French

This undergraduate degree programme in French at the University of Kent offers students an immersive and comprehensive understanding of the French language, literature, and culture. Designed to develop advanced language skills, the programme combines rigorous linguistic training with in-depth exploration of France’s rich literary heritage, historical contexts, and contemporary society. Students will engage in various forms of linguistic practice, including conversation, writing, and translation, to achieve fluency and confidence in both written and spoken French. The curriculum is structured to enhance students' intercultural awareness and critical thinking abilities, preparing them for a wide range of careers in areas such as translation, diplomacy, teaching, publishing, and international business.

Throughout the programme, students have the opportunity to study abroad in France or another Francophone country, fostering linguistic immersion and cultural exchange that enriches their academic experience. They are also encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities, such as language clubs, cultural events, and internships, to gain practical experience and develop their professional networks. The programme includes modules on French linguistics, civilization, history, and contemporary issues, allowing students to contextualize their language skills within broader societal frameworks. Additionally, students will benefit from small class sizes and close interactions with experienced academic staff, ensuring personalized guidance and mentorship.

Graduates of this programme will possess a high level of proficiency in French, an understanding of the diverse cultural landscape of the Francophone world, and the analytical skills necessary to interpret and evaluate texts and social phenomena. The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and competencies needed for postgraduate study or to embark on careers that require bilingualism and cultural literacy. Overall, this French degree offers an engaging combination of language acquisition, cultural exploration, and intellectual development, providing a solid foundation for a future in an increasingly globalized world.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

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:

• 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)

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• FR589 - Learning French 4
• 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
• FR566 - French: Second Year Extended Essay
• FR638 - French Detective Fiction
• 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

You normally spend all or part of your third year in a French-speaking country. Typically, this involves a year’s study abroad at a partner university, an assistantship in a French or French-Canadian school, or a work placement.

We currently have exchange agreements with French universities in Avignon, Grenoble, Lille, Littoral, Lyon, Montpellier, Nice, Paris, Poitiers, Reims, with Canadian universities in Ottawa and Montréal, with the University of Namur in Belgium, and with Swiss universities in Geneva, Lausanne and Neuchâtel. We normally visit you during your year abroad.

Possible modules may include:

• LA514 - Year Abroad Module

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• FR591 - Learning French 5
• 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

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.

• 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 a modern European language other than English 4 at HL or 5 at SL

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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.

Funding

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2013 financial support package includes a fee waiver and cash bursary, as well as additional funds on your Kent account to help with accommodation, food, books and other living costs. Find out more on our fees and funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages

The French language program at the University of Kent offers students the opportunity to develop advanced proficiency in French through a comprehensive curriculum that combines language acquisition, literature, culture, and practical communication skills. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of Francophone countries, historical contexts, and contemporary issues, enabling them to engage confidently with complex texts and real-world situations. Students will have the chance to study core language modules that improve grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, while also exploring diverse literary works ranging from classic to modern authors. The program emphasizes intercultural awareness, critical thinking, and analytical skills, preparing students for careers in international relations, translation, teaching, or further academic research.

Typically, the program includes opportunities for study abroad, allowing students to immerse themselves in French-speaking environments and gain valuable intercultural experience. The curriculum may also incorporate modules on French cinema, anthropology, or history, providing a multidisciplinary approach to understanding Francophone culture. Assessment methods generally include written coursework, oral examinations, and presentations, fostering both written and verbal communication skills. The program is suitable for students with a strong interest in French language and culture who wish to gain bilingual proficiency and a nuanced understanding of France and other Francophone regions. Graduates often go on to work in sectors such as diplomacy, international business, media, or academic research. The University of Kent’s language support services, extracurricular clubs, and language workshops further enhance the learning experience, making it a well-rounded pathway to mastering the French language and its cultural contexts.