French and Philosophy

UCAS code: RV15

Here's what University of Nottingham says about its French and Philosophy course.

Do you dream of learning French, spending time in the Francophone world and getting to grips with the diverse cultures of various French-speaking countries? Yet, are you also driven by a curiosity to better understand society and make sense of your place in the world?

If your answer to these two questions is yes, then this is the degree for you. The departments of French and Philosophy allow you to develop understanding and skills in these two highly complementary subjects.

With Philosophy modules ranging from ‘Gender, Justice and Society’ to ‘Mind and Consciousness’ and French modules taking you from ‘Enlightenment Literature’ to ‘Sociolinguistics’ – you’re able to truly personalise this degree around your personal interests or career aspirations.

Many of our students say the year abroad is their course highlight. Not only do you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the French language and culture, but spending time abroad can make you more independent and confident. Taking yourself out of your comfort zone won’t only benefit your degree, it’ll shape the person you are to become. .

Your year one French modules will depend on your entry level - beginners' or post-A level. As a beginner all your language modules will be core this year. If you are taking French post-A level you will take 40 credits of compulsory core modules. You will also choose further 20 credits of optional modules focusing on French history or contemporary France.

In philosophy your core modules will introduce you to philosophical study at university level, and guide you through principles of good reasoning, argumentation, and writing.

If you started French as a beginner, in year two you will continue to work intensively on key skills in the French language in preparation for the year abroad. You will also take a core Introduction to French and Francophone Studies module. If you started at post-A level, you will consolidate your knowledge of French in preparation for your year abroad. You will also choose from a range of modules in French and Francophone literature, culture and society, history, politics, linguistics and film.

Your year two philosophy modules typically cover social issues, the mind, ethics, freedom, Asian philosophy, the nature of reality, meaning, and understanding science.

You will spend your third academic year in France or a Francophone country either on a programme of studies in a higher education institution, working as an assistant in a school or on a work placement.

Your final year is back in Nottingham.

Whether you started French with us as a beginner or post-A level, you will take the same core language module. You will develop your command of French to a high level and use it in increasingly sophisticated contexts. You will also study optional modules drawn from the areas of literature, culture and society, history, politics, visual culture and linguistics.

Your final year philosophy modules will reflect the research expertise of members of staff in the department, including in criminal law, ethics, logic, metaphysics, Buddhist philosophy and advanced topics in the philosophies of art, mind, science, and social philosophy.

Although French and Philosophy are taught separately you may choose a uniting theme for your final-year dissertation.