BA (Hons) in French Studies and English Literature, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

Lancaster’s joint French Studies and English Literature degree offers a rich blend of language and literary studies. Taught by the School of Global Affairs and the Department of English and Creative Writing, the program incorporates an international placement in year 3, providing practical and intercultural experience. Students will develop high-level French language skills while gaining a broad understanding of French cultural, social, political, and historical contexts. In English Literature, the course covers a wide range of authors, genres, and periods, encouraging critical engagement with diverse literary movements and techniques. The curriculum begins with foundational modules in the first year, and progresses through in-depth cultural, language, and comparative modules, including opportunities for study abroad or work placements during the third year. Final year modules focus on consolidating language proficiency and studying specialist cultural and literary topics, offering a comprehensive and interculturally engaged study experience.

Why this course is highly recommended

This degree is highly valued for its blend of language acquisition and cultural understanding, enhanced by an international placement in year 3 which deepens intercultural competence. Lancaster is ranked highly for French, Iberian Languages, and Italian, indicating strong departmental strengths. The course offers an immersive language experience, including the chance to study or work abroad, and equips students with diverse transferable skills in communication, research, and intercultural understanding. Graduates find opportunities in a wide range of careers such as publishing, media, civil service, and international business, as well as further postgraduate study, making it a versatile choice for students interested in languages, literature, and global careers.

Specialisation

The course combines French Studies and English Literature, allowing students to improve their language skills alongside a thorough exploration of literary history and criticism. In French, students can study from beginners to advanced levels, including modules on cultural, historical, and contemporary issues, as well as advanced language skills like oral and written proficiency. In English Literature, modules cover a range of genres, periods, and critical approaches, with options for further specialisation in areas like Romanticism, Modernism, Gothic, and postcolonial studies. There are also optional modules focused on film, media, and interdisciplinary topics, supporting tailored academic interests and career ambitions.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need AAB in A levels, including French or an equivalent qualification such as GCSE grade 7/A or B in a foreign language. Other accepted qualifications include the IB with 35 points overall, BTECs with appropriate language evidence, and the Scottish Highers with suitable grades. For students studying from beginners, modules focus on higher level languages and supplementary subjects. All first-year programmes include language modules supported by additional opportunities for language expansion. English language proficiency requires IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates will develop strong intercultural, research, and communication skills, opening doors to careers in publishing, journalism, media, civil service, education, translation, and international business. Many pursue further studies in humanities and interdisciplinary research at postgraduate level. The program also emphasizes employability through activities like work placements, extra-curricular development, and participation in The Lancaster Award. Alumni have gone into diverse fields, including poetry, teaching, research, and roles in the creative industries, reflecting the course's broad relevance and transferable skills.

FAQs

What is the duration of the course?

It is a full-time, four-year course.

Is there an international placement in the course?

Yes, the third year includes a placement abroad in a French-speaking country, which is a major part of the program.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants need an A level offer of AAB, including French or equivalent, with specific language qualification requirements if studying from beginners.