French with Dutch BA

Course overview

Alongside core French and Dutch language modules in years one, two and four of the course, you can choose from a wide range of optional modules covering French literature, linguistics, history, politics, culture and film. More specialised French language modules are available in year four. In addition you will take modules on Low Countries history, literature, politics and society.

Year one

You will receive a firm grounding in the structures of French through the core language module, and pursue introductory studies in reading French texts, contemporary France, French history and linguistics. You will also take Dutch Language I which is an intensive ab initio course, helping you to acquire a strong foundation in key language skills. In addition you will take the modules Culture and Society of the Low Countries and History of the Low Countries from the Golden Century to the Second World War.

Year two

Your French and Dutch language studies will be consolidated and developed to prepare you for the year abroad. You will study a choice of French optional modules aimed at developing your knowledge in some or all of the fields mentioned in the course description above. In Dutch studies you will take the modules Contemporary Dutch Fiction: Rebellion and Reaction and History of the Germanic Languages.

Year three

The year abroad will be divided between France or a Francophone country and Belgium or the Netherlands. You will have the opportunity to study at one of our partner universities, work as an assistant in a school, or work as an intern in a French, Francophone, Belgian or Dutch company.

Year four

You will perfect your command of the French language and its use in increasingly sophisticated contexts and study optional modules drawn from a list covering a wide range of topics in the fields mentioned in the course description. You also have the option to do a dissertation. You will develop your command of Dutch to a high level and will take the module History and Ideology of the Flemish Movement; in addition you will write a dissertation on a topic related to Low Countries studies.

Entry requirements

A levels: ABB, including French at A level

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (with no less than 20 in speaking and 19 in each other element)

Alternative qualifications

For details please see alternative qualifications page

Flexible admissions policy

We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances.

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Culture and Society of the Low Countries
• The French Language
• Dutch Language I
• History of the Low Countries from the Golden Age to the Second World War

Typical year-two modules

• History of the Germanic Languages
• The French Language
• Dutch Language II
• Contemporary Dutch Fiction

Typical year-three modules

Year spent abroad. 

Please see the Department of French and Francophone Studies Year Abroad page. 

Typical year-four modules

• Dissertation in Low Countries Studies I 
• History and Ideology of The Flemish Movement
• The French Language
• Dutch Language III
• Dissertation in Low Countries Studies II

Typical optional modules

• Contemporary France
• France: histoire et mythologies 
• Reading Texts Contemporary
• Huit tableaux: Art and Politics in 19th Century France 
• La vie politique au jour le jour 

Careers

You will have developed a sophisticated command of French that will enable you to work comfortably in professional and social contexts as well as a high level of expertise in spoken and written Dutch. You will have acquired a broad knowledge of French and Dutch history, literature and culture. The experience gained during your year abroad will demonstrate to potential employers that you are adaptable and independent.

Average starting salary

The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the Department of French and Francophone Studies was £19,687.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11.

KIS