Course Overview
Lancaster's four-year combined French Studies and Philosophy degree is taught by our Department of European Languages and Cultures - ranked in the UK top ten by The Complete University Guide 2011 - and our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion - ranked first in the Northwest in The Guardian University Guide 2011. This degree scheme also includes a year abroad.
Your French Studies programme focuses on developing fluency in the language, complemented by courses on the country's historical, cultural, social and political background. In Philosophy, you can choose from a range of options, including the history of Philosophy and its relationship to other subjects.
You'll begin your degree with courses including French Language (Intensive for Beginners or Advanced) and Introduction to Philosophy. You'll move on to language specific culture studies with second and final year modules covering Shaping Contemporary France: Culture, Politics and the Legacy of History, and Modern French Identities: Race and Nation. Your Philosophy options include Ethics: Theory and Practice; Philosophy of Science, and Western Philosophy and Religious Thought.
In your third year, you'll study or work in a French-speaking country and complete your Residence Abroad: Intercultural and Academic Reflection before returning to Lancaster to finish your degree.
For a list of compulsory modules, please see the tab above.
The language department is so friendly, the staff are really approachable and I have made some of my closest friends on my language courses.
Career opportunities
Any degree with a language component is attractive to employers, especially when combined with the analytical, logical and communications skills developed through the study of Philosophy.
Our graduates have entered a wide variety of careers, ranging from accounting, computing and library work to journalism and interpreting. Others have taken up employment with major organisations such as the Diplomatic or Civil Service and the British Council. Teaching - in the UK or abroad - and joining businesses with a foreign-language element are among the most popular career paths.
A number of our graduates decide to continue their education and progress on to postgraduate study.
Entry Requirements
A-level: AAB inc. French unless this is to be studied from beginners level, in which case we require evidence of language learning ability. We normally expect three A-levels.
General Studies: Accepted as one of 3 A-levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: ABBBB
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 35 pts overall with 16 from best three HL courses
BTEC: DDD/DDM
Mature students: Applications welcomed from mature students who can provide evidence of language-learning ability. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
IELTS: 6.5
For details of how we evaluate international qualifications, please click here.
Financial Support
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. In addition to government maintenance loans, grants and national scholarships, Lancaster University offers a range of financial support for full time UK Undergraduate students from lower-income backgrounds. Many students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses.
The Lancaster Scholarship package is designed to reward the hard work and natural ability of full-time UK students applying to study with us regardless of their household income. Students achieving A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications) will receive a £1,000 per year Lancaster Scholarship during their undergraduate studies if they place us as their firm choice institution. Continuation of the Lancaster Scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic progression.
Our combined £5,000 bursary package will help students from England whose household incomes are less than £25,000 per year with fees and living costs.
Students from England eligible for our £5,000 bursary package will also be awarded a £3,000 Lancaster Scholarship if they achieve A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications). This totals £8,000 of support for students during their studies.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our
fees and funding page.
