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 and modules

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read French BA in the course catalogue

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 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 on the post A-level pathway:

Writing the Self in French (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. You will also develop your own narrative of identity in French through specific language workshops embedded into the module.

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.

Upper Intermediate French (20 credits) - Language learning on this module has a strong grammatical focus and practices all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Compulsory modules on the beginner pathway:

Beginners French (20 credits) - This module will enable you to develop your 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 will enable you to develop your 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 lectures and seminars. 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.

Optional modules

All students are required to take 20 credits from the below optional modules. Students on the post A-Level pathway are required to take 20 credits of Discovery modules. Students on the beginner pathway are required to take 40 credits of Discovery modules.

• Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture (20 credits)
• World Histories (20 credits)
• Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application (20 credits)
• Politics, Culture and Society (20 credits)
• Worlds of Literature (20 credits)
• Discourse, Culture and Identity (20 credits)

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 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.

You will then be required to take one (and may take two) of the below optional modules:

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.

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.

You 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

Compulsory modules 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.

You may then take the below module:

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.

Optional modules

Optional modules for all students:

• Global Queer Politics and Cultures (20 credits)
• Social Class across Cultures (20 credits)
• Black Europe (20 credits)
• Reception, Transmission and Translation: The Global Circulation of Literature (20 credits)
• Global Environmental Humanities (20 credits)
• Languages in Action: from Theory to Practice (20 credits)
• Digital Communications across Cultures (20 credits)

Year 3

Compulsory modules for all students:

LCS Year Abroad (120 credits) - During this part of your degree programme, you will have the opportunity to make substantial linguistic progress over a wide range of registers by interacting with language users and engaging with the local cultures in your host country. You will develop intercultural competence, planning and organisational skills, and the capability to adapt to a new social and cultural environment.

Year 4

Compulsory modules for all students:

Advanced French Language Skills (20 credits) - This module 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. 

Final Year Project (40 credits) - This module provides the opportunity to develop extensive research, analytical and communication skills. For this independent project, you will research a topic of your choice in substantial depth. While you will have a great degree of autonomy in your choice of topic, this is subject to staff expertise and availability to ensure you are supported adequately and effectively. The assessment you will submit will be one of several options including a dissertation, a translation research project or a public engagement project.

Optional modules

You will be required to study up to 60 credits from the below optional modules. You may study up to 40 credits of Discovery modules.

• Theory and Practice of Interpreting (French and English) (20 credits)

• World and Image: Culture in the French-Speaking World (20 credits)

• Protest from below in the Francophone World (20 credits)

• From Algiers to Paris and Beyond: Protest From Below  (20 credits)

• Languages in Action: from Theory to Practice (20 credits)

• Representing the Holocaust: Transgression and the Taboo (20 credits)

• Contemporary World Literature (20 credits)

• Decolonial Approaches (20 credits)

• Social Movements across Cultures (20 credits)

• Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits)

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.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

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 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 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: £9,790

International: £26,500 (per year)

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790. 

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

The government has confirmed that the fee for 2027/28 will be £10,050. 

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

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.

Additional cost information

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.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

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 2027

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions

Email: lcsug@leeds.ac.uk

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.