French

The Bachelor of Arts in French Studies at University College London offers students an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the French language, literature, and culture. This programme is designed to equip students with advanced linguistic skills, critical thinking abilities, and a nuanced appreciation of Francophone societies around the world. Throughout the course, students will engage with diverse literary texts, historical contexts, and contemporary cultural issues, fostering a deep intellectual engagement with France and the Francophone world. The curriculum combines language acquisition with literary analysis, translation exercises, and cultural studies, ensuring that graduates develop both practical language competence and analytical skills relevant to a range of careers, including diplomacy, education, translation, and international business. The programme emphasizes active participation, encouraging students to immerse themselves in French-speaking environments through seminars, workshops, and potential study-abroad opportunities. Faculty members are experts in French literature, linguistics, and cultural studies, providing mentorship and guidance tailored to each student's academic interests. The flexible structure of the programme allows students to specialize in areas such as French literature, cinema, history, or translation, fostering a personalized academic experience. Upon completion, graduates will have achieved a high level of proficiency in French, a broad cultural awareness, and the analytical skills necessary to excel in diverse professional settings. The university's vibrant academic community, extensive resources, and international partnerships enhance the learning experience and prepare students for successful careers in an interconnected world. Whether pursuing further academic research or entering the workforce, students will find this programme a rigorous and enriching pathway to mastering the French language and understanding the complexities of Francophone culture.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The structure of the programme allows you to study core modules in French language (written and oral), literature, culture, history, politics and society. You will have some flexibility throughout your degree to focus on areas you find particularly interesting. These opportunities increase as you progress.

You will also take modules offered by the UCL School of European Languages, Culture & Society (SELCS), which allows you to study literature, film, art and culture from outside your subject area. This will enable you to focus on broad cultural movements, issues and approaches from an interdisciplinary perspective.

You will spend your third year in France or another part of la Francophonie (for example Québec or Martinique). You can choose whether to spend the year as a language assistant in a French school, as a student at a French-speaking university, or undertaking a work placement. 

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

French required at grade A.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including French grade 6, with no score lower than 5.

Funding opportunities for the French language programmes at University College London include a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options designed to support students throughout their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore university-wide scholarships such as the UCL Global Scholarships, which are available to outstanding international students and can significantly offset tuition fees and living costs. Additionally, there are departmental scholarships specifically targeted at students enrolled in language and area studies, including French programmes. These scholarships often require applications and demonstrate academic excellence, motivation, and sometimes financial need.

Students may also access external funding sources, including governmental grants, external foundations, and cultural institutions that support language studies and international exchanges. The French government offers scholarships to international students under programs like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program, which aims to support outstanding students pursuing master’s level studies in France and abroad, including at partner institutions such as UCL. Furthermore, the British Council provides information on grants and scholarships for international students interested in French and Francophone studies, which could be relevant for students planning to undertake part of their studies in France or via exchange programs.

UCL also provides financing options such as student loans, which students from eligible countries can apply for through their home governments or private lenders. International students are advised to consult their home country’s scholarship agencies as well as student loan providers for potential funding. Work opportunities on campus, including paid research assistantships or part-time jobs, are available for postgraduate students to supplement their income and gain valuable experience.

For students enrolled in joint or exchange programmes, financing arrangements may include tuition fee transfers, joint scholarship awards, or dedicated funding from partner institutions. UCL’s financial aid office offers personalized guidance to help students identify suitable funding sources, complete applications, and plan financially for their studies.

Overall, the financing landscape for UCL's French programmes is diverse, combining university scholarships, external grants, governmental support, and personal funding strategies. Students are encouraged to start their scholarship search early, prepare required documentation, and stay informed about application deadlines to maximize financial support opportunities. Access to funding can reduce financial burdens, allowing students to focus on academic success and cultural immersion during their studies at UCL.

The French language program at University College London offers comprehensive instruction aimed at developing proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding French. The curriculum is designed to immerse students in French culture, literature, and society, fostering not only linguistic skills but also intercultural competence. Students engage with a wide range of texts, from classical to contemporary, and participate in speaking and listening exercises that enhance conversational fluency. The program emphasizes both grammatical mastery and vocabulary expansion, ensuring students can communicate effectively in various contexts.

In addition to language skills, the program incorporates optional modules related to French literature, history, politics, and cinema, providing a multidisciplinary approach to the study of France and Francophone regions. This allows students to tailor their degree according to their academic interests and career aspirations. The program employs innovative teaching methods, including multimedia resources, language labs, and immersive activities, which contribute to an engaging learning environment. Regular assessments, including oral presentations, written exams, and coursework, help track student progress and ensure mastery of the subject matter.

Students benefit from access to well-equipped language laboratories and resources such as libraries with extensive collections of French literature and media. The program encourages participation in exchange programs and internships, offering real-world language practice and cultural exposure. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in international relations, translation, teaching, journalism, or further academic research. The program's design aims to produce graduates who are confident in their language abilities and possess a deep understanding of French cultural context, preparing them for the globalized workforce. The duration of the program typically spans three or four years, depending on the specific course structure and whether students undertake a year abroad or additional specializations.