English and French, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

In your first year you'll study core modules that consolidate your French language skills and allow you to explore different areas of English literature. You'll also study a Cornerstone module that connects your two subjects and build a good knowledge base to prepare you for your second year.

At this point, you'll choose key periods in English literary history to explore in-depth, as well as choosing from an array of optional modules in both English and French. You could study post-apartheid narratives, Romantic poetry, world theatre or the digital humanities, as well as French cinema or Francophone Africa.

Throughout the year, you'll be preparing to spend your third year abroad, where you'll have the chance to refine your language skills and immerse yourself in a Francophone culture.

When you return, you'll have a new perspective to bring to your studies, which will include advanced language classes and the chance to explore topics such as American or postcolonial literature. You'll also choose from an even wider selection of optional modules in both subjects and apply your critical skills to an independently researched dissertation.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB including A in English and A in French excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in English and French gives you expertise in a foreign language alongside a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers.

    You'll have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and you'll be a critical thinker who can work independently or in a team. Your year abroad will have demonstrated that you are adaptable and resilient, and you'll be able to research and analyse complex information.

    As a result, graduates have gone onto work in the creative industries, civil service, education, business and finance, publishing, journalism and the charity sector in the UK and beyond. Others have pursued language-based roles such as translating or interpreting, or pursued further training in these fields.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    You'll spend your third year in France or another Francophone country, immersing yourself in local culture and cultivating your language skills.

    We have partnerships with a number of French or Francophone universities where you could study, or you could undertake a work placement. You could even work as a language assistant in a school under the British Council's programme.

    Whatever you choose to do, you'll gain a new insight into a French-speaking society as well as valuable experience of adapting to another culture. If you choose to work during your time abroad, you'll also return with work experience to increase your appeal to employers. For many of our students, it's the real highlight of their course.

    Read more about Residence Abroad in French