| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-02-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-02-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
French Studies (Master's Degree Subject)
A Deep Dive into the French language and Francophone Culture
The Master curriculum in French extends the academic and cultural knowledge of students in the areas of linguistics and literary studies. During their studies, students can specialize in one of the two areas. The linguistic program includes research into the language in a variety of types of uses and forms of communication: oral and written, formal and informal, in monolingual and multilingual contexts. One special focus in Basel is interactional linguistics, in which the use of the resources of language in social interactions are studied with video recordings. The program in literary studies includes the entire spectrum from the Middle Ages to the present, including contemporary Francophone literature and culture. In the language courses of the master's degree subject, students can develop advanced written and oral skills for communication in academic and professional environments.
Focal Areas of Teaching and Research
French Studies at the University of Basel includes the three subject areas of linguistics, literary studies, and language education.
- Linguistics takes an analytical perspective on French in synchrony and diachrony, as well as on the varieties of French in Europe and the world, oral and written interactivity, formal and informal use of French, standard and non-standard varieties, and contact with other languages.
- Instruction in literary studies covers French literature from the Middle Ages to today from the perspective of many different genres and themes, as well as the history of literary criticism and the complex relationships between literature and culture.
- The subject area works with the Center for Africa Studies of the University of Basel and invites African authors to readings, lectures, and discussions in seminars.
Short Profile
| Degree | MA in French Studies |
|---|---|
| Type | Subject |
| Start date | February, September |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Study structure | The Master's degree is the second degree after the Bachelor's degree and comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP). The subject French Linguistics and Literature is combined with a second, independent subject. Both subjects are studied for 35 CP each. The subject in which the Master's thesis (30 CP) is written becomes a major, the other a minor. In addition, there is the free elective area (20 CP). One CP (ECTS) corresponds to approximately 30 hours of work. |
| Subject combination | A subject from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or a non-faculty subject can be considered as a second Master's subject. Students can choose it according to their interests and professional goals. The free elective area consists of freely selectable courses that can be used to deepen knowledge of the subjects, to gain insight into other subjects offered by the University of Basel or to acquire language skills. |
| Language of instruction | French |
| Subject area | French Linguistics and Literary Studies |
Master's Admission Requirements
Admission to master's programs is regulated by the university student regulations and the stipulations of the individual degree program descriptions. For students to be admitted with no additional requirements, they must hold a bachelor's degree worth 180 CP from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel. Subject-related requirements are defined in the admission requirements of the study program for the relevant subject.
Career Opportunities
Studying French Linguistics and Literature offers a wide range of career prospects. One of these is the teaching profession, whereby French teaching can be considered for a wide range of school types and levels. The high quality of the course is also well-known among recruiters and opens up very good opportunities on the wider job market. The skills acquired during the course in discourse analysis, dealing with language and text and communication practices in various contexts, linguistic, cultural and intercultural skills are particularly in demand for communicative activities, e.g. in advertising, translation, socio-cultural mediation, cultural mediation, company consulting, personnel management, the diplomatic service and other professional fields in public and private companies.
Teaching Diploma
Graduates who are interested in the teaching profession can study for a teaching diploma for the lower secondary level (Sekundarstufe I) or upper secondary level (Sekundarstufe II). For details and teaching diploma regulations, please consult the relevant school for teacher education or the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education.
Master's Thesis and Examinations
- The Master's thesis is a crucial part of the program, allowing students to demonstrate their research skills and knowledge in a specific area of French linguistics or literature.
- The thesis is typically written in French and must meet the academic standards of the University of Basel.
- Master's examinations are held regularly, and students must apply in advance to participate.
- The examinations assess students' knowledge and understanding of the course material, as well as their ability to analyze and interpret complex texts and linguistic data.