French and Linguistics

Proficiency in modern languages could help you to gain a competitive edge in the global jobs market. In both the private and public sectors there is demand for professionals with strong language skills who can work in culturally diverse environments.

More than 75 million people speak French as their native language. French is one of the official languages in Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland and is spoken widely across the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations. On this degree you will be absorbed into the everyday use of foreign languages as our multi-cultural community includes academics from all over the world, British, exchange and international students, and foreign language assistants.

Linguistics is devoted to the scientific study of natural language and concerned with how languages evolve, are structured and what they have in common. It also studies how languages are acquired and used. The study of linguistics enables you to develop a sound knowledge of both theoretical and applied perspectives and places emphasis on English, with examples from other languages where appropriate.

Our department is home to a wealth of research expertise and that expertise is transferred directly into the classroom. You could be learning from academics who are actively involved in having a real-world impact, from forensic linguistics, to accent mapping, to the language used to describe endometriosis pain. Our Languages team offer a range of expertise in working across disciplines such as professional interpreting and translating, language teaching, and global consultancy. With such strong local, national, and global links, our languages team are continuously recognised in the field for their innovation. Initiatives include the globally recognised FLAME project integrating film, language, and media in education. With this expertise here for you to draw on, your learning is not only relevant, but it's also cutting edge, and our strong local, national and global links will help you to enhance your study and future employment opportunities.

Our French studies students are required to spend a year abroad in France. The experience of being immersed in another culture for several months is one our students find both beneficial and rewarding. They return having made new friends, experienced new places and having grown in confidence.*

This course has a foundation year available.

*Period of residence abroad will take place in a French-speaking country and will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

• Enhance your employability through internships and volunteering and our award-winning ‘Rise at Manchester Met’ programme.

• We coach practical skills for your future employment opportunities.

• Language expertise – the majority of our 30+ academic, research and support staff are native speakers of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese.

• Linguistic expertise – you will be taught by leading researchers in the field, with real-world linguistic experience, including the identification of notorious criminals in Forensic Linguistics and research on Greater Manchester’s regional accents as part of the ‘Manchester Voices’ project.

• You will have access to study spaces to practise and interact with languages students from across the programme. We also have a social space for language learners to set up informal language conversation clubs and exchanges.

• Research expertise – academic staff with research into languages specialisms such as the Film, Languages and Media in Education (FLAME): a pioneering research group dedicated to the development of research and knowledge exchange activity in the areas of languages, film and media.

• You will spend your third year abroad in France, allowing you to develop your language skills and immerse yourself in the culture.