Athabasca University

Programme overview

This is an online Bachelor of Arts with a major in French offered as either a 3-year concentration or a 4-year major. The BA aims to strengthen critical and creative thinking across social, political and cultural topics while developing competence in French language and Francophone cultural contexts. The program has rolling monthly start opportunities, no time limit for completion, and allows transfer credit or PLAR to shorten study.

What you'll study

Coursework focuses on French language skills and Francophone culture and literature. Core learning outcomes described by the program include:

• developing accurate French pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary;
• reading and analysing texts in French;
• writing critical essays in French;
• gaining awareness of linguistic and cultural differences between French and English;
• studying literature and culture of France, Quebec and other Francophone regions.

Entry requirements

There are no formal admission prerequisites for either the 3-year or 4-year options. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. You can enrol at any time and register in courses immediately. Transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) may be available for previous post-secondary study or relevant life/work experience; a minimum of 30 AU credits must be completed at Athabasca if transfer credit is applied.

Career prospects

Institutional data point to strong graduate outcomes for the program: a reported 94% employment rate, a median income of $45,000 and 97% student satisfaction (source: 2024 AU institutional data and 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey). The 3-year concentration is a marketable credential but does not provide direct access to graduate study; the 4-year BA prepares students for most graduate programs and supports options such as double majors or a 30-credit minor in related fields.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Athabasca University offers a range of financial aid and awards to help students manage costs. Tuition is charged per course on a pay-as-you-go basis and course fees vary by student location and course credits; estimated program costs are published in the AU Calendar. Applicants pay a one-time application fee (and a transfer credit evaluation fee if applicable) when applying.