Swansea University
French and History BA (Hons)
Swansea University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 75 graduates of French and History BA (Hons) and other courses in History at Swansea University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in History.

Overall student satisfaction
78 /100
75 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in languages and area studies

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of History at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24000 £22000 £25500
25-75 percentile range £21000 - £27000 £17500 - £25000 £20500 - £30000


Salary of all UK Graduates of languages and area studies

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24631 £23093 £27945
25-75 percentile range £20738 - £28277 £17953 - £29082 £21188 - £36294

Course Description

Studying a History and French degree allows you to explore a wide cross-section of profoundly different periods and historically significant worlds, alongside a deep study of French language, culture and fiction. During your year in France, you will either study at a university, teach in a school or work in a business.

Our four-year degree helps to provide graduates with a wealth of inspiring career opportunities thanks to numerous transferable skills which are highly valued by employers.

History at Swansea achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 93% in the 2017 National Student Survey (NSS) while 94% of graduates from this subject area are employed or in further study 6 months after graduating (Destination of Leavers from HE survey 2015). Some,80% of our students achieved a 1st class or 2.1 honours degree in 2017/18.

Your early studies will concentrate on the early modern world from 1500 to 1800, and modern British history, together with French language and culture. But whether your true passion lies in medieval Europe, revolutionary America or the unique cultural environment of Paris, our generous range of modules has it covered. This range helps you to narrow your interests in the following years.

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, you will have the ability to tailor your degree according to your specific interests as you progress. Swansea is a perfect gateway to the past. Within a short journey you will discover magnificent castles such as Pembroke and Manorbier, as well as medieval churches and fortresses in the Gower.

Later studies are shaped by modules around your specific historical interests and a substantial dissertation project. You may pursue vocational themes in translation and language teaching, and three separate work placement programmes are available to help prepare you for graduate life.

History and French students typically develop oral and writing skills through presenting ideas in different formats, supported by strong research and rigorous analysis. Assessment is conducted through essays, coursework, examination, presentations and a dissertation.

Teaching is informed by a vibrant and supportive research environment that unites academics, postgraduates and visiting scholars around shared subject matter.

“I was fortunate to spend a year as a teaching assistant in Nice, living with a local family. I thoroughly enjoyed my year abroad and cannot emphasise enough the benefits to be gained. Studying a foreign language opens the door to a whole world of new possibilities, and their value in the jobs market shouldn't be underestimated.” – Sophie Williams.

A year in France will enrich the study experience and boosts your career prospects. Graduates have progressed to careers in sectors such as education, heritage, business, media, politics and humanitarian services. Employers have included Mercedes Benz, English Heritage and St Fagans National History Museum.

Please visit our course page for more information:

We guarantee that you will be made a conditional offer for a course at Swansea University. Subject requirements will apply. Please come along to our next Open Day or get in touch for further information.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of French and History BA (Hons) at Swansea University

15% Legal professionals
10% Process, plant and machine operatives
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
10% Elementary occupations
5% Administrative occupations
5% Natural and social science professionals
5% Teaching Professionals
5% Caring personal services
5% Protective service occupations
5% Sales occupations

Grading & Study Time

This degree programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials and seminars. You will usually receive nine hours minimum scheduled contact time with your teachers every week. Full attendance at lectures, seminars and personal tutorials (personal tutorials are obligatory). All Arts and Humanities degree programmes include independent learning which requires initiative and hard work. We will challenge you with demanding teaching and assessment. Assessment includes essay, coursework and examination, presentations and a dissertation.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for History

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All Degrees

If you are an international applicant please visit our international pages for more information and details on how to apply: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study French and History, BA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Swansea University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Swansea University in related subject specific rankings.

Languages & Literature

    • #2 
    • #25 
    French
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]

See all 27 university rankings of Swansea University

About Swansea University

Swansea University was established in 1920 and is located in the large city of Swansea, in Wales. There are two campuses, the flagship campus is located between Singleton Park, with its green parkland and botanical gardens, and Swansea Bay beach. The more recent Bay Campus on the other hand is located on an extensive beachfront property on the eastern side of town, past the marina. Apart from a vibrant academic life, students can attend the numerous yearly festivals that take place in Swansea, guaranteeing plenty of opportunities for getting out and about in your free time.

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Where is this programme taught

Singleton Park Campus
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