French

BA (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) OR BSc (Hons) NFQ Level 8)

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Curricular information is subject to change.

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Why is this course for me?

French is both a European and global language whose cultural and economic importance is projected to grow substantially in the coming decades. Studying French at UCD equips you for a diverse and varied workplace. You will explore the language and cultures of France and other French speaking countries around the globe. You will also enhance your cultural awareness, intellectual flexibility, communication skills and critical thinking.

We strongly encourage our students to spend a year abroad as part of their degree and graduate with a BA International. Studying abroad is a valuable experience which enables you to perfect your language skills and immerse yourself in a different culture. Places may be limited and preference will be given to those with higher results. If you wish to study more than one language, with a year abroad, consider DN541 Modern Languages.

Course Pathways
What Will I Study

You will study the French language, literature and culture, developing your linguistic and critical skills across our three-year or four-year degree.

First Year

  • Foundations in Language and Literature: French Grammar & Comprehension
  • French Grammar & Expression
  • Reading Short French Texts
  • French Fictions

Second Year

You will enhance your linguistic and critical skills through Intermediate French Language modules and options like these:

  • La France D’aujourd’hui
  • Intro to Enlightenment
  • Baudelaire
  • French New Wave Cinema
  • Versailles
  • The Realist Novel
  • World War 2 in French Culture

Final Years

You will deepen your linguistic and cultural knowledge with Advanced French Language modules and options like these:

  • Proust
  • Contemporary French Poetry
  • Reading Racine’s Women
  • Qu’est-ce que l’individualisme?
  • L’écriture Migrante
  • Thinking Things
  • Literature of Quebec

French is taught in lectures, classes and through independent study.

Assessment is through a mix of continuous assessment, in-class tests, mid-semester written assignments, project work and end of trimester exams.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

How Will I Study
International Study Opportunities

Students undertaking a BA Joint Honours (DN520) are encouraged to spend an additional year abroad at one of our 17 partner universities across France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada, graduating with a four-year BA Arts International. Universities we have links with include:

  • La Sorbonne
  • Université de Montréal
  • Université de Bordeaux III
  • Université de Genève
  • Université Libre de Bruxelles
  • Université de Nice
  • Université de Toulouse
  • Université de Lyon and many more!
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The communication skills, critical awareness, cultural sensitivity and intellectual flexibility fostered by the study of French open up a wide range of careers including; International Relations, Public Administration, Careers in the EU, Education, Translation and Interpreting, Journalism and Media, Tourism, Law.

A BA in French may also lead to further study such as the UCD MA in Modern Languages, UCD MA in Languages and Image Studies, M Litt / PhD programmes in a range of universities internationally, as well as in other programmes such as European Studies, International Relations or Translation and Interpreting.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“I chose to study French at UCD because it gave me the chance to study a wide variety of topics and explore much more than just the French language. We are given the opportunity to explore so many aspects of French and Francophone culture such as literature, film, and society. It is said that you can learn something new every day. With studying French, that is certainly true. It is a constant exploration, discovering new words, phrases and stories. My degree has encouraged me to examine the world around me through a different lens and has shown me how language, literature and culture are in every element of our lives. As a UCD French student, I have a newfound sense of purpose and aspiration to communicate with people and learn their stories.”

Gia Simmons, Student

Contact Information

UCD School of Languages, Cultures & Linguistics
Newman,
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 8302
Email: slcl@ucd.ie

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