Choosing a Course

Before you pick a course, decide what you are hoping to learn. Do you want a literature-based course? If your main interest is in Italian art or Russian politics, does the course cater for this? How much emphasis is given to acquiring language skills; how much of the course is taught in the language? If you arc applying for joint honours, can you vary the mix? Are the two timetables really compatible? How is the course taught - is the emphasis on lectures, tutorials or seminars? Will you have to write a dissertation? Read the prospectus and speak to undergraduates to make sure you know exactly what is on offer.

Give careful consideration to your year abroad. Most places offer this, and you'd be well advised to take it if at all possible. Here are a few questions you'll want to ask. How much help will the university give you with planning your year? Will you be required to produce a dissertation while you are away? Will you be working or studying? Many UK universities have formal exchange links with universities abroad - find out if yours does. Joint language honours applicants should find out if they will be able to split the year between the two countries. Many students spend the year as English language assistants in schools abroad, in a scheme organised by the British Council (full details at www.britishcouncil.org/education/ ).

But four years of study might strike you as rather expensive, so bear in mind the (admittedly few) universities, mainly new ones, that have introduced three-year language-related degrees in a bid to address the problem of student debt, and which may involve spending only one term abroad.

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