French and Classics

Many of the basic concepts underlying Western society were expressed for the first time in ancient Greek or Latin. Together with French, they are the languages of many highly influential literary and cultural works.

Studying French and Classics helps us understand the contemporary world, and also sheds light on the past. Our flexible joint honours programme enables you to learn at least two languages in their cultural context, or to combine studying French with a non-language pathway through ancient worlds.

French

You will have the opportunity to acquire near-native fluency in this widely-spoken modern language, while gaining the broad cultural education valued by graduate employers.

We will introduce you to the extraordinary richness and variety of the Francophone world through the study of:

• literature and cinema

• political history and social movements

• philosophical ideas

Our courses cover material from the Middle Ages to the 21st century and include specialist options in key disciplines such as decolonial, gender, and film studies, all taught by leading experts.

Your studies are your gateway to the cultures of parts of:

• Europe

• Africa

• the Americas

Classics

You can opt to take a Latin, Ancient Greek or a non-language pathway through Classics.

You will explore the highly influential scholarship and literature of the classical world that gave rise to Western society.

Why Edinburgh

As a world-leading historic, festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study a modern language in its cultural context and alongside classics. There is plenty to see and do throughout the year, including events at the annual French and Africa in Motion film festivals, and at the nearby Institut français d'Ecosse.

Additionally, we are unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.

Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses. This may enable you to change the focus of your programme.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining a lived experience of Francophone culture. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to French and Francophone Studies and Classics.

Programme benefits

• Learn in an historic, capital city where French has been taught for over a century.

• Study over four years, including one abroad.

• Become fluent in one or more languages.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Join societies related to what you are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.