French and Comparative Literature BA (Hons) drafted
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | 2023-08-01 |
| 2024-01-09 | 2023-12-01 |
Program Overview
Studying French at Queen Mary means appreciating the diversity of the French-speaking world. You’ll learn not only about metropolitan France, but also about French as a global language, France’s role on the world stage, and the culture and thought of groups who have historically been silenced or excluded, such as women, the working class and ethnic minorities. No prior knowledge of French language is required.
As a result, besides high-level linguistic and analytical skills, you’ll gain an understanding of cross-cultural issues that will equip you to deal with today’s increasingly globalised world.
At the same time, you’ll gain a solid grounding in the discipline of literary studies, choosing from a range of topics from modern fairy tales to First World War literature, and a host of themes from madness to migration.
You’ll spend your third year abroad, an exceptional opportunity to develop your language skills through immersion and boost your intercultural competence.
Program Outline
Structure
Year 1
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 2
Compulsory
Choose from a range of modules including
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 3
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 4
Compulsory
Choose from a range of modules including
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year abroad
You have three options for how to spend your year abroad:
Our French-speaking partner institutions are:
Teaching
Teaching and learning
You’ll receive approximately 12 hours of weekly contact time, in the form of lectures, seminars and language classes.
You will spend up to five hours per week in language classes – in small groups of no more than 20 for classroom or language lab teaching, and no more than 10 for oral and aural work.
For every hour spent in class, you’ll complete a further two to three hours of independent study.
Assessment
Assessment typically includes a combination of coursework and exams, or coursework only. You’ll also be assessed through oral exams for language modules (including producing a short radio programme), final-year dissertations, independent projects and creative journals.
Resources and facilities
The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:
Learn another language
If you're interested in learning another language alongside French, you can sign up for a course at Queen Mary’s Language Centre, where you can choose from Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), German, Japanese, Bengali, Catalan, Italian or Spanish.
Careers
French and Comparative Literature graduates have a broad range of skills that can take them through to successful careers, such as analytical and critical thinking and communication.
Some apply their degree knowledge directly, entering careers such as translating, editing and teaching, while others transfer skills gained during study into areas such as the media, publishing and marketing.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
Career support
The School of Languages Linguistics and Film offers a range of career support, including for students interested in working during their year abroad. Final year students can attend two bespoke events: 'What a difference the year abroad makes', which highlights how the year abroad helps you stand out in the graduate job market, and 'Career avenues for literature students', which explains the wide range of career options and how studying comparative literature prepares students for them. Alumni share their own experience at both events.
Our careers team can also offer: