French and Francophone Studies
About the major
French is spoken by over 300 million people, and is an official language in 29 countries (la Francophonie), the United Nations and the European Union. It is also the language of many major literary, philosophical and political works. French Studies provides access to this rich culture and history.
Our graduates work in fields as diverse as international relations and trade, journalism, information technology, teaching, law, medicine, the arts and a range of international organisations.
Whatever your prior knowledge of French, the department provides pathways to a French major. You can enrol in our Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced pathway. You will study French language and the history, societies, literatures and cultures of France and la Francophonie. In addition, you can spend a semester or a year on exchange in France, Switzerland or Canada.
Most teaching in the Department of French and Francophone Studies is in French, with content, class activities and assessment all adapted to your language level in each year of study. Our teaching is strongly focused on student participation and interaction, so that you develop autonomy as learners of French and as independent thinkers.
Requirements for completion
The French and Francophone major and minor are available via the pathways indicated below.
Students will follow the appropriate pathway specified in the unit of study tables, based on their individual language level*. Students completing any of the pathways below will be awarded a major or minor in French and Francophone Studies.
* Appropriate language units are determined either by language level and grade therein achieved in Higher School Certificate (as listed in the pathways linked above) or International Baccalaureate, and/or by one-on-one interviews prior to commencement. If you are unsure of your language level or which pathway is appropriate for you, please contact the Department for advice.
Please note: A 'gap' year after Year 12 does not normally affect placement.
Requirements for completion in past years
- Started 2019: sydney.edu.au/handbooks/archive/2019/arts/subject_areas_eh/french_francophone_studies.shtml.html
- Started 2018: sydney.edu.au/handbooks/archive/2018/arts/subject_areas_eh/french_francophone_studies.shtml.html
- Started 2017: sydney.edu.au/handbooks/archive/2017/arts/subject_areas/french_studies.shtml.html
- Started 2016: sydney.edu.au/handbooks/archive/2016/arts/subject_areas/french_studies.shtml.html
Honours
Students may qualify for Honours regardless of the language level at which they commenced.
It is strongly recommended that all intending Honours students complete an exchange of at least one semester in a French-speaking country.
Honours admission requirements
If you commenced your degree prior to 2018: Admission to Honours requires a major in French and Francophone Studies with an average of 70 percent or above.
If you commenced your degree in 2018 or 2019:
- Admission to Honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies and requires the completion of a major in French and Francophone Studies with an average of 70 percent or above.
- Prior to commencing honours, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and a second major.
Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the French and Francophone Studies honours units of study page.
Advanced Coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies through the School of Language and Cultures prepares students to actively engage in the complex and culturally diverse contemporary world. Students will utilise linguistic and methodological skills developed in their previous studies to develop their knowledge of institutions, practices and ideas that permeate different cultures in the local and global context. They will be offered opportunities to participate in projects on translation, acculturation and self-reflexivity and to examine textual and social real-world problems related to topics which include translation, migration studies, cultural diversity and social integration.
Requirements and units of study for advanced coursework can be found on the French and Francophone Studies advanced coursework units of study page.
Contact and further information
More information and current contact details for Academic Coordinators can be found on the Department of French and Francophone Studies website.