French

French is both a European and a global language whose cultural and economic importance is projected to grow substantially in the coming decades. Studying French at UCD equips you for a diverse and varied workplace. You will explore the language and cultures of France and other Frenchspeaking countries around the globe. You will also enhance your cultural awareness, intellectual flexibility, communication and oral presentation skills, and critical thinking.

We strongly encourage our students to spend a year abroad as part of their degree in order to graduate with a BA International. Studying abroad is a valuable experience, which enables you to perfect your language skills and immerse yourself in a different culture.

If you wish to study more than one language, with a built-in year abroad, consider Modern Languages (DN541).

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

You will study French language, literature and culture, developing your linguistic and critical skills across our three-year or four-year degree options.

First Year

Foundations in Language & Literature: French Grammar & Comprehension • French Grammar & Expression • Reading Short French Texts • French Fictions

Second Year

You will enhance your linguistic and critical skills through Intermediate French Language modules and options like these: La France d’Aujourd’hui • Introduction to Enlightenment • Baudelaire • French New Wave Cinema • Versailles • The Realist Novel • World War 2 in French Culture

Final Year

You will deepen your linguistic and cultural knowledge with Advanced French Language modules and options like these: Proust • Contemporary French Poetry • Reading Racine’s Women • Qu’est-ce que l’individualisme? • Postcolonial Narratives • Thinking Things • Literature of Quebec • Feminisms in Early Modern France

French is taught in lectures, seminars and through independent study.

Assessment is through a mix of continuous assessment, in-class tests, mid-trimester written assignments, project work and end-oftrimester exams.

Students undertaking a BA Joint Honours (DN520) are encouraged to spend an additional year abroad at one of our 17 partner universities across France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada, graduating with a four-year BA Arts International. Universities we have links with include: La Sorbonne, Université de Montréal, Université de Bordeaux III, Université de Genève, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Université de Nice, Université de Toulouse, Université de Lyon and many more.

The communication skills, critical awareness, cultural sensitivity and intellectual flexibility fostered through studying French open up a wide range of careers, including: International Relations, Public Administration, Careers in the EU, Education, Translation and Interpreting, Journalism and Media, Tourism, Law and Business

A BA in French may also lead to further study such as the UCD MA in Modern Languages, UCD MA in Languages and Image Studies, M Litt / PhD programmes in a range of universities internationally, as well as in other programmes such as European Studies, International Relations or Translation and Interpreting.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET


• Open Learning Entry Route


• Mature Entry Route


• DARE Entry Route


• HEAR Entry Route


• University Access

By joining the UCD College of Arts and Humanities you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable, just and equitable future. Our courses are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen arts and humanities subjects. Our research and teaching and learning connect with many of the SDGs, most notably:

• SDG 4: Quality Education -Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality - Advances gender equality by addressing social norms, histories, and cultural practices that contribute to gender disparities.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Encourages understanding and action against social, economic, and political inequalities.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Enhances cultural understanding and heritage preservation, fostering sustainable communities.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through critical inquiry into human rights, ethics, and governance.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Encourages global partnerships and collaboration by fostering international understanding and dialogue.

Our programmes equip students with critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential for addressing complex global challenges.