University of York

What you'll study

This joint honours degree brings together modules in French language, literature and culture with modules in theoretical and applied linguistics. In the first year you build core skills in French (speaking, writing, translation) and take introductory linguistics modules covering areas such as phonetics and phonology, syntax, and language description. You will also study French culture and may choose introductory topics in francophone film or literature.

The second year deepens linguistic knowledge with modules in sociolinguistics, semantics, discourse analysis and language acquisition, alongside intermediate to advanced French language classes and options in areas such as translation studies, contemporary francophone literature, film studies or French for business.

The programme includes a compulsory year abroad between the second and final year, when you spend a full academic year studying at a partner university or working in a francophone environment (teaching, voluntary work, internships or industry placements). This year is integrated into the degree to ensure you return with substantial linguistic competence and relevant cultural experience.

In the final year you take advanced linguistics options and specialised French modules. You will normally complete a supervised dissertation or research project in linguistics or an extended project in French studies, and can opt for practical modules such as advanced translation, interpreting practice or language teaching methodology.

• Core linguistic topics: phonetics and phonology, syntax, morphology, semantics, sociolinguistics, language acquisition, psycholinguistics.
• French-focused topics: advanced language skills, translation and interpreting, francophone literature, film and cultural studies, French for professional contexts.
• Research training: research methods in linguistics, independent dissertation/project in final year.
• Year abroad: study or work placement in a francophone country to consolidate language skills and cultural knowledge.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have strong qualifications in relevant subjects. Typical offers expect high achievement at A-level (including A-level French or equivalent) or a comparable international qualification such as a high score in the International Baccalaureate, with evidence of strong performance in written and oral language work. Mature applicants and those with alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis and may be asked to provide evidence of language ability or to attend an interview.

If you do not have formal French at A-level you should check the department's guidance on equivalent language experience; some applicants may be admitted on the basis of previous study in French at other levels, recent immersion experience, or by demonstrating ability during assessment. Non-native speakers whose first language is not English will normally need to meet the university's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with high-level language skills, analytical ability and research experience valued across public and private sectors. Common career paths include:

• Translation and interpreting, including freelance and in-house roles in publishing, media and international organisations.
• Teaching and education, including routes into language teaching and further teacher training.
• International business, marketing and communications roles that require language fluency and cross-cultural competence.
• Public sector and diplomacy, including civil service and international development posts where language skills are an asset.
• Further academic study and research in linguistics, applied linguistics, or literary and cultural studies, often leading to master's and doctoral study.

The year abroad also helps build professional networks and work experience, making graduates attractive to employers who value demonstrated international experience and independence.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers an integrated environment for language and linguistics study, combining a strong Modern Languages provision with a well-established linguistics community. Teaching emphasises small-group language tuition, seminar-based discussion of texts and empirical approaches to linguistic theory and analysis.

Students benefit from language-learning resources, opportunities for assessed and unassessed speaking practice, and a network of partner institutions across francophone countries to support a meaningful year abroad. Research-informed teaching and staff expertise in areas such as sociolinguistics, phonetics, and translation studies help ensure that course content remains current and practice-oriented.

York's campus environment, student support services and careers provision support international study and employability, helping students to prepare for both postgraduate study and a wide range of careers requiring strong language and analytical skills.