Modern Languages (German & French) - James Mooney

James Mooney 680x1024Hometown & Region: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Degree: Modern Languages (French and German)

A levels: English, French, German, Latin

Year of study: First Year

When I’m not working I’m…

...Enjoying a bit of barely-competitive college rugby, a fair amount of acting, and getting out of college to catch up with other chums at the nearest local.

What made you choose to study at Brasenose and/or Oxford?

 I thought I might as well try the Oxford application process, which is always advisable. Of the colleges I saw I couldn’t help choosing Brasenose; it has top notch tutors in both of the languages I study, homely quads, a good reputation and that all-important central locationlocationlocation.

Is life in Oxford different to what you expected it to be?

Not greatly; I thought it would be a busy balance of work, not working and the extra-curricular.

What do you like most about studying in Brasenose?

The tutorials and the short distance to most places I need to go to.

A quality you think is important for someone looking to study at Oxford?

Thankfully nothing in particular. As long as someone enjoys the subjects they are studying, there is to be a good, varied community here, and it seems everyone can find a comfortable nook in which to nestle.

What are the perks of your degree?

If you’re into it, you get to read a good deal, naturally learning quite a lot about different cultures and points of view. It can be edifying. Also, if all goes to plan, you’ll end up bi-/trilingual, which is rewarding. The degree manages to allow enough time to wander outside of college and the syllabus, while keeping you busy enough that you always have work to get back to.