(Full time) 2021 start
French BA
Overview
With a diverse cultural heritage and varied history, France has been hugely influential in the shaping of the modern world. As a major economic and political force, it continues to play an important role today.
This French degree will allow you to gain a thorough knowledge of this global language while building an awareness of French and Francophone culture.
You’ll improve your spoken and written French through core language modules and you’ll explore areas of French culture, politics, history and literature that interest you. The size of our department means that we can offer a range of optional modules on topics from politics and philosophy to chivalry in medieval France, via the history of the French language and postcolonial Francophone cinema.
Translation is an integral part of the course from your first year, providing an opportunity to specialise in this area if you want to explore this as a potential career path.
This four-year course includes a year abroad.
Specialist facilities
Our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines. You'll also have access to our translation computer labs equipped with specialist software and our interpreter training booths to explore different career options.
With four libraries on campus, you’ll find space for study, group work and research. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. From day one, you can access a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of the resources on offer.
Course content
In your first two years, you’ll consolidate your written and spoken French through core language modules, as well as being introduced to key aspects of French culture.
As you progress, more 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.
All of this will prepare you for your third year, where you will push your French language skills further as you spend a year working or studying in France or another Francophone country.
Having immersed yourself in the local culture, you’ll return to Leeds with a new perspective for your final year. Advanced language modules will help you refine your skills, while you’ll enjoy an even wider choice of optional modules on topics from all periods of literature to the use of French in a professional context.
Your independently researched Final Year Project will put the skills you’ve developed into practice.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- French Language Awareness and Skills 20 credits
- Introduction to French Studies (Resistance and Desire) 20 credits
- Evolution of the French Language 10 credits
- Readings in Modern French Society 10 credits
- Introduction to Skills in French Translation 20 credits
Discovery modules
You will study discovery modules.
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- French Language in Contexts 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Aspects of French History 1789-1914 20 credits
- Laughter, Love and Chivalry: Society and Culture in the French Middle Ages 20 credits
- Politics and Society in France since 1945 20 credits
- The Foundations of Modern French Thought 20 credits
- The Age of Extremes: Culture, Crisis and Commitment between the Wars 20 credits
- Cinema in France: The Seventh Art 20 credits
- Black Atlantic: African and Caribbean Culture in French 20 credits
- The Short Form in French and Francophone Literature 20 credits
- Introduction to Professional French Translation and Interpreting 20 credits
- Linguists into Schools 20 credits
- Black Europe 20 credits
Discovery modules
You may study discovery modules.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- French Year Abroad 120 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Advanced French Language Skills 20 credits
- Final Year Project 40 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Monuments 20 credits
- Iconic Images 20 credits
- The Kaleidoscope: Cultural Perspectives on Contemporary France 20 credits
- French Cinema, Sex and Gender 20 credits
- Theory and Practice in French-English Translation 20 credits
- Paris in Revolt. The May 1968 events, past and present 20 credits
- Decolonial Approaches 20 credits
- Linguists into Schools 20 credits
Discovery modules
You may study discovery modules.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
We use a range of different learning and teaching styles to help you benefit from the expertise of our tutors, all of whom are leading researchers in their own fields. These include lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials, or occasionally workshops.
Independent study is also an important aspect of your degree, since it allows you to develop your research skills and think critically about what you read. You’ll also participate in individual or group presentations, as part of the emphasis we place on allowing you to explore and develop your own ideas. We have excellent library resources to help you, and the University Library runs training programmes to help you can make the most of them.
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 use various types of assessment. Exams and essays are a significant part of this, but in some modules you may also be assessed on components such as group work, reports, or oral presentations. We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB including B in French
Other course specific tests:Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level including French and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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BTEC
We will consider the level 3 QCF BTEC at Subsidiary Diploma level and above in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2 including French.
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International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in French at Higher Level.
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H3 in French
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers including French and AABBB in Highers, or B in French in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 75% including 8.0 in French.
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 an alternative 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 alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level including B in French and pass Access to Leeds.
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.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £20,250 (per year)
Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
EU students starting in 2021/22
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.
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.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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 about additional costs
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.
Career opportunities
A French degree gives you expertise in an important world language, the experience of living abroad, and a real appreciation of a fascinating culture. You’ll also develop some 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 business and finance, marketing, management, publishing, journalism, tourism, law, cultural institutions, curatorship, the civil service and education.
Others have studied for a postgraduate qualification to pursue translation-based careers or to continue to study the French language and culture to Masters level, either for a PhD and career in academia or to further their knowledge.
We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies careers and employability support includes promoting internships, providing opportunities to work for the School and employer-led workshops and events.
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.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
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 at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
You’ll spend your third year in France or another Francophone country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.
You can study abroad or take a work placement year.
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.
Study abroad
We have partnerships with a number of universities in France where you can decide to study the equivalent of your course alongside French students or take an intensive language course for learners of French.
Work placement
You can take a work placement year with one of our partner French-speaking companies or set up your own placement. You can also work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council’s programme.