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European Studies combines the study of language with politics, culture and literature to give you the skills to understand and participate in the key issues across the continent. On the European Studies (French) programme, you learn one of the most beautiful and widely-spoken Romance languages in Europe, and spend a year studying or working in a French-speaking country to experience the language and culture directly.
Overview
Europe is geographically, linguistically and culturally diverse. It is also at the centre of many contemporary political debates. European Studies at Kent is based in the School of European Culture and Languages (SECL) and benefits from the interdisciplinary culture within the School. The programme gives you the opportunity to study French to an advanced level. In addition to your language modules, there is a wide range of options available to you covering the history, culture and politics of Europe and European nations.
French is widely spoken. Not only is it the official language of France, it is also spoken in Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Andorra, as well as being widely spoken outside Europe in countries such as Canada, Lebanon, and many African countries.
The University of Kent is an ideal location to study French. Canterbury is the closest British university city to mainland Europe, and our proximity to the Channel ports and Ashford International station means you can be in France in just a couple of hours. There are also many French-speaking students on campus, so you have a better chance to immerse yourself in the language than at any other university in the country.
You can also take our European Studies programme with a focus on German, Italian or Spanish, or choose to study two languages in our combined languages programme. For details, see:
- European Studies (Combined Languages)
- European Studies (German)
- European Studies (Italian)
- European Studies (Spanish).
Independent rankings
In the National Student Survey 2016, 90% of French students at Kent were satisfied with the quality of their course. French at Kent was ranked 1st for research quality in The Complete University Guide 2017.
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
Year abroad
Going abroad as part of your degree is an amazing experience and a chance to develop personally, academically and professionally. You experience a different culture, gain a new academic perspective, establish international contacts and enhance your employability.
All European Studies (French) students are required to spend a year abroad between Stages 2 and 3. You are expected to adhere to any academic progression requirements in Stage 2 to proceed to the year abroad. If the requirements are not met, you may have to postpone your year abroad.
The year abroad is assessed on a pass/fail basis and does not count towards your final degree classification. You spend the year working as an English language assistant or in approved employment, or studying at one of our partner universities. For a full list of our partner universities, please visit Go Abroad.
Teaching and assessment
Most of the modules involve a combination of lectures, seminars, contact with a native speaker and individual study in our computer-assisted language learning laboratory.
Modules taken at Stage 1 are assessed either by 100% coursework or a 50:50 combination of coursework and examination. At Stages 2 and 3, depending on the modules you select, assessment varies from 100% coursework (extended essays or dissertation), to a combination of examination and coursework, usually in the ratio 50:50.
Programme aims
The specific aims of French as a subject are:
- to provide a sound grounding in the French language in all its aspects, through extensive reading in French and through the use of French as spoken and written medium
- to immerse you in Francophone culture by enabling you to spend one year in a Francophone country. In most cases you will go abroad to participate in an exchange in France or Switzerland, to work as a language assistant in a French School or in the Kent Regional Office in Brussels
- to develop a critical awareness of the broad canon of French Literature from the 17th century to the 21st century as well as of the role of French cinema and French linguistics in the development of contemporary French culture
- to train you in the field of translation from and into the target language
- to provide a gateway to related thematic studies comprising various bodies of knowledge and methodological approaches
- to provide teaching which is informed by current research and scholarship and which requires students to engage with aspects of work at the frontiers of knowledge
- to provide a means of access to intercultural awareness and understanding
- to recognise and reward excellence at different stages through the award of prizes
- to prepare those who choose to take the French business language courses for the Chambre de Commerce de Paris examinations
- to contribute to widening participation in higher education by offering a wide variety of entry routes
- to provide opportunities for the development of personal, communication, research and other key skills appropriate for graduate employment both in industry and in the public sector
- to develop general critical, analytical and problem-solving skills which can be applied in a wide range of situations
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- French language
- French literature from the 17th to the 21st century
- French linguistics
- French cinema
- French theatre
- francophone autobiography
- French postcolonial studies
- francophone presence in the world
- French history
- critical theory.
Intellectual skills
You gain the following intellectual abilities:
- applying the skills needed for academic study and enquiry
- evaluating information critically
- synthesising information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of the subject
- utilising problem-solving skills
- utilising communication skills for the coherent expression and transfer of knowledge
- analysing, evaluating and interpreting a variety of types of evidence in a critical manner
- studying and reaching conclusions independently.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in the following:
- communicating effectively in French
- developing reading speed in French
- demonstrating detailed knowledge and effective understanding of the various structures and registers of French
- translating accurately and efficiently into and from the target language
- analysing critically a variety of texts be they journalistic, historical or literary
- an appreciation of cultural diversity
- the ability to work independently in a francophone business environment
- three related areas: a) reception (listening and reading), b) production (speaking and writing) and c) mediation between at least two languages.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following:
- communicating effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means
- evaluating your own academic performance
- utilising problem-solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations
- accurate and effective note-taking and summarising skills
- library and bibliographical research skills
- techniques for using French language source materials
- taking responsibility for personal and professional learning and development
- managing time and prioritising workloads, thinking and performing under pressure
- capacity for teamwork
- leadership abilities
- working creatively and flexibly
- deploying a range of information technology skills effectively, such as word processing text with footnotes, basic formatting, using e-mail, searching databases and text-files, navigating the world wide web.
Careers
The ability to speak another European language is a key asset in the global employment market, and many employers view a graduate with overseas study experience as more employable.
Recent graduates have gone into areas such as:
- politics both in the UK (national and local government) and in Europe
- the media
- consultancy
- teaching
- marketing
- financial services.
Many of our graduates choose to continue with their studies at postgraduate level.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
New GCSE grades
If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | BBB. Post-A level: A level French grade B. |
| GCSE | Grade B in French for the post-GCSE pathway, or for the beginners' level, some aptitude for modern languages including grade C in a GCSE in a modern European language other than English. |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF; OCR) on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 15 points at HL including a modern European language other than English 4 at HL or 5 at SL |
International students
The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.
If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.
Meet our staff in your country
For more advise about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2017/18 tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
UK/EU fee paying students
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
In accordance with changes announced by the UK Government, we are increasing our 2017/18 regulated full-time tuition fees for new and returning UK/EU fee paying undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses will also rise from £4,500 to £4,625. This was subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. This fee will ensure the continued provision of high-quality education.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Fees for Year Abroad/Industry
As a guide only, UK/EU/International students on an approved year abroad for the full 2017/18 academic year pay an annual fee of £1,350 to Kent for that year. Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Please note that for 2017/18 entrants the University will increase the standard year in industry fee for home/EU/international students to £1,350.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
University funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
Government funding
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
The Government has confirmed that EU students applying for university places in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will still have access to student funding support for the duration of their course.
Scholarships
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either Mathematics or a Modern Foreign Language. Please review the eligibility criteria.