French BA

Course overview

This course provides you with the skills to become a versatile, inter-culturally aware and professional graduate able to speak, write and read French with confidence. You’ll combine language studies with exploring culture and society, learning about the diversity of French, to equip you for working with native speakers. You’ll enrich your study, and tailor your course, by choosing from optional modules in translation and interpreting, the conflicts of history, visual culture and cinema.

Whether you are learning as a beginner or have a more advanced understanding of French, you’ll study the language of the media, commerce and cultural expression. You’ll gain a thorough knowledge of the global language, which is enhanced with a year abroad in a French-speaking context (in places such as Belgium, Canada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Senegal and Metropolitan France).

Additional highlights

French staff are involved in the following specialist groups:

• Centre for Immersive Technologies | University of Leeds
• Centre for Translation Studies | School of Languages, Cultures and Societies | University of Leeds
• Centre for World Cinemas and Digital Cultures | School of Languages, Cultures and Societies | University of Leeds
• Centre for World Literatures | School of Languages, Cultures and Societies | University of Leeds
• Correspondance générale de Benjamin Constant | School of Languages, Cultures and Societies | University of Leeds
• Institute for Medieval Studies | University of Leeds
• Writing1900

Specialist facilities

Course details

Year 1

You’ll study core modules covering a thorough foundation of language skills to improve your spoken and written knowledge of the French language and of French and Francophone culture.

Year 2

As you progress, most of your classes will be taught in French and you’ll spend more time working independently to explore your own ideas and build your critical skills. You’ll tailor your study by taking optional modules taught by colleagues who are specialists in cinema, cultural studies, fiction, history, politics, society, translation and visual culture.

Year 3

After gaining a strong grasp of the language and culture in Years 1 and 2, you’ll further enrich your French language skills by spending a year working or studying in France or another Francophone country. This provides you with a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in local life and absorb the language by putting your developing abilities into practice.

Year 4

In your final year, advanced language modules will refine your skills, while you enjoy a wide choice of research-led optional modules on cultural and historical topics, or you can focus on French translation and interpreting.

You’ll complete an independently researched Final Year Project that showcases your skills in critical thinking, research and writing. Examples of recent project titles include: 'The Gilets Jaunes movement: A new form of class struggle?', 'Addressing and redressing discrimination against Black women in French cinema', 'The uses of cross-dressing in French medieval literature', ‘Women Artists in French Museums’, 'Arabic Translingual markers in French advertising', 'La Mac-Do-couscous-steak-frites society. An analysis of French cuisine's response to globalisation', ‘Women’s autofiction in the Maghreb’, ‘Tennis in France and the class system’, ‘French Literary Prizes’.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Based on your previous language knowledge, you must ensure that you enrol on the correct French degree pathway. Until they merge in the final year, there is a route for those with prior knowledge (post A-Level) and a route for beginners (ab initio). Those students with prior knowledge of the language should ensure that they meet the pre-requisites for Advanced French - see the entry requirements section for specific requirements.

Year 1

Compulsory modules for students on the post A-level pathway:

• French Language Awareness and Skills (20 credits) - This first year French language module focuses on the essential elements of French grammar, written and spoken competence at post A level (CEFR B1+) backing up lectures and weekly language classes.

• Introduction to French Studies (Resistance and Desire) (20 credits) - This module, taught primarily in English and through a combination of weekly lectures and fortnightly seminars, uses the guiding themes of resistance and desire to introduce you to the study of the culture, history and society of France from the French Revolution in the eighteenth century to the present day.

• Introduction to Skills in French Translation (20 credits) - This module gives you the opportunity to learn about different modes of translation. As an introduction to the theory and practice of translation, it raises awareness of linguistic and cultural issues in translation. This module is designed for students whose first language is English.

• Writing the Self (20 credits) - This module will examine how authors have used non-fictional forms of expression ( for example essays, autobiographies, letters, documentaries) to construct a narrative of self as an individual or part of a group. Students will also develop their own narratives of identity in French through specific language workshops embedded into the module.

Students are then required to take 20 credits optional modules, and 20 credits of discovery modules.

Compulsory modules for students on the beginner pathway:

• French for Beginners (20 credits) - This module will enable an absolute beginner student to develop their language skills up to A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).Language Learning in this module is student-centred and task-based. The classroom is conceived as a social space for communication.

• Pre-Intermediate French (20 credits) - This module enables students who have completed an A1 CEFR level to develop their language skills up to A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).Language Learning in this module is student-centred and task-based. The classroom is conceived as a social space for communication.

• Ab Initio Introduction to French Studies (Resistance and Desire) (20 credits) - This module is taught primarily in English and through a combination of weekly lectures and weekly seminars in semester one and fortnightly seminars in semester two. Using the guiding themes of resistance and desire the module will introduce you to the study of the culture, history and society of France from the French Revolution in the eighteenth century to the present day. Translation is provided for any material in French.

Students are then required to take one of the below optional modules:

• Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture (20 credits) - This module provides students with tools necessary to examine various forms of audio-visual culture, and introduces them to a number of the key issues necessary for a fuller understanding of how and why audio-visual culture is produced and consumed across different historical and social contexts.

• World Histories (20 credits) - This module sets out to introduce students to the complexity and diversity of human perspectives on and attitudes to history. Drawing on theories and case studies from around the world, it aims to raise critical awareness of the culturally-inflected assumptions we all bring to our study of the past, and that shape the ways history is written and interpreted in different contexts.

• Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application (20 credits) - The module develops students’ intercultural competence by exploring the role of languages and cultures in business and beyond. It shows how an enhanced awareness of cultural specificities helps individuals and groups to navigate the complexity of society.

• Politics, Culture and Society (20 credits) - What are the key debates that shape the practice of politics at international level? How can theory help us better understand and analyse the practice of politics in the world today? How can awareness of differing cultural and intercultural perspectives help us better understand contemporary international politics?

• Worlds of Literature (20 credits) - Making use of examples drawn from the wide range of cultures taught in LCS, this module will challenge you to think critically about your own perceptions of literary cultures, raise your awareness of the intellectual, cultural and ethical questions in the study of literature, and introduce you to some of the concepts and approaches that will help you to negotiate the reciprocities and complexities of the interactions between literary traditions.

• Discourse, Culture and Identity (20 credits) - This module introduces students to concepts that are important to a wider understanding of languages, cultures and societies in the modern world. Critically examining notions like culture, nation, identity, globalisation and language requires moving beyond insider perceptions of our own society and taking a broader perspective of how these issues are played out in different cultural contexts.

Students may then choose to take 40 credits of discovery modules.

Year 2

At Level 2, students must study 120 credits. Students are required to take a minimum of 80 credits of French/MODL modules and the remaining credits should be taken either as Discovery modules and/or as further French/MODL modules.

Compulsory modules for students on the prior knowledge pathway:

• French Language in Contexts (20 credits) - This core module introduces students to the study of style and register in written and spoken French. A major difference between English and French is the way in which spoken French diverges from written French and how the distinction between informal and formal usage is much greater in French than it is in English.

Students are then required to take one and may take two of the below optional modules:

• Aspects of French History 1789-1914 (20 credits) - This module aims to give students without a background in the study of history at university level an introduction to French history in the period 1789-1914, during which France was transformed from an archaic society into a recognisably modern one.

• Politics and Society in France since 1945 (20 credits) - This course aims to promote an understanding of the underlying structures and forces which shape modern French society by providing a broad introduction to France's political, economic and social evolution since 1945.

• Cinema in France: The Seventh Art (20 credits) - Film - the 'seventh art' - has been an important element of both high and popular culture in France throughout the 20th century. This module provides a grounding in film studies as a discipline, by familiarising students with its modes of analysis and key concepts.

• Self and Other (20 credits) - This module provides a stimulating and accessible introduction to the exploration in French and Francophone cultures of the complex relationship between Self and Other, thinking with, through and beyond binaries such as Male and Female, Individual and Society, Centre and Periphery, Coloniser and Colonised.

• Twentieth and Twenty-First Century French Fiction (20 credits) - Since 1945 we have seen fascinating developments in the art of storytelling, new ideas about society and politics, the continuing ascendancy of crime fiction, crises about French identity and the impact of new technologies. This module aims to explore these trends through extensive engagement with three key texts of the modern and contemporary periods.

Students may take 20 credits from the following optional modules:

• The French-Speaking Business World (20 credits)

• Cinema in France: The Seventh Art (20 credits)

• Introduction to Professional French Translation and Interpreting

And a further 20 credits from the following optional modules:

• Linguists into Schools (20 credits)

• Black Europe (20 credits)

• Global Environmental Humanities (20 credits)

Compulsory modules for students on the beginner pathway:

• French Language Skills (20 credits) - In this module, materials and exercises are chosen with a view to preparing students for the linguistic and cultural requirements of interaction with native speakers of French and the use of French in academic and/or professional contexts. A key focus in the module is on the consolidation of basic and advanced grammar and language awareness.

• Forms of Subversion (20 credits) - The module adopts a theme-based approach, in the first instance using the potent and multi-faceted concepts of 'form' and 'subversion' to make connections between different periods and between themes that weave through selected French-speaking cultures. The cultural forms to be explored include poetry, fiction, painting, photography, song and film.

Students are then required to take two to four of the below optional modules:

• Introduction to Skills in French Translation (20 credits) - This module gives you the opportunity to learn about different modes of translation. As an introduction to the theory and practice of translation, it raises awareness of linguistic and cultural issues in translation. This module is designed for students whose first language is English.

• Aspects of French History 1789-1914 (20 credits) - This module aims to give students without a background in the study of history at university level an introduction to French history in the period 1789-1914, during which France was transformed from an archaic society into a recognisably modern one.

• Cinema in France: The Seventh Art (20 credits) - Film - the 'seventh art' - has been an important element of both high and popular culture in France throughout the 20th century. This module provides a grounding in film studies as a discipline, by familiarising students with its modes of analysis and key concepts.

• Black Europe (20 credits) - This module sets out to introduce students to debates surrounding European identity in relation to race. It will examine the presence of Black populations within Europe at various important moments from the classical period to the present day, examining how they have been represented, described and exhibited.

• Global Environmental Humanities (20 credits) - Humans around the world have responded in a wide variety of cultural forms to the environment in which they live, whether as expressions of what that environment means in their own society and lives, and what is thought of as the best way to live in that environment, including how to respond to challenges both natural and generated by human behaviour.

• Reception, Transmission and Translation: The Global Circulation of Literature (20 credits)

• Digital Communications Across Cultures (20 credits)

Year 3

Compulsory modules for all students:

• French Residence Abroad (120 credits)

Year 4

Compulsory modules for all students:

• Advanced French Language Skills (20 credits) - This course aims to further develop language skills, building upon the enhancement of the command of French achieved during the residence abroad. The aim is to approach the ability to speak and write and understand French possessed by an educated speaker whose first language is French. 

Students are then required to complete one of the below optional modules:

• Final Year Project: (40 credits) This module provides students with the opportunity to develop extensive research, analytical and communication skills. For this independent project, students research a topic of their choice in substantial depth. While students have a great degree of autonomy in their topic choice, this is subject to staff expertise and availability to ensure students are supported adequately and effectively. Support available to students combines a dedicated training programme of lectures and workshops, a range of online resources as well as formative assignments and regular individual supervision meetings with an academic supervisor. The assessment that students submit will be one of several options from which students can choose and which include a dissertation, a translation research project or a public engagement project.

Students are then required to take one to two of the below optional modules:

• Theory and Practice of Interpreting (French and English) (20 credits) - This module provides sound grounding in the theory and practice of interpreting. As such, it potentially provides a route into further academic research into interpreting studies, professional practice as an interpreter, or – simply – improved language skills.

• Visual Culture (20 credits - This module enhances the appreciation and interpretation of visual culture (with examples taken from contemporary art and cinema, modern photojournalism and historical iconic imagery). We will be looking at how studying the visual opens up our understanding of French and Francophone culture.

• From Algiers to Paris and Beyond: Protest From Below  (20 credits) - This module explores two defining episodes of post-war history - the Algerian War of independence (1954-1962) and May 1968 – considering the ways in which these protest movements have transformed and reshaped the French and Francophone political, social and cultural landscape. The module considers the continuities between these two events from the perspective of colonialism / post-colonialism, popular struggle, generational conflict and memory. Using primary materials including tracts, manifestos, press articles, archival documents, posters and films, the module will examine what these episodes meant for the actors involved and their ongoing legacies today.

• Global Storytelling in French (20 credits) - This module allows students to analyse a variety of texts from different francophone countries, looking at a range of genres and themes. It explores how the act of telling a story has developed over the past centuries until the present day, from fables to short stories, serialised novels, chanson and rap. The themes underpinning the module include identity, language, decolonialism, equality and difference.

Students are then required to take one to two of the below optional modules:

• Representing the Holocaust: Transgression and the Taboo (20 credits) - This module addresses the questions: 'What are the taboos in representing the Holocaust in contemporary culture? How did the norms on how the Holocaust should be represented come into being? How have they changed in the eighty years since the beginnings of the genocide of European Jewry?'

• Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents (20 credits) - Crime fiction and the fantastic in written and audio-visual forms, are popular in many different parts of the world. Why do so many people enjoy these kinds of story? What can they tell us about the nature of being human? And what do they reveal about the societies in which they are produced?

• Decolonial Approaches (20 credits) - his module will equip students with an understanding of decolonial approaches to research, which they can apply to their own research projects and wider studies. This will entail an investigation of Eurocentric norms of Learning and Teaching in university studies.

• Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits) - This module will investigate attitudes towards minoritised languages, dialects and varieties in the UK and beyond. The module will start by focusing on the problematic nature of terms like language, minority language, and dialect, and how they refer to different linguistic contexts.

• Linguists into Schools (20 credits) - Are you enthusiastic and passionate about the value of language learning?- Are you interested in sharing your enthusiasm with young people whilst developing your own employability and enterprise skills? This module will give you the opportunity to help language learners in primary and secondary schools in Leeds and the surrounding area and be an advocate for the pleasure and value of learning a language.

Learning and teaching

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We ensure inclusive assessment by making sure you are assessed in a range of ways. Among these methods you may have essays, exams, literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, digital projects, poster presentations and translation projects. You’ll regularly receive detailed feedback on your coursework, helping you to keep track of your progress.

We offer training and support to help you prepare for assessment and to equip you with the transferable skills you’ll need for your future careers. For example, we run optional extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Where the post-A level language route is taken, a B grade in the language is required.

Where the beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.

Other course specific tests:

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions

Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Studying this course, you’ll gain expertise in an important world language, the experience of living abroad and a real appreciation of a fascinating culture. You’ll also develop important transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. You’ll be a strong communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, both verbally and in writing. You’ll have developed skills such as teamwork, research, critical thinking and analysis – and your independence and adaptability will be demonstrated by your year abroad.

As a result, graduates have gone on to work in journalism and the media, the charity sector, translation and interpreting, law, the civil service, the NHS, business and finance, marketing, tourism, education, design, cultural institutions and curatorship.

Others have studied for a postgraduate qualification to pursue translation-based careers or to continue to study French language and culture to Master's level, either for a PhD and career in academia or to further their knowledge.

We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. You’ll benefit from bespoke support and opportunities in the School and the University.

Our experts in the award-winning University Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, understand the opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll be encouraged to attend on-campus events including graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions and meetings with our alumni.

The Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year. Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in lots of activities and explore your interests. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership.

At Leeds, you can access advice to help you start your own business. Whether you want to learn about enterprise or become an entrepreneur, we offer award-winning specialist support.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Residence abroad

You’ll spend your third year in France or another Francophone country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.

Whatever you choose to do, you’ll gain new insight into a French-speaking society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. For many of our students, it’s the real highlight of their course.

The three options are: studying at university; a British Council Language Assistantship; or Company Placement.

Study at a French university

You can choose to study from a range of modules at one of our exchange partner universities in France or Canada or you can take an intensive language course in France.

When studying abroad, you'll discover a new culture, develop your knowledge, improve your French language skills and make yourself stand out from your peers in the job market. You'll have access to support and advice before, during and after your study abroad year.

In your first and second year you’ll be able to network with returning students for first-hand advice about living in France, have meetings with the Residence Abroad team and access to online information before you relocate to France. We’ll be in touch with you during your year abroad and you’ll have support at your host university too.

On your return, we’ll ask you to share your experiences and make the most of your new and improved skills and experience. 

You can choose to study from a range of modules at one of our exchange partner universities in France or Canada:

Canada

• Université de Montréal

• Université du Québec à Montréal

France

• Alliance Française Bordeaux

• University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand

• Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

• Université Michel de Montaigne, Bordeaux

• Université Paris 8

• Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3

• Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3

• Université d'Orléans

• Université de Lille

• Université de Limoges

• Université de Lorraine, Metz

British Council

You can work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council’s programme: Where can I go as an English Language Assistant? | British Council

This highly popular opportunity allows you to spend nine months in metropolitan France, the French Caribbean or Africa (see British Council website for specific countries). Our students have recently worked in Metropolitan France, Belgium (minimum age at start, 21), Switzerland, Canada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and Senegal (minimum age at start, 21). You’ll be fully immersed in the French language, acquire vital work experience and become integrated into an established teaching community. 

When preparing your application, you'll be able to network with returning fourth-year students to ask about opportunities, their experiences and general advice for finding the right placement.

Pay and holidays are generous, giving you the opportunity and means to manage your own time. This increases your ability to travel, indulge in tourism and pursue hobbies/interests.

Don't be put off by the fact that your job is to assist with the teaching of English. Working in English (for just 12 hours per week) will be beneficial to you as a linguist (as you will learn things about English grammar that you never knew!). Also, in many cases, your school(s) can act as a ready-made network of contacts. The British Council scheme is also open to final-year students after graduation.

Company placement

You can also take a work placement year with one of our partner French-speaking companies or set up your own placement.

If you decide to take a work placement year you’ll spend nine to 12 months in France or a French-speaking country. If you choose to work in France, the French Convention de Stage is for 6 months, so you'll either combine a work placement internship and a study placement, or undertake two internships where each one is in a different French-speaking sovereign country.

You’ll be provided with a list of current placement opportunities and the details of companies that have provided placements for students in the past. The University has links with a variety of organisations in the UK and overseas both in France and in French-speaking countries.

You’ll receive support and guidance from the School’s experienced Work Placement Officer, the Residence Abroad team and the University Careers Centre. You'll also network with returning fourth-year students to ask about opportunities, their experiences and general advice for finding the right placement.