French

The French Department encourages strong synergy between research and teaching, resulting in a vibrant learning environment for students, as staff respond to new research in their teaching. French is the first language of some 90 million speakers around the world. Francophone countries offer diverse and stimulating cultures for study and close European integration makes knowledge of French language and culture both necessary and rewarding. Our courses offer an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges.

French courses

Single honours

BA French (R100)

Joint honours

Why study French at Bristol?

The Department of French has a strong intake of highly qualified and well-motivated students every year and enjoys an outstanding reputation.

French is spoken around the world, including in France, Canada, North and West Africa, islands in the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, Polynesia, as well as other parts of Europe, North America and Asia. A French degree at Bristol enables you to achieve an excellent level of spoken and written French while also providing the opportunity to discover the French society, culture, literature and linguistic history of these fascinating countries.

You can choose to study French as Single Honours or as Joint Honours with another subject. All French degrees last four years and include a period of residence abroad during the third year in a French-speaking country. Some students choose to spend their time in France, while others choose more exotic locations such as Réunion or Martinique.

All applicants should demonstrate a proven capacity for language learning, French A-level at grade B or higher is always required.

What kind of student would this course suit?

The French course at Bristol will suit you if you have a love of language and a desire to continue your studies within the broader cultural contexts in which that language is used. We look for students with intellectual curiosity and a desire to open your mind to francophone culture of different periods.

French at Bristol is for you if you already have a good knowledge of French (we have no ab initio programme) and wish to take your linguistic skills to a new level, developing the ability to deal with complex material and discuss literature, visual culture and history in both English and French. French has official status in more countries in the world than any other language apart from English, so advanced study of French at Bristol is perfect for you if you have a global vision. The compulsory year abroad is a particular opportunity if you expect to enjoy the satisfaction of living and working or studying in a different language and culture.

How is this course taught and assessed?

In addition to compulsory language study, core units in the first year introduce you to the study of literature and visual culture and key aspects of French history. In the second and fourth years there is a wide-range of options covering film, literature and history, many taking an interdisciplinary approach. The language teaching programme is central to the whole of your studies in French. Students are expected to engage with French language in all areas of study and to actively engage in seminars and lectures. Learning is supported by on-line materials.

Language work is assessed through a variety of tasks including exams with a regular programme of exercises in translation and essay writing as well as oral and aural practice in small groups. Other units are assessed by coursework essays, assessed class presentations, extended essays (dissertation) or exams. As well as structured teaching, students are encouraged to engage fully with activities in the department.

What are my career prospects?

Many language graduates want the opportunity to use their language after graduation and a high proportion either immediately or soon afterwards find employment in jobs where their languages are advantageous.

There are an increasing number of opportunities with international organisations, where fluency in French and a good knowledge of French institutions and culture are useful extra qualifications. Employers value your international outlook as well as the excellent organisational skills gained from a degree in French. Relevant areas include finance, consultancy, publishing, civil service, journalism, the media, marketing, and travel and tourism.

What do you think of the school's facilities?

I think the School of Modern Languages is extremely well equipped: the common room is very sociable and the multimedia centre with its extensive range of DVDs is a great resource alongside the Arts and Social Sciences Library.

Georgina Allen
BA French and Italian