French, BA

Course content

In your first two years, you'll consolidate your written and spoken French through core language modules, as well as being introduced to key aspects of French culture.

As you progress, more of the teaching is conducted in French, and you'll spend more time working independently to explore your own ideas and build your critical skills. All of this will serve to prepare you for your third year, where you will push your language skills further as you spend a year working or studying in France or another Francophone country.

Having immersed yourself in the local culture, you'll return to Leeds with a new perspective for your final year. Advanced language modules will help you refine your skills, while you'll enjoy an even wider choice of optional modules on topics from all periods of literature to the use of French in a professional context. You'll then undertake an independently researched dissertation or annotated translation (Final Year Project) to put the skills you've developed into practice.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB including B in French.

  • Career opportunities

    A French degree gives you expertise in an important world language, as well as a real appreciation of a fascinating culture. This can lead to an exciting range of careers, but you'll also develop some important transferable skills which are highly valued by employers.

    You'll be a strong communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, both verbally and in writing. What's more, you will have developed skills such as teamwork, research, critical thinking and analysis - and your independence and adaptability will be demonstrated by your year abroad.

    As a result, graduates have gone on to work in business and finance, marketing, management, publishing, journalism, tourism, law, cultural institutions, curatorship, the civil service and education. Others have pursued language-based careers such as translating or interpreting, or pursued further training in these fields.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    You'll spend your third year in France or another Francophone country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.

    We have partnerships with a number of universities in France where you can decide to study the equivalent of your course alongside French students or take an intensive language course for learners of French. Alternatively, you can undertake a work placement with one of our partner French-speaking companies, or set up your own placement. You can also work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council's programme.

    Whatever you choose to do, you'll gain a new insight into a French-speaking society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. If you choose to work during your time abroad, you'll also return with work experience to increase your appeal to employers. For many of our students, it's the real highlight of their course.

    Read more about Residence Abroad in French