The hidden gems of education

Most people would only be able to name several different degrees. However, did you know that there are hundreds of different majors and degrees in existence? Some are derivatives of other well-known majors and degrees but there are very obscure but useful degrees as well.

Modern Languages teaches linguistic skills along with exploring the social and cultural traditions of the languages spoken. This is vastly different from just learning a language. It is an opportunity to meet lots of new people, enjoy new cultures and expand your working capabilities in a non-english speaking country. The University of Southampton has the course of Modern languages in their Bachelor of Arts programme. 

For those wanting to delve deeper, there is also a linguistic programme. Linguistics is the study of language in all its forms; it concerns itself with the many different facets of language, from the physical properties of the sound waves in speech, to the social context in which conversations are embedded. The various sub-branches of linguistics are concerned with how languages are structured, what they have in common, the range of, and limits to, the differences between them, how they are acquired and used, and how they change.

Aquaculture is the aquatic equivalent of agriculture - the production of aquatic species in land or sea based 'farms'. Aquaculture involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions, and can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is the harvesting of wild fish. Particular kinds of aquaculture include fish farming, shrimp farming, oyster farming, algaculture (such as seaweed farming), and the cultivation of ornamental fish. Particular methods include aquaponics and Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, both of which integrate fish farming and plant farming. The University of Otago (New Zealand) has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Aquaculture and Fisheries. Aquaculture in New Zealand has undergone a huge expansion and now production of seacage salmon and greenlip mussels is a big part of our seafood industry.

Paleontology is the study of prehistoric life. It includes the study of fossils to determine organisms' evolution and interactions with each other and their environments (their paleoecology). As a "historical science" it attempts to explain causes rather than conduct experiments to observe effects. Palaeontological observations have been documented as far back as the 5th century B.C.E. Paleontology is a dedicated study and requires more in depth study. Diablo Valley College in the US has courses on anthropology as the precursor to studying paleontology when transferring to the universities. 

Peace and conflict studies  is a social science field that identifies and analyses violent and nonviolent behaviours as well as the structural mechanisms attending social conflicts with a view towards understanding those processes which lead to a more desirable human condition it aims to facilitate dialogue between individuals, groups or communities who are concerned with conditions of positive peace, whether in interpersonal relationships, community relations, within organisations and nations, or with reference to international relations. This requires development of diagnostic tools for the analysis of social and political situations, a capacity to engage in and understand the evaluation of alternative courses of action and the skills to incorporate values within political analysis. The University of Queensland in Australia has Peace and conflict studies as a major in their Bachelor of Arts program. 

So are you now more interested in the unique courses? If you would be more inclined, visit any of our branch offices or call us and our counselors will guide you to your best options. Email us at consultation@suneducationgroup.com