Expertise in modern languages has never been more important as the United Kingdom forges a new relationship with its European partners and seeks to develop its trading and cultural ties throughout the world.

The University of Bristol is a thriving centre for the study of modern languages and cultures, with a vibrant learning environment and state-of-the-art multimedia centre.

This course will help you to achieve a high level of fluency and accuracy in modern spoken and written French. It also allows you to study many original aspects of the society, culture, literature and linguistic history of French-speaking countries.

You will develop a thorough understanding of the rich diversity of the culture in France and elsewhere in the French-speaking world. As well as studying the literature and culture of France itself from the Middle Ages through to the 21st century, you will cover the literatures and cultures of the Francophone world of north Africa and other former French colonies.

Our broad range of optional units includes the study of French cinema as part of a broader specialism in the relationship between literary, visual and musical cultures, as well as challenging optional units in linguistics.

The course includes a period of residence in a French-speaking country on a work or study placement during your third year. Some Bristol students choose to spend their time in France, while others choose more exotic locations such as Senegal or Martinique.