French Studies and Linguistics BA (Hons)

Lancaster University

This four-year combined degree is provided by our Department of Languages and Cultures and the highly-ranked Department of Linguistics and English Language. It includes an international placement in year 3.A year abroad gives you the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture. You don’t need to have studied French before as we offer an Intensive course for beginners.

In French Studies we aim to help you become truly fluent. Taking Linguistics in tandem with French Studies will give you increased awareness of the grammar of the language, and allow you to really understand the structure of both English, French, and a wide range of other languages from around the world. In your second year you’ll study modules such as The Structures of Language and Shaping Contemporary France: Culture, Politics and the Legacy of History.

Your third year living abroad will give you the opportunity to deepen your intercultural sensitivity and your command of the language. You can study at a partner institution or carry out a work placement and practice your language skills in a real-world context. Staff members within the department will work with you to secure accommodation, ensuring that you are fully equipped before embarking on your year in a French speaking country.

On your return to Lancaster, your fourth year allows you to develop your French to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages C1/C2 levels, and you can specialise in particular fields of study. Modules could include Psycholinguistics, Language, Culture and Thought, or Francophone Voices. You could also choose to complete a dissertation on a topic you would like to explore in-depth. Given the range of expertise within our department, our academics will be able to supervise most topics that fit your interests.

The linguistic, communication and interpersonal skills you will have the opportunity to acquire are highly valued by most employers. The linguistics element of your degree is of professional relevance in many areas, from education to business management, advertising to accountancy. Linguistic awareness is likely to provide a real boost when working for international and multicultural companies and organisations, and our degree programme provides a solid foundation for a career in these areas.

Beginners Languages

Studying a language from beginners level is somewhat intense in nature so we only allow students to study one language from beginners level. Please bear this in mind when looking at our first year module options. If you apply to study a degree with a language from beginners level, your optional modules will only include higher level languages and modules in other subject areas.