French Studies and English Literature Lancaster University

Our French Studies and English Literature degree at Lancaster immerses you in a dynamic exploration of two complementary disciplines, bridging cultures through language and literature.

In your study of English Literature, you’ll read the greats as well as the voices that history has overlooked. You’ll read widely, closely, and deeply, experiencing literature in a host of new and immersive ways.

You’ll graduate with expertise in the French language alongside in-depth cultural knowledge and practical experience.

Why choose French Studies and English Literature at Lancaster?

• Expand your horizons and gain insight into the literature and culture of both French and English-speaking worlds

• Study a wide range of genres from both ancient and modern literatures

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

• Explore important global issues and how they interact with the French-speaking world such as environmental challenges and climate change, politics, health and human rights

• Develop your own critical-critical) voice

• Be part of Literary Lancaster - a vibrant community of critics and writers

What will I study In English Literature?

Literary study at Lancaster offers a rich engagement with the very best of literature from classical and medieval to the modern and contemporary. You will have the chance to study all the great names, as well as voices that have been forgotten or overlooked.

We are pioneers in experimental or creative forms of literary criticism, as well as encouraging established forms of literary scholarship, such as archival work, historicism, close reading, and literary theory.

At Lancaster, studying English Literature is not just an academic pursuit – it is also an opportunity to connect with history, culture, and the many ways literature shapes our world. We believe that reading is not passive but active. It is something that acts upon both the texts that we read and the world in which we live.

To enhance your experience, we run many special literary events, often in spectacular locations such as Lancaster’s medieval Castle, the awe-inspiring Priory, or the archive-rich Wordsworth Grasmere in the nearby Lake District. These events develop a sense of community and help you to establish friendships through your studies.

How is French Studies taught at Lancaster?

Your journey to language proficiency and exploring the French-speaking world starts here. Studying French at Lancaster 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. 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.

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.

What opportunities are there outside the course?

There are many opportunities to develop experience and enhance your career prospects in English Literature. If you are interested in writing, publishing, and editing you could choose to get involved in one of our four student-run literary journals: Cake, Flash, Lux and Errant.

You might get involved in organising, marketing and hosting some of our literary events. You could also volunteer to help at Litfest, Lancaster’s annual literature festival which attracts well-known authors from around the world (including some of our own author-tutors).

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

ABB. 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 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 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

DDM 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 BB 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

32 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.