The article considers the issue of introducing changes to the working curricula for the study of foreign languages in non-linguistic specialties at the university, which actualises the problem of choosing tools that will contribute to the formation of universal and professional competences among students, based on the level of their primary knowledge. The conducted research revealed the most effective combination of methods and approaches to teaching a foreign language, taking into account the reduction in the number of classroom hours allocated to this discipline, which at the same time meets the requirements of the curriculum, the interests of students and the realities of life, maintaining a balance between practical classes and independent work of students.