French and History, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you'll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

You'll spend your first year taking core modules that introduce you to historical research methods and historiography, as well as building your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in French. You'll also choose one of our Cornerstone modules to help bring your two subjects together.

From this foundation, you can begin to explore your interests more deeply the following year - you'll choose from modules on topics such as politics and society in post-war France, African and Caribbean culture in French and history topics from the Crusades to black politics and the Meiji Restoration in Japan. However, you'll also continue to develop your language skills as you prepare to spend your third year in a Francophone country.

When you return to Leeds, you'll have a new appreciation of a different culture as well as improved language skills. You'll hone these in advanced language classes and benefit from optional modules including translation studies and interpreting. In history, you'll be able to focus on a specific topic in depth when you select a special subject from a range that reflects the diverse research interests of the School of History.

An independently researched dissertation or long essay will then give you the chance to demonstrate the cultural, critical and research skills you've gained throughout your degree.

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 French and A in History excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in French and History gives you fluency in a major world language and an in-depth knowledge of British, European and world history. It will also equip you with important transferable skills that employers actively seek.

    You'll be a strong communicator, who can think critically about information from a range of sources and then draw your own conclusions. You'll be confident working independently or in a team and have good organisational and time management skills. Spending a year abroad will demonstrate that you are self-reliant and adaptable. In addition, studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to become intellectually versatile as you switch between different disciplines.

    Graduates have gone into careers in diverse industries, within the UK and elsewhere. These include charity work, journalism, law, publishing, education, the creative industries, business and finance. Others have used their language skills in roles such as translating or interpreting, or pursued further training in these areas.

    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 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 there, you'll also return with work experience to help you stand out to employers. For many of our students, it's the real highlight of their course.

    Read more about Residence Abroad in French