About this course
Develop your passion for reading and your talent for languages. Discover new ways to think about literature from around the world. At Southampton, you'll study the French language and culture, and English literature together to improve the way you learn. For example, you can deepen your understanding of the novel form and the culture of cities. Experience another culture with a year abroad.
This dynamic BA English and French course shows you the connections between literature, language and culture. Our English modules cover writing from around the world and its connection to politics, the arts, identity and more.
In your French studies, you can take modules that feed your love of history and culture, or you may choose to focus on linguistics. You can shape your degree to suit your interests or career aspirations.
You'll spend your year abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, in Canada or in Guadeloupe, La Réunion or Martinique.
As part of this course you can:
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use our Centre for Language Study, including a French resources room
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join one of 40 student-led performing arts groups
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take part in writing workshops at Nuffield Southampton Theatres
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use a unique collection of rare books at the Chawton House Library
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explore experimental writing with our Entropics events
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get one-to-one tutorials on writing from our Royal Literary Fund Fellows
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including English Literature or a related subject* and French
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 at Higher Level in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level French.
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) andA in A level French.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level French.
BTEC additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in English Literature (or a related subject*), plus A in A level French
Access to HE additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including English Literature (or a related subject*) and French at A2 and B1
Irish certificate additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three principal subjects including English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
or
AA from two A levels including English Literature (or a related subject*) and French and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8.5 and 8 in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 at Higher Level in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level French.
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) andA in A level French.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level French.
BTEC additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in English Literature (or a related subject*), plus A in A level French
Access to HE additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including English Literature (or a related subject*) and French at A2 and B1
Irish certificate additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three principal subjects including English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
or
AA from two A levels including English Literature (or a related subject*) and French and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8.5 and 8 in English Literature (or a related subject*) and French
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Your English modules cover writing from around the world and its connection to politics, the arts, identity and more. You can also study creative writing. Your French studies will include compulsory language modules, linguistics and many options in politics and culture.
The French language modules depend on your ability level. We will put you in the most appropriate stage to develop your spoken and written skills.
Each year you can take modules from subject areas outside English and French. Your personal academic tutor can advise you on module options.
Year 1 overview
Typically, you’ll take an equal number of modules from English and French. You’ll choose from modules in linguistics and in the culture and history of French-speaking countries.
You’ll gain a foundation in critical thinking, essay writing and joint research. This will help you develop your own views and approaches in the study of literature.
You'll also take a compulsory module for modern language students. It outlines the academic conventions you'll need and offers guidance on study skills.
You’ll take a mix of core and optional English modules, including:
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Poetic Language
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a group research project, including options such as City Writing in the Nineteenth Century, Literature to Save the Planet, or Decadence and Decay at the Fin de Siècle
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The Novel
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The Act of the Essay
Year 2 overview
You can choose modules from across English and French based on your interests and the skills you want to develop. You’ll also take a compulsory French language module.
Modules include:
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The EU and European Identity
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Teaching English as a Foreign Language
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Sound and Voice
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African Worlds
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Victorian Feelings
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Sweatshops, Sex Workers and Asylum Seekers: World Literature and Visual Culture After Globalisation
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Images of Women
A special module will help you plan your year abroad.
Year 3 overview
You'll spend your third year in a French-speaking country and improve your language and cultural skills. Students usually go to France, though you could choose Canada, Guadeloupe, La Réunion or Martinique.
We’ll help you choose a placement abroad that interests you. You can:
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study at one of our partner universities
-
work as an English language assistant in a school
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find an approved work placement
During your time away, you’ll keep a blog and produce an independent research project in French. It will show original thought and help improve your language.
Year 4 overview
You'll take a module examining your experiences abroad. This will help you produce an enhanced CV.
You’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, from either subject area, to develop your independent research skills. A supervisor with research expertise on your topic will support you.
You’ll continue with French language modules and take optional modules from across English, French and other subject areas.
Module options include:
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Audiovisual Translation
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Narrative Non-Fiction: The Interdisciplinary Art
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Literatures of Islands and Oceans
-
Radical England: from Shakespeare to Milton
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American Fiction
-
French Sociolinguistics: Challenges to Francophonie
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Travel Writing, Cultural Encounter, Identity in Post-War France
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following module in year 3:
You must study the following modules in year 4:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- creative projects
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- module journals
- portfolios
- self-assessment
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- creative projects
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- module journals
- portfolios
- self-assessment
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- creative projects
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- module journals
- portfolios
- self-assessment
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- creative projects
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- module journals
- portfolios
- self-assessment
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Mary Hammond is the course leader.
Careers
All employers value the ability to use English accurately and persuasively. Studying an English and French degree at Southampton gives you a strong foundation in:
-
research
-
presentation skills
-
project management
-
critical thinking
-
writing
You’ll learn how to tell a story - a crucial skill whether you want to write a press release or funding application, or edit a book or podcast.
The year spent abroad will show employers that you‘re independent, curious and resourceful. French is an official language in over 30 countries and is sought after by employers.
This degree can open the door to many careers, including:
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advertising
-
arts administration
-
communications and marketing
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content design and copywriting
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fashion
-
journalism
-
public relations
-
publishing
-
teaching
-
translation
-
travel and tourism
Your personal academic tutor can write a reference based on knowledge of you as a student over the 3 years.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can take work placements through our Excel internship scheme or Year in Employment scheme. Placements may include those in art galleries, publishing houses, schools and performing arts organisations. We can help you get placements and employment with local, national and international employers.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: QR31
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000