French vs Art

1

Hi,
I'm really indecisive and need to make a decision at which direction I want to go in for uni, however they're 2 very different pathways and I would really really appreciate some advice.
In summary, the main options are:
1. Go and study modern languages (+I'd combine it with probably English) and apply to Oxford (and elsewhere)
2. study fine art (at hopefully Falmouth)
3. I'm sort of considering attempting to get into a uni in France for fine art however that would be super difficult and expensive so I'm not really sure either.
I am unbelievably torn between these two subjects because I love them both equally, am doing equally as well in both, and I don't know what I want to do as a career at all so I can't make a decision based off of that.

If I choose art, I inevitably lose my French skills (especially speaking) that I've worked so hard for, and I'd be super sad to not be studying French anymore as I love it so much. If I choose art I'd have access to pretty much any machine, resource, material, art advice etc and could be as creative as I want pretty much all the time and it would allow me to go into a creative career which I would like. However I don't know how I feel about the disrespect from like the world about art being a 'waste' of a degree and I'm a bit scared of like competitiveness within the subject (I'd probably get intimidated by all the insane artists).

But, if I choose French then I will be so sad to not be doing art. I like being a creative person and can't imagine not having lessons where I get to basically just create whatever I want FOR SCHOOL. Due to clashes I couldn't take art at a level ( I take photography instead now ) but I miss it so much which is why I want to go back to it for uni. However I adore languages, it's been my life goal since I was 10 to learn and become fluent in French and I love love love it at a level. And also everyone says if I could get into a really good uni I could probably get a better job/would seem more employable etc.

I would like honest advice please if anyone sees this.

If I pick French/ oxbridge application I have to get my personal statement in in like a couple weeks so I hope someone out there sees this hahahahaha.
If not I'm gonna flip a coin. (genuinely)

Reply 1

University of Bath

Official Rep

14

Original post

by IssyCarr

Hi,
I'm really indecisive and need to make a decision at which direction I want to go in for uni, however they're 2 very different pathways and I would really really appreciate some advice.
In summary, the main options are:
1. Go and study modern languages (+I'd combine it with probably English) and apply to Oxford (and elsewhere)
2. study fine art (at hopefully Falmouth)
3. I'm sort of considering attempting to get into a uni in France for fine art however that would be super difficult and expensive so I'm not really sure either.
I am unbelievably torn between these two subjects because I love them both equally, am doing equally as well in both, and I don't know what I want to do as a career at all so I can't make a decision based off of that.
If I choose art, I inevitably lose my French skills (especially speaking) that I've worked so hard for, and I'd be super sad to not be studying French anymore as I love it so much. If I choose art I'd have access to pretty much any machine, resource, material, art advice etc and could be as creative as I want pretty much all the time and it would allow me to go into a creative career which I would like. However I don't know how I feel about the disrespect from like the world about art being a 'waste' of a degree and I'm a bit scared of like competitiveness within the subject (I'd probably get intimidated by all the insane artists).
But, if I choose French then I will be so sad to not be doing art. I like being a creative person and can't imagine not having lessons where I get to basically just create whatever I want FOR SCHOOL. Due to clashes I couldn't take art at a level ( I take photography instead now ) but I miss it so much which is why I want to go back to it for uni. However I adore languages, it's been my life goal since I was 10 to learn and become fluent in French and I love love love it at a level. And also everyone says if I could get into a really good uni I could probably get a better job/would seem more employable etc.
I would like honest advice please if anyone sees this.
If I pick French/ oxbridge application I have to get my personal statement in in like a couple weeks so I hope someone out there sees this hahahahaha.
If not I'm gonna flip a coin. (genuinely)

Hi there,

This is a really difficult one as it seems you have quite an enthusiasm and talent for both, and at the end of the day no one can really know what's best for you except you.

Its really about deciding which will be best for your enjoyment and career development in the long run. One thing I would say is that its probably easier to carry on with art as a hobby and/or side-hustle through classes, a society or collective whist studying French, than it would be to carry on French whilst studying art.

Try to think also of where you can really see yourself in 10 years? Would you prefer to be in a French speaking environment, for example as a teacher, interpreter, etc? Or would you prefer to be in an environment where you'd be designing, creating, publishing etc? And have you ever thought of combining your interests? You've already mentioned you may go to France to do art. As you said, rather than paying expensive international fees, if you studied French in the UK as a home student you could always choose to go to France when you graduate to work at a marketing team in a company or publishing house if you wanted to do something creative.

I'd also suggest to try not to think about how you'd compare to others on your course - everyone is assessed at uni on their own merit, and its about what you would enjoy, for you.

I hope this helps a bit, best of luck with your decisions 🙂

Reply 2

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

13

Original post

by IssyCarr

Hi,
I'm really indecisive and need to make a decision at which direction I want to go in for uni, however they're 2 very different pathways and I would really really appreciate some advice.
In summary, the main options are:
1. Go and study modern languages (+I'd combine it with probably English) and apply to Oxford (and elsewhere)
2. study fine art (at hopefully Falmouth)
3. I'm sort of considering attempting to get into a uni in France for fine art however that would be super difficult and expensive so I'm not really sure either.
I am unbelievably torn between these two subjects because I love them both equally, am doing equally as well in both, and I don't know what I want to do as a career at all so I can't make a decision based off of that.
If I choose art, I inevitably lose my French skills (especially speaking) that I've worked so hard for, and I'd be super sad to not be studying French anymore as I love it so much. If I choose art I'd have access to pretty much any machine, resource, material, art advice etc and could be as creative as I want pretty much all the time and it would allow me to go into a creative career which I would like. However I don't know how I feel about the disrespect from like the world about art being a 'waste' of a degree and I'm a bit scared of like competitiveness within the subject (I'd probably get intimidated by all the insane artists).
But, if I choose French then I will be so sad to not be doing art. I like being a creative person and can't imagine not having lessons where I get to basically just create whatever I want FOR SCHOOL. Due to clashes I couldn't take art at a level ( I take photography instead now ) but I miss it so much which is why I want to go back to it for uni. However I adore languages, it's been my life goal since I was 10 to learn and become fluent in French and I love love love it at a level. And also everyone says if I could get into a really good uni I could probably get a better job/would seem more employable etc.
I would like honest advice please if anyone sees this.
If I pick French/ oxbridge application I have to get my personal statement in in like a couple weeks so I hope someone out there sees this hahahahaha.
If not I'm gonna flip a coin. (genuinely)

Hi @IssyCarr

These are both great subjects, such a tough decision.

Have you been to any open days? As you can go to course talks and see what sort of projects and assignments you will be doing to see if it interests you.

Another option is studying fine art and then doing a night course on French like one or two nights a week. Some unis may offer this or there may be courses in the local area. Then you could keep up your French and still do exams so you can put your level/qualification on your CV etc. Alternatively some unis offer short courses over the summer for art and art societies, so it is still something you could do on the side if you chose French at uni.

I would also recommend an art and design foundation course, this is offered at lots of unis and colleges. it is a year long course where you can experiment with lots of different art mediums, you could peruse this for a year and then see if it is something you would like to do at university level. This helped me when I was picking between English and Fashion. It also gives you more time to go to open days and research.

Also some unis offer study abroad and placement years that you could do in France to keep your skills up.

I hope this gives you some ideas and helps 🙂 Good luck!
-Grace (Kingston University)

Reply 3

McGinger

20

Look at taking a one-year course between school and Uni, such as - Foundation Diploma in Art, Design… – AUB – Arts University Bournemouth and Kendal College | Art & Design Foundation

This type of course is available at many Universities and at local colleges, and it gives you the opportunity to explore many different art-forms with specialist facilities and staff. Its a good way to see if this is what you want to do as a at University etc, and to give you the best resources for devising a portfolio. Most do not require an A level in 'Art'. Recommended.

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

22

Original post

by McGinger

Look at taking a one-year course between school and Uni, such as - Foundation Diploma in Art, Design… – AUB – Arts University Bournemouth and Kendal College | Art & Design Foundation

This type of course is available at many Universities and at local colleges, and it gives you the opportunity to explore many different art-forms with specialist facilities and staff. Its a good way to see if this is what you want to do as a at University etc, and to give you the best resources for devising a portfolio. Most do not require an A level in 'Art'. Recommended.

PRSOM

Original post

by IssyCarr

Hi,
I'm really indecisive and need to make a decision at which direction I want to go in for uni, however they're 2 very different pathways and I would really really appreciate some advice.
In summary, the main options are:
1. Go and study modern languages (+I'd combine it with probably English) and apply to Oxford (and elsewhere)
2. study fine art (at hopefully Falmouth)
3. I'm sort of considering attempting to get into a uni in France for fine art however that would be super difficult and expensive so I'm not really sure either.
I am unbelievably torn between these two subjects because I love them both equally, am doing equally as well in both, and I don't know what I want to do as a career at all so I can't make a decision based off of that.

If I choose art, I inevitably lose my French skills (especially speaking) that I've worked so hard for, and I'd be super sad to not be studying French anymore as I love it so much. If I choose art I'd have access to pretty much any machine, resource, material, art advice etc and could be as creative as I want pretty much all the time and it would allow me to go into a creative career which I would like. However I don't know how I feel about the disrespect from like the world about art being a 'waste' of a degree and I'm a bit scared of like competitiveness within the subject (I'd probably get intimidated by all the insane artists).

But, if I choose French then I will be so sad to not be doing art. I like being a creative person and can't imagine not having lessons where I get to basically just create whatever I want FOR SCHOOL. Due to clashes I couldn't take art at a level ( I take photography instead now ) but I miss it so much which is why I want to go back to it for uni. However I adore languages, it's been my life goal since I was 10 to learn and become fluent in French and I love love love it at a level. And also everyone says if I could get into a really good uni I could probably get a better job/would seem more employable etc.

I would like honest advice please if anyone sees this.

If I pick French/ oxbridge application I have to get my personal statement in in like a couple weeks so I hope someone out there sees this hahahahaha.
If not I'm gonna flip a coin. (genuinely)

Highly second McGinger's suggestion above - you can read a bit more about FAD courses here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5017684

A FAD course would be an excellent way for you to "test the waters" with doing art/design work "full time" (as in a degree), while also developing a strong portfolio to apply to uni with. As it's an FE course and not an HE course, it won't even affect your entitlement for SFE funding for a degree (no matter what subject you do!).

You could also look for ways to keep up and develop your French more during the gap year doing the FAD course :smile:

Worth bearing in mind for a language degree - language learning/acquisition is usually only about half the degree (or maybe even less in latter years, especially if you are entering with an A-level in the target language), and the remainder is focused on variously the literature, history, social and political thought and contemporary society, politics, and culture of the country and region(s) speaking the target language(s). So worth bearing that in mind! If you're principally interested in developing your language abilities practically there may be options to do so on a visual arts degree (e.g. for-credit modules as part of your degree, or not-for credit classes through the uni's language center).

Doing the FAD course however gives you an extra year to weigh up the options in view of this and other considerations though! :biggrin:

French vs Art

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