French is one of the world’s most important languages in terms of speaker numbers and its role in science, industry and international diplomacy.

Fluency in French opens up dynamic and fast-changing parts of the world outside Europe, including North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as parts of the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. A mastery of this language brings with it access to cultural products including world literature and cinema, but also important social, cultural, historical and linguistic debates.

At Liverpool, French may be taken from A-level or as a beginner’s language where no previous qualifications in the language are necessary. In the first year our vibrant programmes at advanced level will both refresh and extend your knowledge of French. If you are a beginner, our fast-moving programme will quickly take you to A-level standard during the course of your first year.

The perfection of language skills is at the heart of our degrees. We also actively foster in our students the development of professional skills in French. All our degrees demand a full intellectual engagement with a wide selection of areas in French studies. As a subject group, we have a strong interest in looking at French in and beyond France, with the expectation that students will look at French in the European context, as well as in the Americas, Africa and Asia. We also cover French and Francophone culture in a broad historical context that allows our students to understand the standing of French language and grasp the various questions of identity linked to being a speaker of French outside France. In addition, we cover aspects of French studies from various social, historical, visual, literary, filmic and linguistic aspects, ensuring that we not only teach traditional areas of interest but are committed to ensuring students better understand the questions that people are asking themselves across the French-speaking world, from Port-au-Prince to Paris, from Montreal to Marseille, from Guadeloupe to Geneva.

Our graduates go on to careers in all sectors worldwide. These include the media, industry and commerce, finance, local and central government, administration, translation, interpreting and teaching in schools and universities.