About French Studies

French Studies at Reading offers a wide range of courses at all levels of study from undergraduate to PhD. Our learning environment is underpinned by the strength of our research, we received a top rating of 5 in the latest Research Assessment Exercise, and by the excellent quality of our teaching, as assessed by HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council).

The term 'French Studies' means that you will study not only core modules of French language, but also optional modules representing a broad sweep of staff research interests in French literature, film, history, social and political life. The Department is home to several internationally renowned scholars and incorporates modules on subjects modern and medieval, historical and cultural, political and literary, from Europe to Francophone Africa. Our flexible modular scheme allows Single and Joint Honours students to choose whether to focus on literature/film/culture OR on history/politics/society OR on a combination.

French Studies at Reading has the distinction of being the first university language programme in the UK ever to have included a year abroad in its languages degrees. We have firmly established arrangements for preparation prior to, and monitoring and support during, this key year. See the Year Abroad page for details.

Our graduates have a solid record of career success because our aim is quite simple: to help you make the most of the whole of your potential.

For more information on the individual programmes within French Studies please see our undergraduate courses page.