French (Joint Honours)

Three years full-time, four years full-time with optional year abroad or flexible part-time.

The course will give students a greater awareness of the role and function of language. It offers an emphasis on the development of practical and communicative language skills, as well as a varied modular scheme designed to offer students a range of options in addition to core language modules.

At each stage, students take a compulsory language module. In addition, at stage one, students take a second module appropriate to their entry level and at stages two and three there is a choice of options.

Stage one

This stage focuses on the development of essential reading and listening comprehension skills, as well as written and spoken skills in the context of an overall practical communicative competence. Students also study the background to French society and topical issues using a wide selection of materials.

Stage two

In stage two there is further development of practical language skills with the addition of summary writing skills. Specific emphasis on development of effective business communication skills in a wide range of business situations via a study of authentic letters and emails as well as an introduction to business role-plays.

Stage three

In the third stage students develop translation skills, both from French into English and vice versa, as well as interpreting skills. Students have two major options of study in the final stage:

Option one: the study of France as a multilingual territory and of 'Francophonie'.

Option two: A study of the French song and its practitioners and upon the themes in relation to the contemporary historical and socio-cultural context.

Students taking French as a major subject must also take a dissertation module.

• An optional year abroad
• A student-centred approach through teaching in small groups and a high level of integration of e-learning
• Students are eligible to apply for a post as an English language assistant in a French school

In the Joint Honours programme students select two subjects as joint for year one. Students may continue with equal emphasis on two subjects as a joint degree in years two and three, or switch to a major/minor split.

Click here for a detailed list of modules.

Typical modules include:

• France Contemporaine
• France Contemporaine et Francophonie
• French Business Communication
• French Language
• La Chanson Francaise

Assessment at all stages is by a combination of written as well as oral, aural coursework and online tasks. All French modules are taught and, for the most part, assessed in French. There are no examinations, only continuous assessment.

Teaching takes place in small groups with extensive use of multi media. For independent study activities, students are directed to the ICT centre and computer rooms.

According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Education and Skills Survey 2011, only 27% of businesses say they have no need for foreign language skills. Languages are particularly important in sectors such as manufacturing and banking, finance and insurance, reflecting the globalisation of these organisations. It is worth noting that the core European languages are still most in demand from employers, French being the most commonly required language. The greatest demand is for a level of language skills that can help in building relationships with overseas contact. Employers value, in addition to specific language skills, the wider communicative and interpersonal skills that language study develops.

The shortage of qualified linguists in the UK means that having competence in another language may well be an advantage in job applications. The statistics on graduate unemployment in the UK speak for themselves. In 2010, modern languages graduates continued to enjoy a low unemployment rate at 8.3% against 11% for economics graduates, 14.6% for media studies graduates and 16.3% for IT graduates.

There is an optional year abroad. Students are eligible to apply, via the French Department (and the British Council in London), for a post as an English language assistant in a primary or secondary French school (in France, Belgium, Senegal or Quebec).

Will I have lectures?

No, there aren't any lectures, only interactive workshops. Teaching takes place in small groups with extensive use of pair/group work.

Will the lessons be in French?

Yes, teaching is mostly in French.

Will I have to sit examinations in French?

No, there are no examinations, only continuous assessment. There are, on average, four pieces of coursework per module to complete per year - and assignments are returned promptly (usually within three weeks).

Will I have to use a computer?

Yes. There are online tasks to be completed on a weekly basis; IT skills (web design, PowerPoint presentations, online tasks etc) are taught and assessed.

How good is the course?

French tutors are regularly praised by both students and external examiners for their supportive, constructive and detailed feedback.