't overthink! The admission tutors will not penalise you or turn down your application just because it leans closer to one subject than the other. The main thing they are looking for is a clear interest and commitment to both subjects, so having a fairly even mix between Modern Languages and Linguistics is usually the safest way to go, regardless of how individual universities weigh them. It is also important to show that you understand how languages and linguistics are connected and work together in real life, rather than treating them as separate subjects. This way the 'split' in the weighting won't be as obvious. You could discuss global spread of certain languages, acquisition of second languages, etc etc, which involves both areas.

I am a current English and Linguistics student at the University of Southampton and speaking from personal experience when writing my university application, the main thing is to show you are actively preparing and thinking in the way a university student would - discuss any real life experiences you've had and link them to any linguistics theory you may have learned, reflect in a more critical way (don't just take things for granted - question WHY things are a certain way). Rather than predictable lines like 'i've always loved learning languages' you could frame it more like "my love for languages started when ___ happened,, I argue this happened because of ___, which links to ___ theory, etc", which makes your application focused and memorable.

Good luck, you got this!
Lia | University of Southampton Student Ambassador

Reply 3

Original post
by TCUoS
Hi @meoow !!
Glad to hear you are thinking of studying languages and linguistics at university!
Firstly - please don't overthink! The admission tutors will not penalise you or turn down your application just because it leans closer to one subject than the other. The main thing they are looking for is a clear interest and commitment to both subjects, so having a fairly even mix between Modern Languages and Linguistics is usually the safest way to go, regardless of how individual universities weigh them. It is also important to show that you understand how languages and linguistics are connected and work together in real life, rather than treating them as separate subjects. This way the 'split' in the weighting won't be as obvious. You could discuss global spread of certain languages, acquisition of second languages, etc etc, which involves both areas.
I am a current English and Linguistics student at the University of Southampton and speaking from personal experience when writing my university application, the main thing is to show you are actively preparing and thinking in the way a university student would - discuss any real life experiences you've had and link them to any linguistics theory you may have learned, reflect in a more critical way (don't just take things for granted - question WHY things are a certain way). Rather than predictable lines like 'i've always loved learning languages' you could frame it more like "my love for languages started when ___ happened,, I argue this happened because of ___, which links to ___ theory, etc", which makes your application focused and memorable.
Good luck, you got this!
Lia | University of Southampton Student Ambassador

thank you so much! that was very helpful (:

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