French Studies and Computing Lancaster University

Explore the stimulating intersections between computer science and language. This interdisciplinary programme caters to versatile interests, fosters adaptability and opens doors to a wide range of rewarding careers.

You’ll explore the full breadth of computer science and its possibilities from AI to cyber security and digital health. You’ll also gain expertise in the French language alongside in-depth cultural knowledge, meaning you will graduate with a uniquely versatile skill set for an increasingly interconnected digital world.

Why choose French Studies and Computing at Lancaster?

• Benefit from hands-on experience with a range of software development, design tools and programming languages used across different industries

• Take part in student-led groups such as LU Hack, who practice safe (and legal!) hacking, FemTech and the Computer Science Society

• Follow a progressional ladder on an internationally recognised scale entering either from beginners or intermediate level and progressing to being proficient in French

• 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

• Gain insight into the challenges faced by a range of industries by tackling real-world scenarios

What makes studying Computer Science at Lancaster interesting?

There has never been a more exciting time to study computer science. Digital technologies impact every part of our lives. Computer Scientists are essential for addressing the challenges that will impact our digital future such as AI, cyber security, and software development.

On this course you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles in computer science and learn how they are applied. You will explore a set of key themes such as software development, digital hardware, the fundamental underpinnings of computer science and cyber-security. Real world scenarios will give you insight into the challenges faced by a range of industries.

Building on this grounding, you will be able to specialise your studies into areas that interest you most.

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.

Your language learning will be further enriched by cultural studies, covering film, 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

Mathematics grade 6/B, 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.