Program Overview

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French and Irish

Overview

The emphasis in both French and Irish is on modern language and culture, and issues of language and identity will be at the core of the joint programme. In French, the course offers insight into the language and society of both metropolitan France and a range of francophone cultures throughout the world. Students can begin their studies in French as a Beginner. In Irish, you will develop a broad understanding of diverse aspects of Irish culture and society, including cinema, the short story, the novel and modern poetry.

Course Structure

Stage 1

In stage 1, students undertake 4 core modules in French and Irish, which introduce key concepts in French and Irish. They will also develop critical and writing skills necessary in order to make the transition to study at university level. Students are normally required to spend a total of 3 weeks in the Gaeltacht in Ireland at an approved place of residence between Level 1 and 2.

Stage 2

In their second year, students select from modules in French and Irish which build on the skills and knowledge gained in year 1 to develop a level of sophistication in the use of the two languages. Students are normally required to spend a total of 3 weeks in the Gaeltacht in Ireland at an approved place of residence between Level 2 and 3.

Stage 3

In year 3, students spend around 8 months on a work placement in France, using and honing their language skills, and gaining valuable work experience. There is also a compulsory 3 week visit to the Gaeltacht in Ireland.

Stage 4

In Year 3 students can select from a wide range of modules which are rooted in staff research expertise.

Modules

Core Modules

• Gaeilge 1 (40 credits)
• Beginners French Studies (Post GCSE Level) (40 credits)
• French 1 (40 credits)

Optional Modules

• Language Politics and Conflict (20 credits)
• Nualitríocht na Gaeilge ó 1916 go dtí an lá inniu (20 credits)
• Perspectives on France: moments of crisis (20 credits)
• Beyond the Hexagon: French language, politics and culture in a global frame (20 credits)
• Celtic Mythology (20 credits)

Core Modules

• French 2 (40 credits)
• Gaeilge 2 (40 credits)

Optional Modules

• Algeria and France: Trauma, Forgetting, Re-Membering (20 credits)
• Cearta an Duine agus Nualitríocht na Gaeilge (20 credits)
• The Sociolinguistics of Modern French (20 credits)
• An Gearrscéal sa Ghaeilge (20 credits)
• Scottish Gaelic Language 1 (20 credits)
• Kings and Warriors (20 credits)
• French Noir (20 credits)
• Linguistic Variation in French (20 credits)

Core Modules

• International Placement: Languages Year Abroad (100 credits)
• Working and Studying Abroad (20 credits)

Core Modules

• French 3 (40 credits)
• Gaeilge 3 (40 credits)

Optional Modules

• An Béal Beo (20 credits)
• An Miontráchtas: Dissertation (20 credits)
• Extra-muros: language, film and literature in the banlieues (20 credits)
• Gairmeacha le Gaeilge (20 credits)
• Ideologies of Death in Modern French Literature (20 credits)
• Language and Literature in the Gaelic World (20 credits)
• Nuafhilíocht na Gaeilge (20 credits)
• Caribbean Cultures (20 credits)
• Home Matters: Space, Gender and Identity in 19th-Century France and Belgium (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

A level requirements

• Post A-level French: ABB including A-level French and Irish.
• Note: for applicants who have not studied A-level French then AS-level French grade B would be acceptable in lieu of A-level French.
• Beginners Level French: ABB including A-level Irish + GCSE French grade B or evidence of linguistic ability in another language.
• Note: the Beginners' option is not available to those who have studied A- level or AS-level French.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

• H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in French and Higher Level grade H3 in Irish

Graduate

• A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met

Note

• All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Careers

Career Prospects

• Studying for a French and Irish degree at Queen’s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.
• Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by employers (local, national and international) for their communication and critical thinking skills, and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline.
• Typical careers pursued by our graduates include business, media, marketing, translation, publishing, education/teaching, translation/interpreting, PR, journalism, fast stream Civil Service, and banking.
• 90% of our graduates are in employment or further study within 6 months of graduation. Starting salaries are in the region of £21,800. They are employed in a range of organisations, from the BBC, UTV and TG4, to the Civil Service, from the Irish News to the European Parliament, and including a very wide range of local, national and international companies.

Employment after the Course

• Graduates in French and Irish go on to work in a very wide range of sectors, including media and communications, advertising, journalism, tourism, teaching and translation.
• They are particularly in demand in careers requiring a high level of communication and presentation skills, as well as strong critical and analytical thinking.

Employment Links

• We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Santander and the British Council.
• Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as the British Council Assistantships Program.

Alumni Success

• Damian McCann graduated in French and Irish in 2003. Upon graduating he was accepted onto the Irish Language Broadcast Fund’s trainee scheme and subsequently the ILBF’s trainee producer scheme in 2008. Since that time he has been working as an in-house producer and director at Tobar towers.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
• EU Other: £20,800
• International: £20,800

Additional course costs

• Irish students are required to spend 2 periods of residence in the Gaeltacht between Years 1 and 2 and between Years 2 and 3. The trips are subsidised by the School but each student is required to pay a contribution per residency (currently £180, i.e. £360 in total).
• Students have to pay their travel to and from the Gaeltacht.
• Students taking a BA in French undertake an extended period of residence abroad (typically 8 months), normally working as an assistant in a French school or on a paid work placement. In addition to the benefits for oral competence in French, the residence provides a unique opportunity for immersion in French and francophone culture. Moreover, the Year Abroad is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity during which students can study at a university, work as an English Language Teacher, undertake a paid work placement, etc. This feature of our degree programme gives students the opportunity for personal development, gives them a job placement, further develops communication and language skills and intercultural awareness. The challenges of living abroad come to be a unique (and unforgettable) stage in their own personal development.
• Queen's University Belfast is committed to providing a range of international opportunities to its students during their degree programme. Details of this provision are currently being finalised and will be available from the University website once confirmed.
• A limited amount of funding may be available to contribute towards these additional costs, if the placement takes place through a government student mobility scheme.

Scholarships

• Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students.
• Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

• Information on scholarships for international students, is available at

Apply

How to Apply

• Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:
• When to Apply: UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.
• The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.
• Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
• Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.
• The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

• Applying through UCAS: Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
• Applying direct: The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
• Applying through agents and partners: The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.