University of York

What you'll study

This joint degree brings together core study in French language, literature and culture with a broad programme of historical study. The course normally runs over four years, with a full year spent abroad in a French-speaking country for study, work or accredited placement.

• French: progressive language tuition (speaking, listening, reading, writing), translation and interpreting practice, and options in literature, film, media and cultural studies. Typical topics include the novel and short fiction, francophone cinema, colonial and post-colonial cultures, gender and identity in French-language texts, and contemporary political discourse.
• History: core skills in historical methods and historiography, supported by themed modules covering periods such as medieval Europe, early modern history, the long nineteenth century, and twentieth-century politics and society. You can expect options on topics like revolution and nation-building, empire and global connections, urban and social history, and public history.
• Year abroad: the year abroad is an integrated and assessed part of the degree. Students normally spend this year at an overseas university, on a teaching placement, or working in a professional setting in a French-speaking area. The year abroad focuses on language immersion and may include credit-bearing modules or assessed work that contributes to the final degree classification.
• Final-year project: students usually complete a substantive dissertation or extended project in either French studies or history, demonstrating independent research skills and language competence where appropriate.
• Teaching and assessment: teaching typically combines lectures, small-group seminars and language classes. Assessment is varied and includes essays, language portfolios and translations, presentations, written exams and the final dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have strong academic credentials and demonstrable ability in French. Typical entry expects good A-level (or equivalent) results, with evidence of competence in a language at advanced level or an equivalent qualification in French. The department welcomes applicants with qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate, other national secondary-school qualifications, and recognised language diplomas.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University’s English language requirement. You should also demonstrate an ability to study at degree level in both subject areas and, where possible, provide evidence of independent study or language experience such as study trips, exchanges or formal language assessments.

Career prospects

Graduates from French & History combine language fluency and analytical skills valued by a wide range of employers. Common career paths include:

• international organisations, diplomacy and public service
• teaching and education, including language teaching and secondary school history
• translation, interpreting, publishing and media
• heritage, museums and archival work
• journalism, research and policy roles
• business roles with a focus on international markets, marketing or communications
• further study at postgraduate level in areas such as modern languages, history, international relations or law

The year abroad is particularly valuable for employability, providing practical work experience, intercultural skills and professional contacts in a French-speaking environment.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers an established interdisciplinary environment for combining modern languages with history. Students benefit from small-group language teaching, specialist modules taught by active researchers, and access to language-learning facilities and multimedia resources. York’s historic city centre, museums and archives provide excellent opportunities for history students to engage with primary sources and public-history projects.

Support for the year abroad is coordinated through dedicated staff who assist with placements and partner-university arrangements, and there are active student societies for language practice, film and cultural events. The University’s research-led teaching and emphasis on transferable skills make this degree suitable for students aiming for both professional careers and postgraduate study.