The Department of French offers PhD supervision in an exceptional range of areas of French and Francophone studies. It contains world-leading researchers in the literature, thought, and culture of the middle ages, the early modern period, the nineteenth century, and the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, as well as in cinema and linguistics. There is usually more than one specialist in any given field, which helps to broaden the PhD student’s approach to and understanding of his or her topic. There is a dynamic culture of research seminars. 

The PhD in French is awarded  on the basis of a dissertation, a substantial piece of writing which reports original research into a closely defined area of enquiry. The completion of the PhD dissertation is generally expected to take three years, and most funding is based on this assumption. It is  also possible to take a part-time route through research degrees, and the expected timeframe would be five years. The important notion of ‘original’ can be defined in a number of ways, but basically the thesis should represent a significant contribution to learning, through the discovery of new knowledge, or through the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the development of new theory, or the revision of older views, or some combination of these different criteria. In writing the thesis, you are expected to take due account of previously published work on the subject, and you should ensure that the thesis is clearly and accurately written, paying due account to English style and grammar. The thesis must be written in English, apart from quotations. There is a normal word limit of 80,000 words, including footnotes and appendices, but excluding the bibliography.

During your research, you will  work closely with a Supervisor who is a specialist in your research area.  In addition to providing specialist supervision, the Faculty runs a programme of professional training for the benefit of all research students.

At the end of a PhD course, students will have produced a piece of extended original research, of publishable or near-publishable quality.

They will have obtained:

• an expert knowledge of a particular field of French studies;
• a knowledge of the methodology or methodologies appropriate to their field;
• a set of research skills appropriate to their field;
• the ability to produce scholarly writing in English of a sufficiently high standard;
• an appropriate set of transferable skills, such as work planning and time management.

Feedback

Feedback on progress is provided through regular meetings with the Supervisor.  Termly Supervision reports are written and are made available to the student online.  

Assessment

Thesis

There is a normal word limit for the thesis of 80,000 words (including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography). The thesis should represent a significant contribution to learning through the discovery of new knowledge or through the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the development of new theory, revision of older views or some combination of these. In writing the thesis you are expected to take account of previously published work on the subject and the thesis should be clearly and accurately written, paying due attention to English style and grammar. Candidates for the PhD in Cambridge are guided by a supervisor, though they will normally also discuss their work with a number of other experts in their field.

Following submission of the thesis, an oral (viva) examination is held.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. 500-1000 word research proposal 
• Sample of Work. A sample of recent research writing of approximately 5,000-10,000 words.  The sample can be either an essay produced during masters-level studies or a section of a dissertation, and must be a single-authored work.
• Personal Reference

The financing of French language and culture studies at the University of Cambridge is primarily determined by the source of funding and the student's status. For Home (UK) students, partial funding may be available through government schemes such as student loans and maintenance grants, which help cover tuition fees and living expenses. The University also provides several scholarships and bursaries specifically aimed at students pursuing language and cultural studies, including those focused on French. These financial aid opportunities are awarded based on merit, need, or a combination of both, and applicants are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving support.

International students, including those from the European Union and other countries, generally pay higher tuition fees. However, they can also access various funding options such as government or private scholarships, which are often competitive and may require additional application procedures. Some funding is available through external organizations that support study abroad programs, cultural exchange, or language study in France. Additionally, students may seek sponsorship from cultural institutes like the Institut français, which sometimes offers grants or special programs to support students engaged in language and cultural studies.

The university itself offers limited internal funding for language programs, which may include teaching assistantships or research grants for postgraduate students. These financial supports are typically awarded based on academic merit and research proposal quality. For students undertaking specific projects or research related to French language or culture, there may be additional funding sources available through departmental grants or external research councils.

Students are also encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as Erasmus+ programs, which facilitate study exchanges and placements in France, often covering part of the costs associated with studying abroad. Furthermore, students are advised to check with national scholarship bodies in their home country that support university study and cultural exchange initiatives. Overall, financing for French studies at Cambridge involves a combination of university scholarships, government schemes, external grants, and personal funding, with the exact support varying based on individual circumstances and the specific academic pathway pursued.

The University of Cambridge offers a diverse range of French language and literature programmes through its Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages. These programmes are designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of French linguistic skills, literary analysis, cultural awareness, and historical contexts. Students typically undertake undergraduate courses such as the BA in Modern Languages with French, which combines language acquisition with the study of literature, history, and culture. The programme emphasizes active language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, alongside in-depth exploration of French literary texts from different periods and regions.

Courses also cover the sociolinguistics and translation aspects of the French language, equipping students with skills applicable to international careers in diplomacy, translation, publishing, or academia. The university collaborates with various French institutions and offers opportunities for exchange programmes, internships, and summer schools in French-speaking countries, enhancing practical language fluency and cultural understanding. The department employs a combination of lectures, seminars, language workshops, and independent research, often culminating in a dissertation on a specific aspect of French literature, language, or culture.

Postgraduate options include MPhil and PhD research degrees, allowing students to specialize further in particular areas such as medieval French literature, contemporary French culture, or translation studies. The university’s libraries and research centers support these studies with extensive collections, digital resources, and access to French scholars and institutions. Cambridge’s graduates in French often pursue careers in academia, publishing, government, translation, and international organizations, benefiting from the rigorous academic training and intercultural insights gained during their studies. Overall, Cambridge’s French programmes are renowned for their academic excellence, research opportunities, and immersive linguistic experience, preparing students for diverse professional paths and fostering a deep appreciation of the French-speaking world.