French and Religious Studies

This programme in French and Religious Studies at the University of Kent offers a unique interdisciplinary opportunity for students to explore the rich cultural, linguistic, historical, and spiritual traditions of France and the broader Francophone world alongside the study of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions. Over the course of this degree, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of French language and literature, engaging with texts from various periods and genres to enhance their linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness. Simultaneously, they will examine the history, philosophy, and sociology of religion, gaining insights into how religious traditions have shaped societies, politics, and individual identities throughout history and into the modern era. The programme is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural competence, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, education, cultural heritage, translation, religious organizations, or postgraduate research. Students will have the opportunity to study abroad in France, immersing themselves in the language and culture, which greatly enriches their academic experience and language fluency. The curriculum combines language modules, core modules on religious studies, and optional modules tailored to individual interests, allowing students to customize their learning pathway. Faculty members are experts in their fields, offering mentorship and guidance to support students in their academic and professional development. The programme encourages active engagement with contemporary issues through seminars, workshops, and research projects, fostering a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between language, religion, and society. Graduates of this programme will possess a solid foundation in French language and cultural studies, paired with a critical understanding of religious phenomena, equipping them to analyze global issues with cultural sensitivity and intellectual rigor.

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:

TH331 - Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism

TH334 - Religion and Sex

TH340 - Gods of the Desert: Judaism and Islam

TH341 - What is Religion?

TH342 - Religion in the Contemporary World

TH343 - What is Christian Theology?

TH344 - Christianity through 2000 years

TH346 - Introduction to Asian Traditions

FR300 - Learning French 3 (Post A Level)

FR327 - Learning French 2A (Post GCSE)

FR328 - Learning French 2B (Post GCSE)

FR330 - Intensive French for Beginners

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

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

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

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

FR589 - Learning French 4

FR632 - Modern French Theatre 1

FR633 - Modern French Theatre (2)

FR638 - French Detective Fiction

FR566 - French: Second Year Extended Essay

FR620 - Memory and Childhood in 20th Century French Fiction

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

FR600 - Literary Trailblazers: Four Women Writers of the 20th Century

FR546 - Short Narrative Fiction in French

TH624 - Indian Philosophy of Religion

TH622 - Cracking Biblical Codes: Prophecy, Apocalyptic and Wisdom

TH620 - Anthropology of Religion

TH618 - Continental Philosophy of Religion

TH594 - Christianity and Ethics

TH597 - Buddhism:Its Essence and Development

TH598 - Issues in Religious Studies

TH600 - Psychology and Religion

TH615 - Modern Islam: Liberal and Fundamentalist Thought

TH608 - Sociology of Religion

TH611 - The Sacred in Contemporary Society

TH570 - I:Religion and Film

TH571 - I:Death of God ? :Christianity and the Modern World

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

TH515 - Theology and Religious Studies Dissertation

TH617 - Continental Philosophy of Religion

TH577 - Christianity and Ethics

TH607 - William James: Philosopher, Psychologist and Scholar of Religion

TH553 - Issues in Religious Studies

TH555 - Hindu Religious Thought

TH558 - Sociology of Religion

TH574 - H:Religion and Film

TH575 - H:Death of God ? :Christianity and the Modern World

TH530 - History and Literature in Early Christianity:Luke-Acts

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

FR621 - The Painting as Phantom : Diderot to Proust

FR567 - French: Final Year Dissertation

FR640 - Trainspotting

FR642 - Libertine Literature in Eighteenth-Century France

FR637 - Travels to Japan in Modern French Culture

TH556 - Buddhism: Its Essence and Development

TH612 - The Sacred in Contemporary Society

TH578 - Psychology and Religion

TH616 - Modern Islam: Liberal and Fundamentalist Thought

TH619 - Religious Studies and Philosophy in the Classroom

TH621 - Anthropology of Religion

TH623 - Cracking Biblical Codes: Prophecy, Apocalyptic and Wisdom

TH625 - Indian Philosophy of Religion

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test : 85

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 points 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.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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.

This program offers an in-depth study of French language, literature, and culture, combined with an exploration of religious studies that encompass the history, traditions, and impact of various religious beliefs and practices. Designed for students interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of both fields, the degree provides a balanced curriculum that develops linguistic skills alongside critical analysis of religious phenomena. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics including French literary works from different periods, contemporary cultural issues, and fundamental religious concepts and practices. The program emphasizes developing proficiency in French language, including speaking, reading, writing, and translation skills, which are integrated with modules on grammar, phonetics, and literature analysis.

In religious studies, students explore themes such as spirituality, ethics, religious texts, rituals, and the social roles of religion in different societies. The program encourages critical thinking through discussions, essays, and research projects that examine religious influence on history, politics, and social change. Opportunities for practical language use include language immersion trips, seminars with visiting scholars, and participation in cultural events, all aimed at enhancing linguistic and intercultural competence. The coursework is complemented by modules on translation skills, thematic studies on French literature and religious movements, and optional fieldwork or placements to gain real-world experience.

Graduates from this program are well-equipped for careers in international relations, cultural diplomacy, translation, education, or further academic research. The program is ideal for students with a passion for languages, cultures, and religious history, and provides a solid foundation for understanding complex cultural interactions and religious diversity. The University of Kent supports students with extensive resources including dedicated language laboratories, libraries, and study abroad opportunities to facilitate language acquisition and cultural immersion. Overall, the program aims to produce graduates who are culturally aware, linguistically proficient, and academically prepared for global careers or advanced study in related disciplines.