BA

French

Key Facts

R120

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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Studying for a single honours degree in French in the Department of Modern Languages at Aberystwyth University provides you with the opportunity not only to pursue French language to an advanced level, but also to gain an in-depth knowledge of French literature, culture and linguistics. This degree is ideal for those who have established wide-ranging interests in the French-speaking world.  The degree scheme provides an ideal combination of intensive language training, and a choice of content modules on literature, culture, and linguistics.

Course Overview

Why study French at Aberystwyth University?

  • There is a wide range of expertise available within our Department and this is reflected in the module choices we offer. You can choose modules on linguistics (both modern and historical); dialectical (the study of different forms of French, past and present); literature; the history of ideas and artistic movements; literary representations of Paris, travel literature and current affairs. 
  • You will spend your third year living independently in a French-speaking country. You could choose to study at University, work as a language assistant or take up other forms of work placements. 
  • During the first year, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to French studies and related research skills, in tutorial form. 
  • We are committed to providing you with an experience that is memorable and cherished. 
  • Modern Language graduates are statistically amongst the most employable graduates. The latest Destination of Leavers for Higher Education report published in 2018 demonstrated that a degree in Modern Languages provides a clear pathway to employment or further study. For our department, 95% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months after graduating (HESA 2018). Our purposeful teaching ensures that you will have a smooth transition from campus to career. 
  • This degree is available to beginners and advanced students. Beginners will follow an intensive course in the first year. 
Our Staff

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.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Beginners French 1 FR10920 20
Beginners French 2 FR11020 20
French Language Advanced FR19930 30
Images of France: The French Family FR12910 10
Introduction to French Studies FR11120 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Introduction to European Film EL10520 20
Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe EL10820 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Employability is embedded across our teaching within the Department of Modern Languages. The Year Abroad is where our graduates stand out above the rest. Upon successful completion of the Year Abroad, students return with an increased skill set, stronger language competencies and the ability to adapt in any situation. 

Our graduates have been successful in finding employment in these fields:

  • translation and Interpretation
  • broadcasting
  • education 
  • marketing
  • Human Resources 
  • website development 
  • international banking 
  • the Civil Service.

What work experience opportunities exist while studying? 

Find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers Service offers.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn? 

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four year degree scheme.

During your four years, you will have four weekly hours of language work, which includes:

  • speaking
  • writing
  • listening
  • translation.

In the first year you will: 

  • explore the range of skills required for French studies
  • learn about the founding moments of French culture
  • discover the language through film, culture and identity
  • start planning a piece of independent research.

In the second year you will: 

  • be able to choose from content modules on French literature, language, history of art, or cultures of contemporary France
  • conduct your independent research, with tutorial supervision.

In your third year you will: 

  • embark on your Year Abroad of studying or work placements.

In your fourth year you will: 

  • develop your language competencies further after your year spent in France
  • choose from a range of modules covering topics such as Literature, Film, Culture, Business
  • create the crown jewel of your undergraduate years - your Dissertation - based on extensive original research, written in French.

How will I be taught?

A variety of teaching formats are used in class. In tutorial classes, you will be initiated to skills, and learn to use tools. Lectures will introduce you to topics, while in seminars, you will be invited to participate in discussions.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways in your modules. You will have to give oral presentations, sit listening tests, write individual compositions and create increasingly complex translations in language classes. In content modules, you might be asked to write essays, create a research project, give an oral presentation, or sit an exam.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-28

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65%

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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