Program Overview

French and Francophone Studies

Introduction

Investigating the rich diversity of French and Francophone cultures, histories and societies from the seventeenth century to the present day.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Degree Qualification: MLitt or PhD

Our Research

Aberdeen’s research in French and Francophone Studies mines the complex interrelations of culture, society and politics across the centuries.

• Beginning with the literary and cultural history of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, our expertise spans visual culture, film and photography; the history and memory of World War II, the politics and culture of identity and migration in the Francophone world, and the cultural history of French modernity.
• Other strengths include post-war critical theory, philosophy and thought, contemporary fiction, prose and poetry, and literary translation, including bilingual writing and self-translation.

Entry Requirements

• Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission to the PhD is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or equivalent.
• It is preferable that you hold a Masters in the chosen area of study as well.

Supporting Documents

• Copies of your undergraduate and graduate degree certificates
• Academic transcripts for your undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Two academic references; either the details of your referees provided on your application form or uploaded online with your application.
• A detailed research proposal of c. two pages

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language and you have not studied previously at an institution in the UK, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in English by taking an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE academic test.

Fees and Funding

• View the tuition fee rates
• Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

Careers

• Several of our PhD students have progressed to academic roles including postdoctoral research fellowships, teaching fellowships and lectureships.
• They have also pursued careers in curation, arts management and the third sector.

Related Postgraduate Taught Degrees

• Film, Visual Culture and Arts Management
• Medieval and Early Modern Studies
• Translation Studies

History of French and Francophone Studies at Aberdeen

• French and Francophone Studies has been taught at Aberdeen since the nineteenth century.
• The Carnegie Chair of French was established in 1926.