French BA
Study of the French language, culture, history, and society, developing advanced language skills alongside deep cultural and global understanding.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Language lover
Culturally curious
Linguistically skilled
Francophone interest
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Education
International Trade & Commerce
Government & Public Sector
Journalism & Publishing
Is this for you?
French BA
Is this for you?
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Study of the French language, culture, history, and society, developing advanced language skills alongside deep cultural and global understanding.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
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About the Course
What is a French degree?
A French degree focuses on developing high-level proficiency in the French language while exploring the cultures, histories, politics, and literatures of French-speaking countries.
You’ll study spoken and written French in depth, alongside modules on France and the wider Francophone world, including Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada.French degrees are both academic and practical, combining language mastery with cultural insight and strong communication skills valued by employers worldwide.
Why study French?
If you enjoy languages and want internationally transferable skills, a French degree offers excellent career flexibility.
It helps you:Achieve advanced fluency in a major global language
Understand French and Francophone cultures in historical and modern contexts
Develop intercultural awareness and global perspectives
Build strong communication, analytical, and translation skills
Access international career and study opportunities
French is widely used in diplomacy, business, international organisations, and education.
Most French degrees include:
You’ll learn through:
Language classes and conversation practice
Lectures and discussion-based seminars
Translation and writing workshops
Cultural analysis of texts, film, and media
Independent reading and research
Immersion during a year abroad
Teaching is highly interactive and skills-focused.
Advanced language proficiency – enabling confident professional communication in French.
Intercultural communication – supporting work in international and multicultural environments
Analytical and critical thinking – through cultural and textual analysis.
Critical and analytical thinking – supporting interpretation of texts and contexts.
Written and verbal communication – in both English and French.
A-levels (or equivalent), typically including French for advanced routes. No prior knowledge of French required for beginner routes.
Explain your interest in the French language and culture.
Mention travel, cultural experiences, or independent learning.
Show enthusiasm for living or working abroad.
Highlight communication skills, curiosity, and adaptability.
French Made Simple – Arnold & Jackson
A clear guide to improving grammar and written French.The Discovery of France – Graham Robb
An engaging cultural and historical exploration of France.L’Étranger – Albert Camus
A classic French novel offering insight into language and philosophy.How to Sound French – Paul Taylor
A practical and entertaining guide to spoken French and culture.The Francophone World – Patrick Corcoran
An introduction to global French-speaking cultures.
Practise French regularly through media, podcasts, and reading.
Research year-abroad options and partner universities.
Explore joint honours combinations that suit your interests.
Consider careers where languages offer a competitive advantage.
Translation - Translator/interpreter, conference interpreter, freelance translator
Education - French teacher, secondary school teacher, language tutor
International Business - International trade advisor, export manager, business development
Diplomacy - Foreign Office diplomat, embassy officer, EU institutions
Tourism - Tourism manager, tour operator, travel consultant
Publishing - Editor, translator, foreign rights manager
Export/Import - Export manager, import coordinator, international sales
Journalism - Foreign correspondent, international journalist, France correspondent
Finance - International banking officer, foreign exchange specialist, European markets
Marketing - International marketing executive, European marketing manager, multilingual marketer
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