French and Philosophy

The BA in French and Philosophy at the University of Kent offers students an exceptional multidisciplinary education that combines deep linguistic proficiency in French with rigorous philosophical inquiry. This program is designed to develop students' language skills to an advanced level, enabling fluent communication and comprehensive understanding of French culture, literature, and contemporary issues. Simultaneously, students will engage with core philosophical topics such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of fundamental questions about human existence, knowledge, and society. The interdisciplinary nature of the course allows students to explore the intersections between language, culture, and philosophy, providing a well-rounded academic experience that prepares them for diverse careers or further postgraduate study. The curriculum includes a balanced mix of language modules, philosophical theory, and optional modules that cater to individual interests, including contemporary French thought, European philosophy, and applied ethics. Additionally, students have opportunities for international exchange programs, internships, and research projects, enhancing their practical skills and global perspective. The faculty members are distinguished experts in their fields, offering personalized mentoring and fostering an engaging learning environment. By combining the study of French and Philosophy, students will develop essential skills in communication, critical analysis, and intercultural understanding, equipping them to make meaningful contributions in various professional sectors such as international relations, education, journalism, law, or academia. The program culminates in a dissertation that showcases students’ ability to conduct independent research, synthesizing knowledge from both disciplines. Graduates of this program will leave with a versatile skill set, cultural awareness, and a critical mindset essential for navigating a complex, interconnected world.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 48 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

PL302 - Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Metaphysics

PL303 - Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics

PL310 - Introduction to Philosopy: Logic and Reasoning

PL315 - Philosophical Reading and Writing (core)

FR327 - Learning French 2A (Post GCSE)

FR328 - Learning French 2B (Post GCSE)

FR330 - Intensive French for Beginners

FR300 - Learning French 3 (Post A Level)

FR301 - Writer and Genre in France I

FR302 - Writer and Genre in France II

FR308 - Questions of French Cinema

FR310 - Twentieth Century France in Crisis

FR331 - French Drama: Love, Marriage and Politics (in translation)

FR332 - French Narratives: Love, Marriage and Politics (in translation)

FR337 - Texts and Contexts 1

FR338 - Texts and Contexts 2

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

FR589 - Learning French 4

PL620 - Justice, Violence and the State

PL625 - Continental Philosophy: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason

PL628 - Continental Philosophy: Subject, Identity and the Political

PL584 - Knowledge and Metaphysics: Descartes to Kant

PL588 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism

PL595 - Metaethics

PL596 - Philosophy of Medicine

PL598 - Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle

PL599 - Wittgenstein

PL601 - Philosophy of Religion

PL602 - Philosophy of Language

PL604 - Advanced Topics in Mind and Langauge

PL605 - Logic

PL606 - Philosophy of Science

PL608 - Paradoxes

PL609 - Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence

PL610 - Aesthetics

PL618 - Political Philosophy

PL640 - Normative Ethics

PL638 - Schopenhauer and Nietzsche

FR593 - Paris: Myth and Reality in the 19th century

FR594 - Paris: Myth and Reality in the 20th century

FR598 - Occupation and Resistance in the French Novel

FR599 - Description of Modern French

FR546 - Short Narrative Fiction in French

FR638 - French Detective Fiction

FR566 - French: Second Year Extended Essay

FR620 - Memory and Childhood in 20th Century French Fiction

FR632 - Modern French Theatre 1

FR633 - Modern French Theatre (2)

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

The French department at the University of Kent has Erasmus agreements with several universities in France, Belgium, Canada and Switzerland.

Possible modules may include:

LA514 - Year Abroad Module

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

FR591 - Learning French 5

PL639 - Schopenhauer and Nietzsche

PL641 - Normative Ethics

PL619 - Political Philosophy

PL629 - Continental Philosophy: Subject , Identity and the Political

PL621 - Justice, Violence and the State

PL624 - Continental Philosophy: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason

PL514 - Knowledge and Metaphysics: Descartes to Kant

PL526 - Aesthetics

PL552 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism

PL569 - Metaethics

PL570 - Philosophy of Medicine

PL572 - Greek Philosophy:Plato and Aristotle

PL573 - Wittgenstein

PL575 - Philosophy of Religion

PL576 - Philosophy of Language

PL578 - Advanced Topics in Mind and Language

PL579 - Logic

PL580 - Philosophy of Science

PL582 - Paradoxes

PL583 - Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence

FR637 - Travels to Japan in Modern French Culture

FR567 - French: Final Year Dissertation

FR550 - Images of Monarchy in French Classical Tragedy

FR561 - Contemporary French Cinema

FR601 - Mothers and Daughters in Women's Writing

FR613 - The Reader and the Text

FR615 - Sociolinguistics of French

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level: ABB

• GCSE: C in a modern European language other than English

• Access to HE Diploma: The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma): The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate: 34 points overall or 16 at HL including 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a modern European language other than English

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

The University of Kent offers a comprehensive program in Philosophy, which is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality. The program combines historical and contemporary philosophical thought, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, philosophy of mind, and political philosophy. The curriculum also emphasizes the development of argumentation skills and the ability to analyze complex texts, preparing graduates for diverse careers in law, education, public policy, and further academic research. The Philosophy program at Kent is distinguished by its diverse faculty, who are active researchers contributing to debates in philosophy across various fields. Students have opportunities for engaging in seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, often collaborating with faculty and fellow students. The program may also include optional modules related to philosophy’s intersections with other disciplines, such as cognitive science, literature, or history. The University of Kent's location offers a stimulating environment for philosophical inquiry, with access to cultural and academic resources in Canterbury and beyond. Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue advanced postgraduate studies or established careers in areas like journalism, publishing, diplomacy, and social activism. The program aims to foster open-mindedness, clarity of thought, and a lifelong love of learning. It is suitable for students who enjoy questioning assumptions and engaging with complex ideas, and who wish to develop a rigorous intellectual outlook grounded in philosophical inquiry.