Course summary

An undergraduate degree in French at Birmingham allows you to explore a wide range of historical, cultural and literary topics from the 17th century up to the present, as well as learn the language. Our expertise ranges from contemporary French politics and society to French literature, history and cinema. With this intercultural degree, you'll gain competency in the French language, preparing you to work in a number of sectors from business and marketing to translation and teaching. Our BA French is flexible, meaning you'll be able to major in the French language or choose to study it alongside one other language. If you want to study two additional languages consider our BA Modern Languages programme. Choose from an extensive selection of exciting optional modules, which may include: Conflict, Identity and Absurdity in 20th-century French Theatre La France Moderne Behind the Camera: introduction to women's cinema from the 1960s to the present Défis contemporains de la société française Franco-African Relations from de Gaulle to Macron (1944 to the present) From Princesses to Poisoners: Gender, Identity and Society in Seventeenth-century French texts The Algerian War Avant-garde Currents in French Cinema And cross-departmental modules such as: Constructions of gender, sexuality and race   Cross-cultural cinema Decolonial approaches to contemporary thought and culture Introduction to linguistics   One of the most exciting elements of this degree is that you'll experience living and studying in a year abroad. Please note that there are some combinations we aren't able to offer due to timetabling restrictions. Why study this course? Flexibility - choose to combine French with an additional language, or consider combining with Translation, Business Management, Linguistics, English Literature, History, History of Art or Music – visit our Department course pages for details. Practice as a professional – develop your skills with our state-of-the-art interpreting suite, including Televic interpreting desks and soundproof booths, with the same professional standard used at the United Nations. Dive deeper than vocabulary - explore modules about French language, culture and society, designed and delivered by expert researchers, that will also enable you to put your language knowledge into practice in the world beyond University. Multicultural city – Learn in a vibrant city that is culturally, ethnically and religiously diverse. Join a number of language and culture-based societies to further enhance your skills including the multilingual Linguist Magazine. Focused academic contact – We pride ourselves on competitive contact hours. These take place within small groups, encouraging active language learning through engagement with cultural material (beginners will receive more support in English, as appropriate). 17th for French in the Complete University Guide by subject 2025 Top 25 for French in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 Top 100 for Modern Languages in the QS World Subject Rankings 2024