French & Francophone Studies - 2025 entry
The French language is spoken by 270 million people worldwide – from arctic Canada, through Europe and Africa, to the islands of the South Pacific.
French at Sheffield
The global influence and diverse developments of France and Francophone cultures remain a key feature of the modern world – from politics, literature, linguistics and film to international trade, social policy and philosophy.
At Sheffield, we believe languages are best studied in context - ensuring both linguistic fluency and a deeper cultural understanding. With our French undergraduate degrees, you won't just become a confident user of a different language, you'll be a confident international citizen and will add new perspectives to your understanding of the world and its people.
Modules
You will study 40 credits in language and culture at either beginner or post A-level*.
French & Francophone Studies
| Title | Credits | Core/Optional |
|---|---|---|
French Beginner Intensive This unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a elementary level, orally and in writing, with native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad (CEF level A2+). | 20 | Core (if you are studying one or two languages and cultures) Optional (if you are studying three languages and cultures) |
French Advanced This unit aims to consolidate an initial preparation for a prolonged professional, academic or recreational stay in a country where the language is spoken and introduces the full range of linguistic and cultural skills required to engage in authentic and spontaneous interaction with native speakers (CEF level B2). | 20 | Core (if you are studying one or two languages and cultures) Optional (if you are studying three languages and cultures) |
Understanding Modern France This core content module will introduce students to key aspects of France's history, society, politics and culture through the study of a range of important texts and media. It will focus on key historical events, the values and ideas that inform French and francophone society today, giving an historical overview of their development from Louise XIV to Emmanuel Macron. It will thus enable students to learn the interpretative methodologies specific to a range of cultural forms. It will provide them with a sound understanding of disciplinary studies, both within the language(s)/culture(s) they have chosen to study and, more broadly, within the discipline of Languages and Cultures today. It aims to facilitate the students' transition to University study, to complement the core language modules (which also cover some aspects of culture) studied at Level 1, in addition to serving as the solid foundation for more advanced study and specialisation at Level 2 and onwards. There will be opportunities for synoptic assessment in connection with the relevant language module. | 20 | Core (if you are studying one or two languages and cultures) Optional (if you are studying three languages and cultures) |
| Languages and Cultures Essential Skills | 0 | Core |
*For language classes, you will be placed in an appropriate group for your level.
In your second year, whilst continuing to develop your spoken and listening language skills, you will also deepen your understanding of political, social, and cultural contexts. You will also have the opportunity to engage with more specialised thematic modules which explore the relationship between language, culture, and identity. Modules could include:
- Arts of Persuasion
- Why Read?
- Translation
- That is not my (Hi)story
- Language and the Self
- Languages of Gender and Sexuality
- Revolutions and Revolutionary Trends
You'll spend your third year abroad, immersed in your chosen language and culture.
Your final year on the BA Modern Languages and Cultures is about deepening the language and cultural expertise you have developed through your previous study and year abroad. You will then apply this learning to contemporary global issues and a range of career-relevant scenarios. Modules could include:
- A Languages and Cultures dissertation or translation
- Social Approaches to Multilingualism
- Tales of Cities
- Comparative Critique of Consumer Culture
- Migration and its Representations
- Global Careers in Languages
- Music and Performance
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it is up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research, funding changes, professional accreditation requirements, student or employer feedback, outcomes of reviews, and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Information last updated:
Results and Clearing 2025
The University of Sheffield has some places for additional high achieving students available through Clearing this year.