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About this major

French is spoken by over 300 million people worldwide. It is an official language in 29 countries and a key working language of 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.

Whatever your prior knowledge of French, the department provides pathways to a French major. You can enrol in our introductory, intermediate or advanced stream, and there are options for `fast-tracking' to a higher level. 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 classes are 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 participation and interaction, so that you develop autonomy as learners of French and as independent thinkers.

As a graduate you can work in fields as diverse as international relations and trade, journalism, IT, teaching, law, medicine, the arts and a range of international organisations.

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the 

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 for a major will be awarded a major 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 for advice.

The French and Francophone Studies (Introductory) pathway is suitable for complete beginners or students with very little language experience.