About this course
This degree in French, including a year abroad, will give you complete proficiency in a major international language. You’ll also gain a deep understanding of the cultures, histories and structures of French-speaking nations worldwide.
What you learn will open up a world of career opportunities. French is native to France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and the French Caribbean, and it’s an official language in much of Africa and Asia.
You’ll start at a level that matches your ability in French. You’ll also have excellent resources to support you. The Centre for Language Study at Southampton’s Avenue Campus is equipped with everything you need.
As well as studying French, you can choose from a range of subjects in Linguistics and modules such as Urban Culture, Ethnography and Film.
A special module in year 2 will make sure you’re ready for the following year abroad, including your academic work. This part of your course is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your linguistic skills and raise your cultural awareness.
We have partner universities in the Erasmus programme throughout France and in Switzerland.
Your final year also offers a wide range of module choices. This means you can specialise in an area that suits your interests and combines well with what you’ve studied so far.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 324.14 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Avenue campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including French (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in French
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A in A level French
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level French
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A level French and A in one further A level
BTEC additional information
No additional information
Other qualifications
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 French (minimum grade A) 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 French (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level French
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level French
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level French and A in one further A level
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, plus A in A level French
Access to HE Diploma additional information
No additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including French
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including French at A2
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
No additional information
Scottish Qualification offers
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, 111.01 KB) 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 French at D3
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
No additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including French (minimum grade A)
or
AA from two A levels including French and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8.5 in French
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band C IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6
- writing
- 6
- speaking
- 6
- listening
- 6
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
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.
Course structure
Each year combines compulsory modules to build your mastery of French with a wide range of optional subjects to choose from. This allows you to tailor your learning to suit your interests and ambitions. You can also take courses from different subject areas or learn a different language.
To give you the best possible start, we use our system of 7 language levels to work out your proficiency in French. We can then make sure our teaching develops your skills as effectively as possible.
Year 1
This year provides an introduction to cultural forms, political and historical issues and linguistics. It also helps you build on your academic skills.
You’ll explore topics such as:
modern French culture
the making of modern French
French society and political culture
Year 2
This year gives you the opportunity to concentrate on your own particular interests. There will also be a module that prepares you for the year abroad.
Options include:
psycholinguistics
studying language structure
globalisation and its relationship to culture, language and the nation state
discourse analysis
post-war French thought
How the arts work: a practical introduction to cultural economics
Year 3
You’ll spend a year abroad:
as an English language assistant
studying on a university course
on an approved work placement
You’ll also do an independent study project.
Find out more about the year abroad.
Year 4
This year is another opportunity to explore your special interests - or even consider new directions after your experiences abroad.
You can also choose to do a Modern Languages dissertation.
Module choices include:
travel writing
Identity in post-war France
translation
language teaching
French sociolinguistics
public service interpreting
audiovisual translation
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 1:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 2:
- Psycholinguistics
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Syntax: Studying Language Structure
- Immigration, Race and Ethnicity in France
- Learning about Culture: Introduction to Ethnography
- Discourse Analysis
- Conflicts, Crisis and Identities in the Francophone Context
- Humanities University Ambassadors Scheme (Modern Languages)
- Multilingualism
- Exploring French Linguistics
- Variation and Change in English
- Language, Ideologies and Attitudes
- Globalisation: Culture, Language and The Nation State
- The EU and European Identity
- Sound and Voice
- Post-War French Thought
Modules year 3
Modules year 4
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 4:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
- Audiovisual Translation
- French Sociolinguistics: Challenges to Francophonie
- Sex, Gender and Desire in French Literature and Culture
- Fragmented France: Cultures and Identities in Transition
- Translation: Theory and Practice
- Travel Writing, Cultural Encounter, Identity in Post-War France
- Sociophonetic Project Module
- Language Testing and Assessment in Society
- Modern Languages Dissertation
- Language and the City
- English as a Global Language
- Advanced Syntax
- Public Service Interpreting
- Second Language Acquisition
- Writing in a Second Language
- Language Teaching Theory and Practice
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)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 19%
- Independent study
- 81%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 18%
- Independent study
- 82%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 0%
- Independent study
- 100%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 18%
- Independent study
- 82%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
James Minney is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- composition portfolios
- debates
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 10%
- Practical exam
- 26%
- Coursework
- 64%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 25%
- Practical exam
- 8%
- Coursework
- 67%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 100%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 10%
- Practical exam
- 8%
- Coursework
- 82%
Careers
As a Modern Languages graduate, you can choose from a wide variety of employment options.
These will make the most of your skills in:
gathering and interpreting information
working with and leading teams
understanding and adapting to different cultures
Previous graduates have gone on to careers including:
translation
interpreting
teaching
marketing
publishing
international development
advertising, film and television
Many of our graduates go on to further study. Subjects taken include interpreting and translating, law, accountancy, management and international relations.
We put a great focus on developing employability skills throughout your time with us; this includes a compulsory employability module for all first-year students in the faculty.
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.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £17,560 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- ML Residence Abroad - Cost implications
- Hardware
- Laboratory Equipment and Materials
- Students studying or working outside Europe
- Textbooks
- Software Licenses
- Computer discs or USB drives
- Students studying or working in Europe
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Stationery
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 324.14 KB).
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.
Life at Southampton
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: R120
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.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.