French / Drama and Theatre

Why study French/ Drama and Theatre studies at Aberystwyth University?

• As a student in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies you will be joining vibrant and creative department where drama and theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide. The Drama and Theatre component of this degree is a challenging and creative one where you will be exposed to an unique combination of creative and critical approaches. We also offer various modules through the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab for further information.
• In the Department of Modern Languages, you will have the opportunity to study French from beginners or advanced.
• At beginners level, you will have timetabled intensive linguistic classes during your first year, where you will concentrate on the following principles: listening, reading/writing, oral and translation. After the first year, you will join students who have started the course at advanced level.
• If you're commencing the French component of this course at advanced level, this will be a continuation of your grammatical and linguistic development from A level (or equivalent) also in the following principles: listening, reading/writing, oral and translation.
• All students in the Department of Modern Languages will receive four hours of linguistic and grammar classes per week. As a department, we are a relatively small and close-knit which means that you will benefit from the unique approach to language development. All of language tutors are native speakers or expert in the relevant target language. We know our students by name and not by number.
• The Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies (TFTS) is a creative one where students benefit from the close connections with key industry partners include National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. We are also in close proximity and are neighbors to the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest Arts Centre in mid Wales which regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work..  We are situated in the heart of Penglais campus and our exceptional facilities and resources for practical work includes: three rehearsal studios, each with flexible technical facilities; 2 large professionally-equipped studios with digital lighting rigs controlled via ETC Congo and Strand Lighting consoles, Yamaha and Soundcraft PAs, Sanyo AV systems and Strand lighting and two NXAMP; and costume and wardrobe facilities.
• For all students the highlight of being a student at University is the social element. Both departments have lively societies that regularly meet and convene. Come and visit us during an Open Day or an Applicant Visiting Day to see for yourself.
• The highlight of this degree for all of our students is the year abroad. You will be required to spend your year abroad (your third year) in France or a French speaking country. Some students opt to spend their time equally studying with our partnered Universities in France or a French speaking country. Others have spent their time undertaking a paid or unpaid work experience placement in the two countries. Find out what your options are by visiting our Studying Abroad page.

Our Staff

All academic staff at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies are research active and/or involved in Knowledge Transfer projects and have either relevant academic qualifications at doctoral level or equivalent professional experience and expertise.

All of the lecturers in the Department of Modern Languages are qualified to PhD level and are research active specialists in their chosen field. We also employ highly qualified and experienced language tutors, and native-speakers, who will ensure that your learning is of the highest possible quality and who will provide you with constant support through your years of study.

Employability is embedded across our teaching within the Department of Modern Languages and the Department Theatre, Film and Television. The Year Abroad is where our graduates are more distinguished than others. Upon successful completion of the Year Abroad, students return with an increased skill set, stronger language competencies and the ability to adapt in any situations. 

What can I do with a French/ Drama and Theatre Studies degree?

Many of our students have been successful in obtaining employment in these fields;

• Acting and Performing;
• Directing;
• Translation and Interpretation;
• Education;
• Designing;
• Script writing;
• Teaching and education;
• Arts administration;
• Marketing;
• International Banking;
• Management;
• Public Relations.

Transferable Skills

In addition to subject specific skills and knowledge, studying for a degree in French and Drama and Theatre Studies will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:

• Communication skills;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Intercultural competence;
• The ability to learn other languages with relative ease;
• The awareness of the function of language;
• Improved language skills in your mother tongue;
• The ability to work independently;
• Time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines;
• The ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form;
• Self-motivation and self-reliance;
• Team-work, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement;
• The ability to apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations;
• The ability to research, evaluate and organise information;
• The ability to structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations and using a variety of means;
• The ability to listen to and make use of critical advice.