Subject Profile
Modern Languages
Why did you pick your subject?
I have always been very interested in languages, and didn't feel ready to drop literature. I
figured studying languages would enable me to keep learning about what I love, but would
also broaden career opportunities, in England and abroad.
What is the most challenging/rewarding aspect of your course?
The most challenging aspect of the course is probably the high level that is expected in each
language. Linguists have to work terribly hard to keep up with grammar, vocab, and even
simply current events in the goal language (either that, or I'm just badly organised).
The most rewarding aspect of the course is, without doubt, the strong accent that is put on
literature. There is an incredibly broad reading list to pick from, and each tutor is a leading
specialist on the period or author being studied. I've never felt I had to set lit' aside in order
to focus on mere language work, and each aspect completes the other in a very satisfying
way. And seriously, the tutors are amazing.
What advice do you wish you had been told before applying?
What’s the one thing that has surprised you about your course?
I wish I had been told to do the reading before the start of term! Seriously, once you've
applied, get cracking, and enjoy it, or it will become a pain once term is under way (god, I
sound boring).
I guess I was most surprised by the amount of help we get from our tutors. There's a great
support system here, and whenever I feel at sea, I can be sure a quick email will get me the
attention I need. We have tons of contact hours, both in English and in the target languages,
and this accent on actually learning useful things (not just theoretical grammar points and
lists of pointless vocab) is further enhanced by the Year Abroad, which starts next year! Yay!
Target Schools
Oxford University Student Union 2 Worcester St Oxford OX1 2BX
Email: target@ousu.org
Web: targetschools.ousu.org
Phone: 01865 288452