French

French at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation, having been rated 'Excellent' (the highest possible rating) in the most recent national Teaching Quality Assessment, and ranked in the top 5 UK French departments in term of research classified as 'world-leading' or internationally excellent' in the most recent RAE exercise

Why Aberdeen?

• We offer language courses both for students with qualifications in French and for beginners or near beginners
• The Department has an international reputation for research, covering not just France, but Francophone Africa and Caribbean, and the wide range of our research interests is reflected in the Honours options courses we offer
• We are a medium-sized, friendly department, and the student-run French Society organises a range of social events

Programmes

Study Abroad

Single Honours in French Studies, and most Joint Honours involving French, are available either as Mode A degrees (5 years) including a full academic year spent in a French-speaking country, or as Mode B degrees (4 years) including half an academic year spent in a French-speaking country. For both degrees the programme for first and second year is identical, so no final decision need be made before December of second year. Candidates are strongly recommended to apply initially for the Mode A degree. For Joint Honours in French-German and French-Hispanic Studies, one half session is spent in a French-speaking country, and one half session in a country in which the other language is spoken.

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Courses are available from first to fourth year. There is an Honours degree and a Designated degree in French.

First Year

One set of courses is for beginners or near beginners. These provide intensive tuition in written and spoken language, including classes with native speakers, and an introduction to modern French culture, literature and society. Another set is for students with SQA Higher grade or GCE A Level or equivalent. These include written and spoken language and the study of 20th century culture, literature, film and society. In both cases, students not wishing to proceed to Honours in French may study language alone.

Second Year

Language work includes written and spoken language classes, reading and listening comprehension. Ex-beginners have an extra language class. Literature, Culture and Society courses study the theme of French national identity at different periods; French Linguistics may also be studied. Again, students not wishing to proceed to Honours in French may study language alone.

Third and Fourth Year (Honours)

French language courses are available in third and fourth year for students not wishing to proceed to Honours, as well as for Honours students. They include written and spoken language classes. In addition, third and fourth year students study cultural, social and literary topics.

The two-year Honours programme gives considerable emphasis to the development of language skills. As well as classes in written and spoken language, all students develop their communication skills through practical application of French in different contexts. Additionally, students in both Honours years make their own selection from a wide range of options covering literature, film, linguistics and the study of French society and culture from the Middle Ages to the present day. Single Honours students write a dissertation on a topic of their choice, and Joint Honours students write a dissertation for one or other of their two Honours subjects.

Teaching and Assessment

Language courses are taught in small groups, while literature and culture courses are taught by a combination of lectures and tutorials. Courses in first and second year are assessed by end-of-course examination.  Good coursework can lead to exemption from the examination with the exception of the new beginners' language course. Honours options are examined by continuous assessment, and language courses by final examinations.

Careers

Graduates in French go on to a wide variety of careers. Some make direct use of their language skills, as for example in teaching, export or the tourist industry, while others use the more generally applicable communicative, analytical and organisational skills they have acquired.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in French.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL*
ILC - BBBB (B2 or above)
*There is no formal requirement for entry to the French beginners' course. Students who already have a qualification in French sit a placement test to determine the language course appropriate to them. All students, whether beginners or with a qualification such as Higher grade, can proceed to Honours, subject to satisfactory performance at levels 1 and 2.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide