UCAS code R120
As one of the world's most important languages both in terms of speaker numbers and its role in science, industry and international diplomacy, studying French opens up a world of opportunities and prospects.
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 can be taken from A level or as a beginner’s language, with no previous qualifications necessary. Our vibrant programmes are designed to both refresh and extend your knowledge of French, with the perfection of language skills 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. You will study French both in and beyond France, as well as aspects of French studies from various social, historical, visual, literary, filmic and linguistic aspects.
All students will spend one year in a French-speaking country as a language assistant in a school, student at a partner university, or on a work placement. If you combine French with a minor in another language, you will split the year between a French-speaking country and another country.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Student must take EITHER FREN100B OR FREN100U.
Students with A Level French or equivalent should normally take FREN100U. Students with no previous experience of learning French, or with qualifications below A Level should normally take FREN100B.
Students without formal qualifications (GCSE or A level) but with prior knowledge of a language and/or higher levels of linguistic ability on account of heritage, extended periods of residency in a relevant country or similar experience and exposure, may be permitted to take a higher-level language module, subject to agreement of the relevant Subject Lead.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Language modules should continue from those taken in Year 1 (i.e. students who took FREN100B should take FREN200I, and students who took FREN100U should take FREN200A).
In addition, students take 30 credits of optional modules in each semester and 15 credits of optional modules in S2.
MODL200 is a placement module for which you can register directly. You will be contacted in due course with details of a placement.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| EXTENDED PROJECT IN MODERN LANGUAGES (MODL250) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
This is a required Year Abroad during which students can opt for one of three pathways, which have different forms of assessment. The Year Abroad carries 120 credits (at Level 5) and counts for 10% of the final degree classification.
Students should spend a minimum of seven months in a French-speaking country and can also choose to split this between two different pathways. Where students are unable to complete the minimum term abroad due to exceptional travel or international restrictions, an alternative Year Abroad programme will be put in place which meets the same learning outcomes.
Students who are unable to meet the minimum term abroad for personal reasons should discuss this directly with the Director of the Year Abroad. If learning outcomes cannot be met, students will need to transfer onto a three-year programme of Modern Language Studies.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
FREN300P is a mandatory module and MODL307 is a required module.
MODL311 is a pre-requisite for MODL312. Students will need to achieve a mark of 60% or above in MODL311 in order to progress to MODL312.
Up to 15 credits of optional modules may be taken from cognate subjects elsewhere in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures with prior permission from the Subject Lead.
A distinction in spoken French will be awarded for students who achieve 75% or above in the oral examination for FREN300P.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PROFICIENT FRENCH (FREN300P) | 30 |
| DISSERTATION (MODL307) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
If you split your degree between French and another subject area, you will study a French language module, at beginners’ or advanced level, and a cultural module per semester, alongside two other modules in your other subject.
If you combine French with a non-language subject, you will spend the year abroad in a French speaking country as an assistant in a school, as a student at a university or on a work placement. If you combine French with another language, you will split the year abroad between the two countries.
You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and small-group tutorials in a supportive learning environment where regular feedback is provided on assessed work.
In language classes, tuition takes place in small groups with first-language speakers playing a prominent role. Students develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, alongside translation and interpreting. Language modules combine continuous skills development with presentations, conversation classes and the use of interactive digital resources.
Students are encouraged to become independent learners through the use of the Language Lounge, dedicated library resources and the University’s virtual learning environment. Research-informed teaching runs throughout the programme, and students have opportunities to undertake independent projects and develop specialist interests as they progress through their degree.
Performance throughout the programme is carefully monitored through a combination of examinations and coursework. Language modules use a range of assessment methods, including written and oral examinations, class tests, presentations, translations and written assignments.
Other modules are assessed through a mixture of essays, presentations, source analyses and project-based work. Assessment methods are designed to reflect the skills being developed and to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways.
The year abroad contributes to the final degree classification and is assessed through a combination of study, portfolio and work-related tasks, depending on the pathway undertaken. Students also receive regular feedback throughout their studies to support their academic development and progression.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
Teaching is delivered by the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film, who bring together experts in a wide range of disciplines. A cutting edge research programme and award-winning teaching provide great opportunities to study all aspects of language and culture within a global context.
Engage with topical historical, cultural and topical debates.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
What is great about languages is that you get a lot of time to work outside contact hours. The teaching here is diverse, I've studied so much more than language and vocabulary. I've explored literature, history, cinema and socio-linguistics, all linked in some way to France or the Francophone world.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Our Language students chat about their experiences on a language degree programme.
French graduates have the opportunity to gain employability skills and work experience, with a curriculum that delivers the skills employers are looking for. The Year Abroad also offers an opportunity to develop international experience as part of their degree studies.
French graduates go on to careers in all sectors worldwide, including:
Many of our students also undertake postgraduate study, either in our own department or for example, on a PGCE translation or law conversion course.
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Two best friends talk about their different professional journeys 5 years after graduating from studying languages at the University of Liverpool. Eloise tells us about her time working for American Airlines.
Two best friends talk about their different professional journeys 5 years after graduating from studying languages at the University of Liverpool. Jessica tells us about her time working with Teach First, a charity that develops and supports teachers.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £10,050
Year in industry fee - £2,010
Year abroad fee - £1,505 (applies to year in China)
Full-time place, per year - £27,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £13,500 (applies to year in China)
The UK fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. The international fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 and will be subject for change for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.
If you are participating in a Study Abroad programme you will still be entitled to all of your normal student loans – and you may be entitled to extra funding from Student Finance. If you are studying a semester abroad, your normal tuition fee will be payable. If you are studying a full year abroad, your tuition fee for that year is reduced. All students participating in Study Abroad are entitled to University of Liverpool travel insurance.
Information about funding opportunities available for Study Abroad.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
4 scholarships are available each year to support undergraduate applicants from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds who permanently reside in the Liverpool City Region. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £5,000 per year for 3 years. Applications open in August 2026.
This scholarship will support undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film with their year abroad.
This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBB Requirements for 100%: A level in French at grade B for entry to advanced language (no subject requirement for entry to beginners’ language). Requirements for 50% with another subject outside Languages, Cultures and Film: A level in French at grade B for entry to advanced language (no subject requirement for entry to beginners’ language). Requirements for 50%/50% with two languages: A level at grade B in either of the two languages.Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBC from A levels, with B in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. |
| T levels |
T levels considered in a relevant subject. Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism. |
| GCSE |
4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | Applications encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits, entry to Advanced language with an A level or equivalent in relevant language (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ Language). |
| International Baccalaureate | 30 points overall with no score less than 4 including 5 at higher level in relevant language (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ Language) or pass the IB Diploma plus 5,5,5 in 3 HL subjects including 5 at higher level in relevant language (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ Language). |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 (including H2 in relevant language for Advanced) |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | BBB in Advanced Highers including grade B in relevant language for entry to Advanced language; (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ language) combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level to include French grade B (no subject requirement for entry to Beginners’ Language). |
| Access | Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit for entry to Beginners’ language. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
| Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 176 overall, with no paper below 162 |
| International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature | Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
| International Baccalaureate English B | Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 20 August 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions