French and Portuguese, 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 take core language modules in your first year, consolidating your French skills and developing your knowledge of Portuguese. You'll also take one of our Cornerstone modules to help you make connections between your two subjects, and have the choice of trying one of the many other languages we offer.

From that knowledge base, you'll spend most of the following year improving your skills in both languages. You'll also choose from optional modules covering the cultural, political and historical contexts of Francophone and Lusophone societies - Caribbean culture in French, Portuguese literature, modern Latin American history and Lusophone cinema are just some of the topics you could explore.

All of this will prepare you for your residence abroad - you'll spend a term in Year 2 and the whole of the following year in a Francophone and a Lusophone country in order to gain first-hand experience of life in another culture.

When you return to Leeds, you'll take advanced language classes in your final year and choose from an even wider range of optional modules, including skills like translating and interpreting. You'll also apply the skills you've gained to an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice.

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: ABB including A in French.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in French and Portuguese allows you to communicate with people in a number of major global economies. In itself, that will open doors to a wide range of career paths.

    You'll also have valuable transferable skills that appeal to employers, such as presentation, critical, research and analytical skills. You'll also be confident working independently or in a team, and spending time abroad will show that you are adaptable and resilient. Because you've juggled two subjects, you'll have good organisational skills.

    Graduates have succeeded in a range of careers. They've gone into the creative industries, business and finance, education, journalism, law, publishing and the charity sector. Others have pursued language-based roles in translating or interpreting, or progressed to 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 a term of Year 2 and the whole of the following year in Francophone and Lusophone countries. It's the perfect opportunity to surround yourself with another culture while sharpening and refining your language skills every day. For many of our students, it's the highlight of their degree.

    You'll spend a year in one country and a term in the other, but it's up to you where you spend the longer period. On your term abroad you can complete a work placement or study at a partner university. In the year-long residence, you can also decide to teach English. Whatever you decide, you'll gain a new perspective and valuable work experience.

    Read more about French Residence Abroad

    Read more about Portuguese Residence Abroad