BSc French

Our French studies course is designed to develop your linguistic skills to near-native proficiency and fluency. We stress the development of your practical command of French, emphasising language as a means of communication and mutual understanding. Our programme is also designed to develop your understanding of French culture and society – its traditions, its complexities, its underlying ideas – and to develop your critical, analytical and collaborative skills. Language classes are supplemented by a series of thematic modules, also taught in French, which focus on contemporary French society, and particularly on French politics, history, sociolinguistics, media, film and literature. You will be taught by research experts with international reputations in their fields, all in a lively, friendly, experienced and enthusiastic department.

French can be studied as a Single Honours subject, or combined with a selection of other subjects as a Joint Honours programme. Whichever combination you choose, the course builds each year on your key language skills – listening, oral, reading and writing, and of course your accuracy and understanding of grammar – to encourage you to express yourself with increasing sophistication, fluency and complexity. The thematic modules focus on politics and society, media, cultural studies and linguistics. Each year you will develop your knowledge, understanding and analytical skills. The Third Year is spent abroad on a work placement, at an exchange university, or on an assistantship. On returning to Aston in your Final Year, you can take an independent study module (dissertation) on a subject of your choice.

Sample module options: The modules below are indicative only. When an offer is made, students will receive a detailed programme specification which forms part of our terms and conditions.