French Studies Joint Honours

The Bachelor of Arts in French Studies Joint Honours at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the French language, literature, culture, and society. This rigorous programme is designed to develop fluency in French while providing a broad understanding of the historical, social, and political contexts that shape francophone nations. Students will engage with a wide range of texts, from classical literature to contemporary media, enhancing their analytical and critical thinking skills.

Throughout the course, learners will benefit from a blend of language immersion, cultural studies, and theoretical analysis, enabling them to communicate effectively in French and appreciate the diversity of francophone cultures around the world. The programme emphasizes the development of practical language skills alongside academic research and presentation abilities, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, translation, media, teaching, and business sectors where advanced knowledge of French is valuable.

Students will have opportunities for study abroad placements, allowing them to immerse themselves in French-speaking environments and gain firsthand experience of local customs, traditions, and professional practices. The curriculum encourages independent research, critical inquiry, and creative expression, fostering a dynamic learning environment supported by expert faculty members with extensive experience in French Studies. Upon completing this joint honours degree, graduates will possess a strong command of French, a nuanced understanding of cultural differences, and transferable skills in communication, analysis, and intercultural competence, making them highly attractive to employers worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

Course Content

First year

French: In the first year of your programme, you study 3 modules – French language, La France moderne (an introduction to French politics and history) and an Introduction to French Literature and Film Studies.

Second year

French: As you progress into the second and fourth years of the course you can choose to study specialist modules focusing on politics, culture, literature or film so you’re increasingly free to tailor the programme to suit your own interests. You continue to follow a core language module but then choose 2 options from a choice of 5

Third year

The third year is spent in France, normally following a programme of study at one of our many partner universities.

Fourth year

French: A wide range of specialist language and culture options is available in the final year. Current choices include: Interpreting; The French Press; Contemporary French Cinema; The Algerian War; and Drama and Politics in France.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test : 93

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

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAB-ABB

Required subjects and grades: A level French

International Baccalaureate: 32 points including French at Higher Level

Additional information:

Typical offer grades are for guidance only, and will depend on the subjects you are combining. Please read the entries for both subjects. Where there is a disparity between the typical offer for Subject A and the typical offer for Subject B, the higher offer should be taken as the usual offer for the combination of the two
Other qualifications are considered.

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 Birmingham.

The French Studies Joint Honours programme at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive exploration of French language, literature, and culture, combined with a diverse range of supplementary disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to develop advanced linguistic skills while gaining a broad understanding of French history, society, and artistic traditions. Typically, the programme involves core modules focused on language proficiency, from beginner to advanced levels, alongside optional courses in areas such as French cinema, contemporary issues, translation, and linguistics. Students studying Joint Honours have the opportunity to combine their French studies with other disciplines like Politics, History, English, or other modern languages, enabling a flexible academic experience tailored to individual interests and career goals. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical language skills, equipping graduates with the ability to communicate effectively in French, analyze cultural artifacts, and understand the socio-political contexts relevant to Francophone countries. The programme also offers opportunities for immersive learning through study abroad schemes, internships, and collaboration with French-speaking organizations. Located in an academically rich environment, students benefit from experienced staff, dedicated language laboratories, and access to cutting-edge research in French and Francophone studies. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for careers in international relations, translation and interpretation, education, journalism, cultural management, or further academic research. Overall, the programme aims to foster bilingual proficiency, cultural awareness, and critical thinking, making it an ideal choice for students passionate about France and the Francophone world.