

BA (Hons) in French Studies and German Studies, Lancaster University
Lancaster,
.
48 Months
Check Eligibility
About this course
This joint language degree combines French and German Studies, offering students the opportunity to develop high-level language skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of French and German cultures within a global context. The course includes an international placement in year 3, allowing students to immerse themselves in language and culture through study or work abroad. The program starts with language courses complemented by cultural components, then deepens cultural, political, and historical understanding in Year 2. The third year abroad enhances language proficiency and intercultural sensitivity through university studies or work placements, split between French- or German-speaking countries. In the final year, students continue to refine language skills and explore cultural modules and comparative culture courses. The curriculum is enriched with optional modules spanning topics like contemporary society, culture, politics, history, and more, making it a well-rounded preparation for careers in multilingual and multicultural environments.
Why this course is highly recommended
This course is highly regarded for its focus on developing advanced language skills alongside cultural, political, and historical knowledge of France and Germany. The inclusion of an international placement provides invaluable real-world experience, improving language proficiency and intercultural understanding. It’s ideal for students aiming to work in international contexts, as the skills gained are highly transferable and valued by employers in diverse industries such as business, civil service, media, and education. The university also ranks highly in languages, being third for French and Iberian Languages, and fourth for Italian, reflecting its strong reputation in the field.
Specialisation
This program specializes in French Studies and German Studies, with detailed modules supporting language proficiency and cultural understanding. Students can also study a minor subject of their choice, potentially another language, to tailor their degree further. The course emphasizes linguistic development in both languages, cultural and societal analysis, and intercultural awareness, with a specific focus on historical and contemporary contexts of France and Germany. Optional modules further allow students to explore areas like film, literature, urbanism, and social issues within the French and German-speaking worlds.
Course fees
Application fees
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1st year tuition fees
26.07L
Living cost
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Living cost
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Degree requirements
Applicants should have A-level grades ABB, including French or German or both. Alternative qualifications such as the IB with 32 points overall, including HL 6 in French or German, or equivalent, are accepted. Additional qualifications like BTEC, Scottish Highers, and T levels are also considered if combined with relevant language proficiency evidence. English language requirements include an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. There are no specific GCSE language requirements, but overall GCSE profile will be considered.
English language test
IELTS
6.5
TOEFL
87
PTE
58
DUOLINGO
-
Career prospects
Graduates from this program develop a range of skills applicable across many sectors, including intercultural communication, language proficiency, and cultural awareness. They have found employment in fields like accountancy, IT, business development, civil service, media, finance, journalism, publishing, research, and translation. Many continue postgraduate study in related areas. The program also supports employability through activities like internships, work placements, and the Lancaster Award, which enhances skills such as CV writing, teamwork, and professional communication.
FAQs
Is a placement year compulsory for this course?
Yes, the international placement year is an integral and assessed part of the degree, providing opportunities to study or undertake work abroad to improve language skills and intercultural understanding.
What languages can I study besides French and German?
Students can also study a minor subject, potentially another language, as part of their degree. The core focus remains on French and German, with options to explore additional languages.
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