do a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone working towards or having achieved a higher level of education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree. For example: "After working for several years, I decided to go back to school to do a degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bogdan has come to do a degree in visual arts.

The Guardian

These days you can do a degree in how to be in the music business.

The Guardian - Music

It was Dad who encouraged Buchan to do a degree in case acting didn't work out.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He studied architecture there before moving to Zurich to do a degree in structural engineering.

The Guardian - Sport

If you just do a degree you may not have that depth of experience".

The Guardian

But what exactly do you learn if you do a degree in modern music?

The Guardian

But before everyone knows them, only some people do, a degree of fame as pleasant as it is temporary.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I actually did a degree in philosophy.

The Guardian

Doing a degree abroad is no longer an impossible dream.

Independent

I did a degree in zoology in Belfast.

The Guardian - Money

Doing a degree online, from home, is ideal for me.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do a degree", consider the context and audience. It's generally acceptable in most situations but may sound slightly informal compared to alternatives like "pursue a degree" or "obtain a degree", especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "do a degree" is interchangeable with specific actions within a degree program, such as "do a course". "Do a degree" refers to the entire process of studying for and obtaining the qualification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do a degree" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of studying for and obtaining a university degree. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It describes the process of undertaking higher education, as seen in examples like "I'd love to do a degree in Bengali."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do a degree" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the action of studying for and obtaining a university degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. While slightly informal, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "pursue a degree" or "obtain a degree". Remember, the phrase encompasses the entire process of undertaking higher education, not just individual courses. With its frequent usage across authoritative sources like The Guardian and BBC, mastering this phrase ensures clear and effective communication about educational pursuits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue a degree

Focuses on the act of trying to obtain a degree, emphasizing the effort involved.

obtain a degree

Highlights the achievement of successfully completing a degree program.

earn a degree

Emphasizes the work and effort required to get a degree.

study for a degree

Focuses on the academic work and preparation involved in obtaining a degree.

take a degree course

Implies enrolling in and attending a structured program of study.

complete a degree

Highlights the action of finishing all the requirements and graduating.

undertake a degree

A more formal way of saying 'start a degree'.

read for a degree

Common in British English, referring to studying a specific subject.

enroll in a degree program

Focuses on the process of registering for a degree course.

get a degree

A more informal way of saying 'obtain a degree'.

FAQs

What does "do a degree" mean?

The phrase "do a degree" means to study at a university or college in order to earn an academic degree, such as a bachelor's or master's degree. It encompasses all the studying, coursework, and examinations required to complete the program.

Is "do a degree" formal or informal language?

"Do a degree" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "pursue a degree", "obtain a degree", or "earn a degree".

What are some alternatives to "do a degree"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "study for a degree", "take a degree course", or simply "get a degree".

How do I use "do a degree" in a sentence?

You can use "do a degree" to describe someone's educational pursuits, for example: "She decided to do a degree in engineering", or "He's planning to do a degree in computer science after finishing high school."