French Studies and History Lancaster University

The historic city of Lancaster and its surrounds – from the Lake District to the Bay coastline and the Forest of Bowland – are rich in stories waiting to be discovered. Through engagement with texts and artefacts crossing continents and centuries, our interdisciplinary programme will immerse you in language, culture and history.

You will be taught by expert historians and address global challenges relating to a wide range of periods and places. Graduate with expertise in the French language alongside in-depth cultural knowledge and practical experience, opening doors to a wide range of rewarding careers.

Why choose French Studies and History at Lancaster?

• Study in historic Lancaster, a city steeped in centuries of vibrant history and culture

• Follow a progressional ladder on an internationally recognised language scale entering either from beginners or intermediate level and progressing to proficiency

• Build the skills to hunt down and analyse evidence. Hone your expertise in critical thinking and persuasive argument

• Address the challenges of our world - past, present and future, also exploring how important global issues affect the French-speaking world, such as environmental challenges and climate change, war, politics, health and human rights

• Consolidate your expertise in French by spending year three studying in a French-speaking country or gaining valuable experience through a work placement in a French language environment

What will I study in History?

Become a historian at Lancaster. You will be taught by experts in the field and learn to draw value from historical evidence, exploring a range of periods and topics, such as the relationship between humans and the environment; experiences of death in past cultures; human rights, and the histories of languages and translation.

Not all historians agree on interpretations of the past. You’ll develop skills in reading historical arguments, uncovering how historians select and present evidence and engage critically with fellow scholars. In the process, you’ll learn how to build your own arguments to engage, inform and persuade – forging essential skills as a historian, and for the workplace.

You will also have the opportunity to develop your expertise through our History Seminar Series with guest historians from across the UK, and our specialist research centres, where academics, practitioners and students across disciplines gather for public talks, conferences and training. You’ll have access to Lancaster University’s rich archival resources that include thousands of items. The student-led History Society organises trips and talks.

How is French Studies taught at Lancaster?

Your journey to language proficiency and exploring the French-speaking world starts here. You will acquire high-level language skills and gain an internationally recognised qualification modelled on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.

You’ll enter the course either as a complete beginner in French or with some initial competency. Whatever level you begin with, you will progress to becoming proficient in the language.

Your language learning will be further enriched by cultural studies, covering visual media, literature, art, and history, providing a comprehensive understanding of the societal contexts of the French-speaking world.

Spending your third year abroad in a French-speaking country makes a major contribution to your command of the language, while deepening your intercultural sensitivity. You can study at a partner university or conduct a work placement.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAB. This should include grade B in French, or if this is to be studied from beginners' level, you should have AS grade B or A level grade B in another foreign language, or GCSE grade 7/A in a foreign language.

Access to HE Diploma

Our typical entry requirement would be 36 Level 3 Credits at Distinction plus 9 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have appropriate evidence of language ability.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD accepted alongside appropriate evidence of language ability.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AB plus BTEC at D. This should include grade B in French, or if this is to be studied from beginners' level, you should have AS grade B or A level grade B in another foreign language, or GCSE grade 7/A in a foreign language.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. This should include 6 in HL French or other appropriate evidence of language learning ability.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall accepted alongside appropriate evidence of language ability.

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C. A GCSE grade 7/A in a relevant language may meet the subject requirement for this programme, if not studied to A level or equivalent.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.