French
A comprehensive guide to studying French at university.
- - "There are a wide range of topics to choose from and we have 2 or 3 language assistants who change every year” - Will, 4th year *BA French, German and Russian Student, Birmingham*
- - "The French lecturers are very academic, I feel like the French department is definitely more renowned than the Spanish one” - Thomas, *BA French and Spanish Graduate, UCL*
- - "The variety of topics such as cinema/theatre/politics that are
- available to study, the course doesn’t just focus on literature like many other universities” - Emily, 4th year *BA French and Russian, Durham*
- - "The electives are mainly about French literature. There are barely any electives on French history and there is only one elective on French politics in your fourth year" - Hanna, 4th year *BA French and Russian, UCL*
- - “Not all lessons are taught in the target language" - Jack, 1st year *BA French and Spanish, Birmingham*
- - "Since graduating, I’ve only done work which didn’t require French" - Olivia, BA French Graduate, Bristol
Studying French at a UK university combines language proficiency with an in-depth understanding of Francophone cultures. Courses typically cover French literature, history, politics, and film, providing a comprehensive cultural education. First-year modules focus on foundational language skills and introductory cultural studies, while advanced years offer specialized topics such as translation, linguistics, and contemporary French society.
Students often spend a year abroad in a French-speaking country, enhancing fluency and cultural immersion through study or work placements. Assessment methods include exams, essays, oral presentations, and group projects.
Graduates are well-equipped for careers in translation, diplomacy, international business, education, and more. The course fosters critical thinking, intercultural communication, and analytical skills, making French graduates highly sought after in a globalized job market. Access to resources like language labs, French film screenings, and cultural events further enriches the academic experience.
As a French graduate, there are various professions you could enter such as:
- Translation
- Interpreting
- Education - teaching French or English as a Foreign Language
- Foreign Office - government work, working in an embassy
- Charities & NGOs - very often looking for people who speak different languages
- Journalism & Broadcasting
Prestigious Employers include:
- Fédération International des Traducteurs (International Federation of Translators)
- Proz (Freelance translator work)
- United Nations
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l’Homme (International Federation of Human Rights)
- International Red Cross
- BBC, ITV, Channel 4
You can also use the specific technical/practical skills you gain from studying French that will help in the workplace.
- Advanced language competency (native to near-native)
- Analytical skills (analysing texts, reading and extracting information from secondary resources)
- Quick-thinking (responding to questions in speaking lessons, completing grammar exercises in class)
- Time-management (completing uni work while also maintaining a social life and participating in societies)
- Proofreading/editing