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Subject: French

Why choose French at the University of Edinburgh?

In the most recent RAE 45% of our research in French was rated 3* internationally excellent, with a further 10% rated 4* world-leading.
As a French student you can access Edinburgh’s Institute Francais d'Ecosse, a French cultural centre that runs lectures and events including the annual French Film Festival. You will also have the opportunity to join the successful French drama group, Les Escogriffes, which has performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
You will spend your third year studying or working in a French-speaking country.

Find out more

Contact: College of Humanities & Social Science Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: hssug@ed.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565

Web: www.delc.ed.ac.uk

Introduction

The study of French goes beyond the language and explores the exciting contribution of French speakers to world culture in Belgium, West Africa and the Caribbean as well as in France itself.

Some of the world's most striking literary texts are in French, and French art and cinema have had a major impact on the world.

There are high-quality resources to support students of French in Edinburgh: our teaching staff have excellent research expertise, the National Library of Scotland has one of the best French collections in Britain, and L'Institut Francais d'Ecosse runs a series of lectures, films, exhibitions and concerts.

What you'll study

Year 1

If you have a limited knowledge of French, you will take French 1A in your first year. This is an intensive language course that also introduces you to French culture. If you have studied French beyond Standard Grade or GCSE, you will take French 1B, which focuses on 20th-century France.

Year 2

You will take French 2, which builds on your knowledge of the French language and French literature from the first year.

Year 3

You will spend your third year studying or working in a French-speaking country.

Year 4

You will develop advanced language skills in spoken and written French and choose from a range of specialist courses including contemporary literature, politics and film.

Learning and assessment

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. In your fourth year all your courses will be taught as discussion classes in French.

You will be assessed by a combination of exams and coursework.

Careers

French graduates from the University of Edinburgh enjoy excellent career prospects. Language and analytical skills developed in analysing cultural and political documents can open careers in teaching and translating in the UK or abroad. Your skills will also be valued in worldwide business and administration.

Our facilities

Most teaching takes place around the centrally located George Square. Specialist work is carried out in the Language & Humanities Centre, with its excellent audio-visual collections, or in dedicated computing labs. You will also have access to the University’s libraries and computer facilities.

Study abroad

Opportunities to study abroad are available in this subject area.