French and Philosophy, BA (Hons)

This degree in French and Philosophy is ideal for those passionate about mastering the French language, exploring Francophone cultures, and gaining deeper insights into society and personal identity. Combining these complementary disciplines, students develop key skills through a range of modules, from Philosophy topics like 'Gender, Justice and Society' to French studies in 'Enlightenment Literature' and 'Sociolinguistics'. This allows for personalised learning aligned with individual interests or career goals, with the year abroad often cited as a highlight for enhancing language immersion, independence, and confidence.In Year One, French modules vary by entry level—beginners focus on core language, while post-A level students mix core and optional history or contemporary modules. Philosophy introduces reasoning and argumentation. Year Two builds language skills and explores French literature, culture, and philosophy themes like ethics and reality, preparing for the third-year placement in a Francophone country. The final year refines advanced French proficiency and offers philosophy modules on topics such as ethics and metaphysics, with options for a unified dissertation.

Your year one French modules will depend on your entry level - beginners' or post-A level. As a beginner all your language modules will be core this year. If you are taking French post-A level you will take 40 credits of compulsory core modules. You will also choose further 20 credits of optional modules focusing on French history or contemporary France. In philosophy your core modules will introduce you to philosophical study at university level, and guide you through principles of good reasoning, argumentation, and writing. If you started French as a beginner, in year two you will continue to work intensively on key skills in the French language in preparation for the year abroad. You will also take a core Introduction to French and Francophone Studies module. If you started at post-A level, you will consolidate your knowledge of French in preparation for your year abroad. You will also choose from a range of modules in French and Francophone literature, culture and society, history, politics, linguistics and film. Your year two philosophy modules typically cover social issues, the mind, ethics, freedom, Asian philosophy, the nature of reality, meaning, and understanding science. You will spend your third academic year in France or a Francophone country either on a programme of studies in a higher education institution, working as an assistant in a school or on a work placement. Your final year is back in Nottingham. Whether you started French with us as a beginner or post-A level, you will take the same core language module. You will develop your command of French to a high level and use it in increasingly sophisticated contexts. You will also study optional modules drawn from the areas of literature, culture and society, history, politics, visual culture and linguistics. Your final year philosophy modules will reflect the research expertise of members of staff in the department, including in criminal law, ethics, logic, metaphysics, Buddhist philosophy and advanced topics in the philosophies of art, mind, science, and social philosophy. Although French and Philosophy are taught separately you may choose a uniting theme for your final-year dissertation.