Future Students

French

The French program offers units aimed at developing competence in French language, both spoken and written, French culture, and literature.

We have developed a flexible, multi-streamed course catering for beginners, TEE students and those with a background in French. 

From the simple joy of being able to order a bottle of red wine in a French restaurant to taking part in the annual French play at UWA, studying French prepares for that and so much more.

French can be studied as a major within the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Arts (European Studies) or the Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies). This includes combined courses which include these degrees.

It is also possible to study a Diploma of Modern Languages concurrently with UWA undergraduate courses that do not otherwise allow language study. If you would like to study a Diploma of Modern Languages you must meet the University's entry requirements for the degree you plan to study. After being admitted to the Faculty concerned you may then apply to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for entry to the Diploma with the approval of your home Faculty.

To study French at UWA you should have an interest in learning an important world language of commerce, education, research and culture. Students are encouraged to participate in our exchange programs at the Universities of Strasbourg or Reunion for a semester or a year.

Level 1
FRENCH FOR BEGINNERS is an interesting and challenging course for students who have little or no French. Through grammar classes and tutorials, you move towards a mastery of the main structures of French language, at the same time developing skills in aural comprehension and oral expression. By the end of level one you are able to comprehend authentic texts.

POST-TEE FRENCH includes both language and cultural studies. Opportunity is provided for practice of all language skills in class. The cultural studies course aims to introduce you to contemporary French life and literature. Lectures are delivered in French and essays are written in French. Tutorials are in French as far as possible.

NATIVE OR NEAR-NATIVE FRENCH allows students who are already native or near-native speakers to pass into the level two post-TEE stream. This accelerated beginning provides a challenging programme in language and cultural studies for students with a strong background in French.

Level 2 and 3
In the second and third levels of French Studies you will continue to develop your language skills and have a choice of elective subjects in the areas of literature and cultural studies. The literature units cover major French writers from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, as well as Francophone literature (from French-speaking Africa and the Caribbean), and French in the Middle Ages. The cultural studies units cover contemporary French society and professional life, as well as popular culture and film.

Career opportunities

A degree in a foreign language can lead to employment with the Education Department or in private schools. Careers in interpreting and translating are also possible, as well as a range of careers in the travel and hospitality industries, publishing, theatre, commerce and international relations. Graduates are also eligible to compete for positions in the Public Service, or train as teachers for primary or secondary schools, in which graduates are required.