French and Francophone Studies Language Culture and History

The French and Francophone Studies: Language, Culture and History MA aims to encourage innovative approaches to issues in the field, as well as to sharpen students' creative and critical responses.

The programme provides a thorough understanding of key methods and issues in textual criticism, and of aspects of French and francophone culture, within a broadly interdisciplinary focus. The modules are designed to offer exciting critical engagement with topical issues currently being addressed in French and francophone studies, such as: text and theory, text and image, historiography, film history, trauma, creativity and post-colonial theory.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme offers two pathways: taught and research. Taught: one core module (30 credits), three optional modules (90 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). Research: one core module (30 credits), two taught modules (60 credits), and a research dissertation (90 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, one core module (30 credits), three optional modules (90 credits) full-time nine months or part-time two years, is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate, one core module (30 credits), one optional module (30 credits) full-time three months, part-time six months, is offered.

Core module

• Language, Culture and History. This core module permits research into two areas of major contemporary interest; for example, topics explored during the current year include the following:
• Trauma
• Memory
• Visual Culture
• Queer(y)ing Sexuality

Optional modules

Students take a choice of optional modules on topics such as the following:

• Dead Things and Demolition Sites: Cultural, Visual and Historical Representations in France, 1598-1889
• Advanced Translation into French
• Advanced Translation into English
• Gender, Race and Sexuality: New Readings in Francophone Literature and Visual Culture
• The French New Wave

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project related to the broad area of French and Francophone Studies which culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words for the taught pathway and 18,000 for research.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. French-specific translation courses are assessed by take-home examinations. Other courses are mainly assessed by essays.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree involving specialisation in French from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applications from students who do not have formal qualifications in French, but who are competent in the language, will be considered.

Several funding options may be possible for applicants to this programme, including: Arts & Humanities Faculty Awards, UCL Scholarships for UK/EU & Overseas Students and Rothschild Scholarship.

For details of scholarships available to MA students in SELCS, please refer to the MA Scholarships webpage.

Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.

Jean Orr Scholarship

Value:

£7,000 (1 year)

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit

The University College London offers a comprehensive programme in French and Francophone Studies, focusing on language, culture, and history. This programme provides students with a deep understanding of French-speaking countries, their cultures, societies, and historical contexts. Students will develop advanced language skills in French, enabling them to communicate fluently and accurately in both spoken and written forms. The curriculum includes a diverse range of modules such as French literature, film, politics, and history, allowing students to explore the rich cultural and historical landscapes of the Francophone world.

Additionally, the programme emphasizes intercultural understanding and critical analysis, encouraging students to engage with contemporary issues facing Francophone regions and to examine literary and cultural texts within their historical and social frameworks. The course structure typically combines language tutorials, lectures, seminars, and independent research, fostering analytical skills and academic independence. Many modules are taught by experienced academics and practitioners who are experts in their fields, ensuring that students receive high-quality education and mentorship.

Students also have opportunities for study abroad exchanges or placements in French-speaking countries, aiming to enhance their practical language skills and cultural immersion experience. The programme prepares graduates for careers in international relations, translation, journalism, education, cultural management, and further postgraduate study. Overall, the French and Francophone Studies programme at UCL offers an in-depth, interdisciplinary approach to studying the language, culture, and history of the Francophone world, providing students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a globalized society.