Program Overview

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English and French, MA

Introduction

English and French at Aberdeen gives you all the advantages of the UK’s second most highly-rated research hub for English literature, language and creative writing. You will benefit from studying the subject from a European historical and contemporary context through top-rated study of the French language and literature, history and culture. This subject combination is ideal preparation for a career across the creative arts and media.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: RQ13

French & Francophone Studies at Aberdeen has a long-standing reputation for teaching and research. The programme explores the diversity of French and Francophone culture and the complex global influence of France and the French language over the centuries. You will add to your growing language skills with diverse courses in contemporary society and politics, philosophy and history, film and visual culture, advanced translation skills, and literature from the Renaissance to the present day.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Acts of Reading (EL1009)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select ONE OR BOTH of the following:
    • Controversial Classics (EL1513)
    • Rethinking Reading (EL1536)
  • Plus, select ONE of the following options:
    • Beginner:
      • FR1028: Beginners French Language 1
      • FR1528: Beginners French Language 2
      • FR1021: Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1
      • FR1527: Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France in Context
    • Qualified:
      • FR1029: Qualified French Language 1
      • FR1529: Qualified French Language 2
      • FR1022: Literature and Culture of Modern France 1
      • FR1526: Literature and Culture of Modern France in Context

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • French Culture, Politics and Society i (FR2015)
  • French Culture, Politics and Society II (FR2515)
• Optional Courses:
  • (EL 2512) The Tragedy of Knowledge OR (EL 2518) Power, Empire and Equality
  • Select ONE of the following options:
    • Ex-beginner:
      • Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012)
      • Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)
    • Intermediate/Advanced:
      • Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002)
      • Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)
      • Encounters with Shakespeare (EL2011)

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Second half session is spent in a French-speaking country.
  • Junior Honours French Language (FR3089)
  • Work Experience: Employability Skills Development (FR3597)
  • Junior Honours Project 1 (FR3596)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select ONE course from EACH of the following categories:
    • Medieval/Renaissance Literature:
      • EL30CP: Page and Stage: Renaissance Writings
    • Romantic/Victorian Literature:
      • EL30VC: Fallen Women and Self-Made Men
      • EL30QA: Sympathy for the Devil: Scottish Short Stories
    • Contemporary/Modern Literature:
      • EL30FF: Modernism: Make it New
      • EL30RD: American Voices: Self and Society
      • EL30UT: Art and Atrocity: Representations of Violence and Trauma

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Senior Honours French Language (FR4089)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
    • English Dissertation (EL4502)
    • Dissertation in French (FR4097)
  • Plus further courses of level 4 English and French to make up 60 credits in each discipline.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study English and French?

Why English

• An international profile through major literary projects such as the Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen and the Edinburgh Edition of the Waverley Novels of Sir Walter Scott.
• The WORD Centre for Creative Writing, promoting creative projects in fiction, non-fiction and collaborative mixed-media in all the languages of northeast Scotland (from Doric to Polish).
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, home to literary treasures collected over 500 years, charting the power of the written word from ancient papyri and medieval manuscripts to contemporary e-books and other media.
• Historic collections including rare printed books, the 12th century Aberdeen Bestiary, MacBean Stuart and Jacobite Collection, the novels of Sir Walter Scott, and an exceptional collection of Charles Dickens' first editions.
• A packed campus programme of student and public events, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers and the annual WayWORD Festival, welcoming internationally acclaimed authors to discuss literature, including European writers.
• Research centres include the nationally recognised Centre for the Novel, the Centre for Modern Thought, and the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies.

Why French

• A vibrant international community on campus and across Aberdeen and north-east Scotland, with many French and French-speaking students, staff and activities on campus and across the region.
• A dynamic French Society, organising social and topical events throughout the year, and a brilliant way to get to know other students studying or speaking French.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with stunning study facilities, state-of-the-art learning technology, and a first-class collection of French books and films for your course.
• A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, invited speakers and the popular WayWord literary festival, which often features work by Francophone writers.
• Your year abroad as a language assistant or visiting student at locations including Lyon, Rennes, Grenoble, Réunion, Brussels, Geneva, Lausanne, the IFP (Institute of French Petroleum) School in Paris and the Club des Langues in Anglet.
• International recognition as a centre for study and research in French, with research covering not only France, but also French-speaking Africa and the Caribbean.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme.
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Our Experts

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change.

Discover Uni

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English and French at University of Aberdeen

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Contact Details

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