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Meaning & use

general studies

noun·AcademicBritish

Last updated

UK/ˌdʒen.rəl ˈstʌd.iz/
US/ˌdʒen.rəl ˈstʌd.iz/

Meanings

  1. nounusually pluralBritish

    A school or college subject that covers a wide mix of topics, such as politics, science, culture and critical thinking.

    Grammar: Takes a singular verb when naming the subject: general studies is compulsory.

    Patterns

    • study general studies
    • general studies at school

    Our sixth form offers general studies on Friday afternoons.

    She took general studies alongside her three main subjects.

    General studies is designed to broaden students' knowledge.

  2. nounusually pluralAmerican

    A university degree or course of broad study without a single narrow specialty.

    Grammar: Often found as the name of a degree or program: a general studies degree.

    Patterns

    • a degree in general studies

    He earned a degree in general studies before changing careers.

    The college's general studies program lets students choose from many subjects.

    She enrolled in general studies to explore different interests.

Common combinations

general studies course
He signed up for a general studies course.
general studies degree
A general studies degree offers flexibility.
teach general studies
She teaches general studies at the local college.
general studies exam
The general studies exam was easier than expected.
general studies lesson
The general studies lesson covered current events.

Synonyms and how they differ

liberal arts
Liberal arts is mainly American and focuses on humanities and sciences, while general studies is a looser term.
core curriculum
Core curriculum refers to required subjects for everyone, not always broad in the same way.
interdisciplinary studies
Interdisciplinary studies means deliberately combining specific fields, and is more formal.

Word family

general adjective
relating to everyone or everything
study verb
to learn a subject
student noun
someone who studies
studies noun
an area of academic work

Commonly confused: general studies or social studies?

general studies vs social studies

Social studies is a school subject about society and history, while general studies covers a wider mix.

Practice

Alongside her three main subjects, she took ___ to broaden her knowledge.

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