BA (Hons) in French Studies and History, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

Lancaster's joint French Studies and History degree offers a comprehensive exploration of French language and culture alongside a broad understanding of historical periods and geographies. The program includes an international placement in year 3, where students can study or work abroad in a French-speaking country to enhance language proficiency and intercultural sensitivity. The course is designed to develop high-level language skills and critical analysis of historical, cultural, and social issues. Students commence with foundational modules in language and history, then progress to more specialized and comparative modules, including a year abroad that boosts intercultural competence. In final years, students consolidate their language skills and undertake specialized modules in French culture, society, and history, alongside historical modules in British, European, and American history.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is highly ranked, being 3rd for French and Iberian Languages and 4th for Italian according to recent university guides. It offers students the opportunity to develop advanced language skills while gaining deep insights into French culture and history within a global context. The inclusion of an international placement in year 3 provides invaluable intercultural experience, which is highly valued by employers. The diverse and engaging modules, along with excellent student support, prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in museums, civil service, media, research, and translation, or postgraduate study.

Specialisation

The course specializes in French language and cultural studies, combined with a broad spectrum of history modules. Students can choose optional modules covering a diverse range of historical periods, geographies, and themes such as imperialism, conflict, Europe and the world, environmental history, and cultural memory. The program allows students to tailor their studies towards areas like French history, European revolutions, imperialism, or modern cultural history, depending on their interests and career goals.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should have A level grades of AAB, including A level French, or equivalent qualifications. For students studying from beginners' level, they need AS grade B or B in another foreign language. Additional requirements include English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. Other qualifications such as IB, Scottish Highers, BTEC, or Access Diplomas are also accepted, provided appropriate evidence of language ability is demonstrated.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from this course will find opportunities in diverse sectors including museums, heritage, IT, civil service, business development, media, research, education, and translation. The program emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural communication, and transferable skills, which are highly valued globally. Many alumni continue postgraduate studies in related fields such as translation, languages, and history, leveraging the university’s research facilities. The employability focus is reinforced through activities like the Lancaster Award.

FAQs

Is a year abroad compulsory?

Yes, for French Studies, the international placement year in a French-speaking country is a compulsory and assessed part of the degree, offering opportunities for study, work, or language assistantships.

Can I study beginner French?

Yes, students can study French from beginners' level, but this limits optional modules to higher-level languages and other subjects. The first year includes intensive language modules tailored to different starting points.