French and History (5 years), MA

In this section
French and History (5 years), MA

Introduction

French and History at Aberdeen brings together two subjects, adding in-depth study of a modern European language and culture to a fascinating and broad study of history through the ages. You will study a university steeped in 500 years of national and international human development. The language and transferable skills you will gain will open up a wide spectrum of careers.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MA
Duration
60 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
UCAS Code
RV11

French & Francophone Studies at Aberdeen has a long-standing reputation for teaching and research. The programme explores the diversity of French and Francophone culture and the complex global influence of France and the French language over the centuries. You will add to your growing language skills with diverse courses in contemporary society and politics, philosophy and history, film and visual culture, advanced translation skills, and literature from the Renaissance to the present day.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

View the Aberdeen Global Scholarship

What You'll Study

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)

This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.

Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Making History (HI1027)

15 Credit Points

This course will introduce students to the subject of university level history. Team taught lectures will introduce students to approaches, sources, and the dilemmas facing academic historians.

Optional Courses

Select ONE of the following options:

Beginner

  • Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028)
  • Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)
  • French Culture and Society: From Occupation to Decolonisation (FR1031) AND/OR: The Global City (LA1501)


Qualified

  • Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029)
  • Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
  • French Culture and Society: From Occupation to Decolonisation AND/OR: The Global City

Select 30 credit points from level 1 History or Art History courses, plus further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.

Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028)

15 Credit Points

This intensive language course is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of French.

This course involves intensive language study. Upon successful registration to this course, you are expected to complete a short online entry test on MyAberdeen to ensure that you are registered for the most appropriate course for your language ability. You will not be able to access the course site until you have completed this short test.

It is strongly recommended that you complete this test at the earliest opportunity as your timetable/course selections may be subject to change if your language ability would be better suited to an alternative course. You will be informed of this as soon as you complete the test.

The short entry test does not count toward your overall grade for this course.

It is recommended (subject to individual entry test results) that:

  • Students who have no experience of French register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1
  • Students who have studied French to National 5 level (or equivalent) register for FR1029: Qualified French Language 1
  • Students who have studied French to Higher level (or equivalent) or above register for FR1029: Qualified French Language 1
  • Students who have extensive experience of French, students who have not done French for a long time, students who encounter a technical issue during their entry test or have queries should feel free to contact Dr Clémence O'Connor (clemence.oconnor@abdn.ac.uk).
Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)

15 Credit Points

This course builds on the work done in FR1028, providing students with an adequate command of French language to allow them the possibility of continuing their studies into level 2 and Honours.

Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029)

15 Credit Points

This course is intended for students who have studied French to Higher or equivalent level. It will enable them to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken.

This course involves intensive language study. Upon successful registration to this course, you are expected to complete a short online entry test on MyAberdeen to ensure that you are registered for the most appropriate course for your language ability. You will not be able to access the course site until you have completed this short test.

It is strongly recommended that you complete this test at the earliest opportunity as your timetable/course selections may be subject to change if your language ability would be better suited to an alternative course. You will be informed of this as soon as you complete the test.

The short entry test does not count toward your overall grade for this course.

It is recommended (subject to individual entry test results) that:

  • Students who have no experience of French register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1
  • Students who have studied French to National 5 level (or equivalent) register for FR1029: Qualified French Language 1
  • Students who have studied French to Higher level (or equivalent) or above register for FR1029: Qualified French Language 1
  • Students who have extensive experience of French, students who have not done French for a long time, students who encounter a technical issue during their entry test or have queries should feel free to contact Dr Clémence O'Connor (clemence.oconnor@abdn.ac.uk).
Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)

15 Credit Points

This course is intended for students who have studied French to the equivalent of Scottish Higher or beyond. Building on the work done in the first semester, it seeks to enable students to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken.

French Culture and Society: from Occupation to Decolonisation (FR1031)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces students to twentieth and early twenty first century French and Francophone culture and society, focusing on the occupation of France during World War II, gender issues, and the impact and aftermath of colonialism and decolonisation. Students will explore the socio-historical and socio-political context by engaging with literature, film, writing from the period and visual materials. Texts will be available in translation for those with limited or no knowledge of French.

The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)

15 Credit Points

Focusing on major cities in Europe and the Americas, this course unit uses a range of texts, including films, poetry and fiction, to investigate urban spaces as sites of promise, power and loss. Representations of global cities, and experiences of urban dwellers, highlight themes such as empire, identity, leisure, labour and love. Set amid glittering facades and gritty back streets, the texts studied in this course explore the many meanings of the urban experience across place and time. These urban encounters also provide a way of understanding key social, political and cultural moments in the past and present.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

Revolution and Revolt in Modern and Contemporary France (FR2016)

15 Credit Points

The course introduces students to the history, culture and identity of contemporary France by examining key moments and themes in the development of France as a political and cultural entity from the Early Modern period to the present.

Decentering France: Social Movements and Cultural Transformation (FR2517)

15 Credit Points

The course introduces students to the history, culture and identity of contemporary France by examining key moments and themes in the development of France as a political and cultural entity from the Early Modern period to the present.

Optional Courses

Select ONE of the following options:

Ex-beginner

  • Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012)
  • Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)

Qualified

  • Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002)
  • Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)

All options will select 60 credits from level 2 History courses.

Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012)

15 Credit Points

This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1528. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language courses (along with FR2512) that has to have passed to be allowed into the French honours Programme.

Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)

15 Credit Points

This second year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed FR2012. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language pre-requisite courses (along with FR2012) that one must have passed to be allowed into the French honours Programme.

Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002)

15 Credit Points

This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1529. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language courses required to be allowed into the French honours Programme.

Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)

15 Credit Points

This second year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed FR2002. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language pre-requisite courses to be allowed into the French honours Programme.

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

Academic session spent in French-speaking country.

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

    • FR3089 Junior Honours French Language
    • HI356J Thinking History

    Plus further courses of level 3 French to make up 60 credits.

    Senior Honours French Language (FR4089)

    30 Credit Points

    This Senior Honours French language course, whose pre-requisite is the Junior Honours French Language course, is run over the full session and is only open to Single and Joint Senior Honours degree in French students.

    Building on the skills gained in their third year of study of French, this course will help the students' French language gain very high skills in all four areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, whilst increasing their grammatical and lexical knowledge, as well as their sensitivity to linguistic variety.

    Optional Courses

    Plus 30 credit points from level 3 courses in History, or one of the following approved courses:

    • AH 3014 Architecture and Power
    • ME 33HM History of Medicine
    • AH 3517 Painting in Tudor and Stuart England
    Architecture and Power (AH3014)

    30 Credit Points

    Architecture can be a synonym for power. Castles that loom over the landscape, the country house and its links with the British Empire and the Victorian prisons designed to incarcerate and extinguish hope. This course takes a thematic approach to the history of architecture to examine the institutions that define our landscapes and cities. Far from being neutral blocks of stone, brick and wood, the architecture of power is designed to define the ways we navigate the world, to intimidate and to reinforce institutions and power structures.

    History of Medicine (ME33HM)

    30 Credit Points

    The course will involve each student working individually on a historical project of his or her own choice, under the supervision of the course co-ordinator.

    Students will be required to produce a research proposal and progress reports, to prepare an essay and make a presentation of their findings to the class. The aim of the option is to give students the opportunity to research and present, individually, in spoken and written forms, a history of medicine topic of their own choice, using both primary and secondary sources.

    Painting in Tudor and Early Stuart England (AH3517)

    30 Credit Points

    This course examines the use of art as a tool for propaganda, diplomacy and education in England between 1520 and 1640. It explores how paintings were commissioned, created and consumed in a world of changing religious and political circumstances, and considers the role of art in both consolidating and challenging power. Case studies range from Queen Elizabeth I’s construction of a distinct visual identity as a female monarch, and Peter Paul Rubens’ creation of a grand mural scheme for King Charles I, to the function of jewel-like portrait miniatures, and the recording through pictures of the first encounters between English colonialists and Indigenous American peoples.

    Year 5

    Compulsory Courses

    Senior Honours French Language (FR4089)

    30 Credit Points

    This Senior Honours French language course, whose pre-requisite is the Junior Honours French Language course, is run over the full session and is only open to Single and Joint Senior Honours degree in French students.

    Building on the skills gained in their third year of study of French, this course will help the students' French language gain very high skills in all four areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, whilst increasing their grammatical and lexical knowledge, as well as their sensitivity to linguistic variety.

    Optional Courses

    Select ONE of the following dissertation options:

    • Dissertation in History (HI4516)
    • Dissertation in French (FR4097) AND History in Practice II (HI4518)

    Plus select ONE Special Subject listed below, plus further credit points from level 4 French courses to make up 60 credits in the discipline.

    Plus one of the Special Subject courses listed below.

    • HI4003 Special Sub: Enlightenment Compared: Ireland, Scotland, Central Europe
    • HI4025 Special Subject: History of the Israeli Palestinian Conflict
    • HI 401F : Special Sub: the Child as Subject in the British World
    • HI 401G Special Sub: Court Society in Late Medieval Europe (C. 1300 – C. 1500)
    • HI 4023 Special Sub: European Constitutional Monarchies in the Long 19thcentury
    • HI 4012 Special Sub.: Britain and Revolutionary Russia 1917-1924
    • HI 4026 Special Subject: Myths of the North
    Dissertation in French (FR4097)

    15 Credit Points

    Candidates will write a dissertation of 8,000 words on a subject to be decided in consultation with the Course Co-ordinator, to be researched and written (under supervision by a member of staff) in the first half session of Senior Honours, and submitted at the beginning of the second half session of Senior Honours.

    History in Practice (HI4518)

    30 Credit Points

    History is not simply a dry, academic study of the past; it shapes a host of contemporary political, economic and cultural attitudes and is a central underpinning to the tourist and heritage industries - now one of the largest sectors of employment among mature western economies. This course is designed to give a critical understanding of the theoretical and practical links (as well as clear distinctions) between the practice of 'academic' History and 'public' History. This is done by having students assess how heritage and tourist businesses project a particular version of the past.

    Undergraduate Dissertation in History (HI4516)

    30 Credit Points

    The undergraduate dissertation is the final-year major research undertaking, based on primary and secondary material and providing a critical analysis of a specific subject chosen by the student. It is obligatory for Single Honours students, whereas Joint Honours students choose to write their dissertation in either of the two subjects. After initial sessions about the nature of the dissertation and research approaches, students develop a topic with the help of a member of staff, who will also supervise their project throughout.

    Special Sub: Enlightenment Compared: Ireland, Scotland, Central Europe (HI4003)

    30 Credit Points

    This course examines the emergence and the variations of Enlightenment thinking in Scotland and Central Europe (with particular emphasis on the German and East Central European Enlightenment, to which the Scottish Enlightenment had strong historical links). It emphasises the varieties of the European Enlightenment, against the traditional assumption that the Enlightenment was exclusively 'located' in France.

    Special Subject: History of the Israeli Palestinian Conflict (HI4025)

    30 Credit Points

    The course examines the origins of the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict and its developments from multiple angles in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamic that constitutes ‘the conflict’. The course will investigate the causes of the Palestinian refugee crisis and of the Arab-Israeli wars. It will introduce students to the Arab-Israeli peace process and familiarise students with the polarised historiography surrounding the Arab-Israeli conflict.

    Special Sub: the Child as Subject in the British World (HI401F)

    30 Credit Points

    Historians concur that ideas about the nature of children and the place of childhood have changed over time. This course explores both how modern societies have understood childhood and the way in which this has shaped the treatment of young people. It places a particular focus upon how ideas and understandings of childhood have spanned regional and national borders, as well as the ways in which the concept of youth has been adapted to suit new cultural contexts.

    Spec Sub: Court Society in Late Medieval Europe (C. 1300 – C. 1500) (HI401G)

    30 Credit Points

    The courts of kings and other rulers in the later middle ages (c. 1300 – c. 1500), in which they and their households lived and hosted their subjects as well as visitors from other lands, have been characterised by scholars as both a grand stage for a dying chivalric culture and a creator of conditions for the modern state. This course addresses this apparent paradox and examines the many facets of this phenomenon, using the Scottish royal court as its starting point but also making use of evidence from around Europe. It draws on theories and methods from a range of academic disciplines including sociology, anthropology, art history and literature. Topics include the household, the palace, the competition for status amongst elites at court and the court as a stage for presenting political messages. Students taking the course will emerge with a detailed understanding of the court and the different forms it took and a view on how it shaped the broader history of Europe.

    Special Sub:european Constitutional Monarchies in the Long 19thcentury (HI4023)

    30 Credit Points

    On the eve of the First World War Europe was a continent of monarchies. A long 19th century of revolutions, wars, growing literacy, an expanding public sphere, changes in social, economic, intellectual and technological life and imperial expansion lay behind them, but the continent’s monarchical systems had survived in surprisingly rude health. That monarchies had flourished throughout these profound transformations points to their suppleness and ingenuity. This course offers new perspectives on the political cultures of the states and societies of 19th-century Europe.

    Special Sub.: Britain and Revolutionary Russia 1917 - 1924 (HI4012)

    30 Credit Points

    This course explores Britain's relations with Russia during the early years of the Soviet regime. It highlights a series of key developments in the relationship, especially major changes in British government policy that charted a course from military intervention to diplomatic recognition. Most of the seminars trace an aspect of the relationship within a fairly short time-frame, but some seminars investigate a particular issue through the whole period 1917–24. Several sessions will be used specifically for analysing gobbets. Knowledge of the Russian language is not required.

    Special Subject: Myths of the North (HI4026)

    30 Credit Points

    This course critically evaluates representations and functions of Old Norse myth and legend in both medieval and modern contexts. It will enable students to better understand the myths, beliefs and stories of Viking and medieval Scandinavia in their own historical contexts, and to analyse the political and cultural implications of their endurance, significance and popularity into the modern world.

    We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.

    How You'll Study

    Learning Methods

    • Individual Projects
    • Lectures
    • Research
    • Tutorials

    Assessment Methods

    Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

    • Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
    • Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
    • Written examinations at the end of each course.

    The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

    Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

    Why Study French and History?

    Why French

    • A vibrant international community on campus and across Aberdeen and north-east Scotland, with many French and French-speaking students, staff and activities on campus and across the region.
    • A dynamic French Society, organising social and topical events throughout the year, and a brilliant way to get to know other students studying or speaking French.
    • The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with stunning study facilities, state-of-the-art learning technology, and a first-class collection of French books and films for your course.
    • A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, invited speakers and the popular WayWord literary festival, which often features work by Francophone writers.
    • Your year abroad as a language assistant or visiting student at locations including Lyon, Rennes, Grenoble, Réunion, Brussels, Geneva, Lausanne, the IFP (Institute of French Petroleum) School in Paris and the Club des Langues in Anglet.
    • International recognition as a centre for study and research in French, with research covering not only France, but also French-speaking Africa and the Caribbean.

    Why History

    • Particular strengths in Irish and Scottish studies, Scandinavia, late medieval/early modern period, and research centres studying global empires, history and philosophy of science, technology and medicine, and Russian and Eastern European history.
    • The inspiration of our beautiful historic campus in Old Aberdeen, where King’s College Chapel, begun in 1495 by University founder Bishop Elphinstone, is a treasure-house of history and religious turbulence.
    • Major international treasures including 7,000 early printed books, the magnificent 12th century Aberdeen Bestiary, large Jacobite collection, works of the Scottish Enlightenment, and fascinating local records dating from the middle ages.
    • A packed campus programme of student and public events, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers and the annual WayWord literary festival.
    • Spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, combining top-class study facilities with state-of-the-art technology, and an online catalogue giving you access to thousands of books and millions of journal articles on the web.

    Entry Requirements

    Qualifications

    The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.


    General Entry Requirements

    2024 Entry

    SQA Highers

    Standard: AABB

    Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

    Minimum: BBB

    Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.

    Adjusted: BB

    Applicants who achieve BB over S4 and S5 and who meet one of the widening access criteria are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.

    More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

    A LEVELS

    Standard: BBB

    Minimum: BBC

    Adjusted: CCC

    More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

    International Baccalaureate

    32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.

    Irish Leaving Certificate

    5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

    Entry from College

    Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.

    2025 Entry

    SQA Highers

    Standard: BBBB

    Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

    Minimum: BBC

    Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees. 

    Adjusted: BB

    Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.

    We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher. 

    Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.

    More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

    A LEVELS

    Standard: BBC

    Minimum: BCC

    Adjusted: CCC

    More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

    International Baccalaureate

    32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.

    Irish Leaving Certificate

    5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

    Entry from College

    Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.

    The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.


    English Language Requirements

    To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

    IELTS Academic:

    OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

    TOEFL iBT:

    OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

    PTE Academic:

    OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

    Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

    OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

    Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

    Fees and Funding

    You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

    Fee information
    Fee category Cost
    England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,535
    Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
    EU / International students £20,800
    Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
    Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions
    Home Students £1,820
    Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year

    Scholarships and Funding

    UK Scholarship

    Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

    Aberdeen Global Scholarship

    The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.

    Funding Database

    View all funding options in our Funding Database.

    Careers

    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 and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

    Our Experts

    Information About Staff Changes

    You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

    Discover Uni

    Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.

    Get in Touch

    Contact Details

    Address
    Student Recruitment & Admissions
    University of Aberdeen
    University Office
    Regent Walk
    Aberdeen
    AB24 3FX

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