French

Bachelor of arts in french language and literature, university of southampton, uk

The Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature at the University of Southampton offers students an in-depth exploration of the French language, its rich literary traditions, and cultural contexts. This undergraduate degree program is designed to develop advanced language skills alongside a comprehensive understanding of French literature, history, and society. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, from classical to contemporary, and immerse themselves in the cultural nuances that have shaped francophone communities worldwide.

Throughout the course, students will enhance their linguistic proficiency through regular language practice, translation exercises, and conversational modules. They will also have the opportunity to study core subjects such as French linguistics, literary analysis, cinema, and cultural studies, which provide critical insights into France's past and present. The program encourages intellectual curiosity and intercultural awareness, fostering skills that are highly valued within international careers, including translation, diplomacy, publishing, education, and media.

The program features optional modules that allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests, including topics like French political thought, post-colonial studies, or medieval literature. There are also opportunities for study abroad, where students can spend a year in a French-speaking country, gaining immersive language experience and cultural understanding. This international exposure aims to prepare students for careers in global contexts and enhance their employability upon graduation.

Assessment methods include essays, oral presentations, comprehension tests, and examinations, promoting a well-rounded academic skill set. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and active participation, encouraging students to develop confidence and critical thinking abilities. The degree is taught by expert scholars with extensive research backgrounds in French studies, ensuring students receive high-quality education grounded in current academic debates.

Graduates from the BA in French Language and Literature program will be equipped with advanced language skills, scholarly knowledge of French culture and history, and the confidence to navigate international professional environments. The degree offers a strong foundation for further study, including postgraduate research, or for entering careers that require bilingual competence and intercultural communication skills. With a vibrant campus life and strong support services, students will find an engaging environment to pursue their academic and personal development in one of Europe's most influential languages and cultures.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14660 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Years one and two

The MLang in French in years one and two is broadly the same as the corresponding undergraduate programme but in your second year you are also required to take a module entitled “Languages for Academic Study" which is designed to prepare you for studies at the partner university during the year abroad.

Year three - the year abroad

You will select from a range of relevant modules at the partner university and you will take an assessed language module as well as three other online modules from Southampton (a research skills module and two language related content modules). Modules taken at the partner university and online modules from Southampton will all contribute to the final degree classification and marks awarded by the partner university will be translated in accordance with Humanities guidelines.

Preparation and support

You will be carefully prepared both for the year abroad and for higher levels of study. We have well established procedures for supporting you as you prepare for the year abroad and you will receive risk assessment training and will be assigned an academic advisor who will support you in your studies both at Southampton and abroad.

Year 4 - the Masters year

In your final year back in Southampton you will choose modules from Modern Languages Masters programmes and will complete research in an area related to your programme in which you have developed an interest. This will be supervised by a member of academic staff with the relevant research interest. You will write your Masters dissertation in the summer at the end of your fourth year. As an MLang student you are expected to participate in the Humanities research community through Graduate School events and ML research seminars.

Requirements

A Levels:

AAA from 3 A levels including A in FrenchGeneral Studies is not accepted.

IB:

36 points with 18 at the Higher Level, including 6 at higher level in French

Selection process:

Intake: 150 Average applicants per place: 8

UCAS application and one-to-one interview

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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 Southampton.

The Bachelor of Arts in French at the University of Southampton is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the French language, literature, culture, and history. The programme emphasizes developing advanced language proficiency, enabling students to communicate confidently, read complex texts, and understand cultural nuances. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of literary works, from classical to contemporary, gaining critical insights into the social and cultural contexts of French-speaking regions. The curriculum includes language modules, literary analysis, translation skills, and cultural studies, ensuring a well-rounded education. Students also have opportunities for immersive experiences, such as study abroad programmes in France or other French-speaking countries, which enhance linguistic skills and intercultural understanding. The programme prepares graduates for diverse careers, including international relations, translation, publishing, education, and diplomacy. Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, language workshops, and practical exercises, fostering both individual and collaborative learning. The faculty consists of experts in French language and literature, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the degree. Assessment methods include written exams, essays, presentations, and oral assessments, designed to evaluate language proficiency and analytical skills comprehensively. Graduates from the programme often pursue postgraduate studies or enter the workforce in roles that benefit from strong language and intercultural competencies. The university facilities support language learning with dedicated language labs, media resources, and access to native speakers through exchanges and partnerships. Overall, the French programme at the University of Southampton offers an enriching academic experience aimed at developing fluent language skills and a deep understanding of Francophone cultures, preparing students for global opportunities and lifelong learning.