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Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about French.
View full program detailsProgram information
Enhance your spoken and written French skills as you study literature, culture, and linguistics. You’ll take courses that range from African and Caribbean literature to Quebecois literature, from fiction to cinema, and much more.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Faculty
- Faculty of Arts
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- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
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What you'll learn
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a native speaker, you’ll find a rich selection of language and literature courses that will fit your level and interests. The major, minor, and honours in French Language, Literatures and Cultures are designed for students with intermediate or higher fluency in French language, who are interested in developing an appreciation for Francophone literatures and cultures around the world. The minor in French Language is designed for students with limited or no background in French, who are interested in developing a high level of communicative ability in French language for use in professional and academic contexts.
After developing your French language proficiency for practical uses such as travelling, you can explore French literature and the progression of the language as it evolved from Latin in the years of complex life in Medieval France. Modern French cultures offer vibrant literature and distinct societies in Québec, Manitoba, Louisiana, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and in France’s overseas regions, among others.
A French degree will teach you about connection, communication, and community. It often pairs well with majors or minors in other languages, or with subjects such as Political Science, International Relations, History, Canadian Studies, Linguistics, Arts, Film Studies, Music, and more.|Go Global allows you to study abroad, bringing course content to life with hands-on learning. You can experience French language and culture by immersing yourself in a French-speaking country or province for several weeks. UBC has study exchange agreements with several universities in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Québec.|UBC’s world-class library has exceptional holdings in French and Québécois literature, as well as works on the history of the French language and dialectology, which are among the best in Canada. Among others, it has:
- Collections of French literature throughout history, particularly the 18th century and modern Québécois literature.
- A French Revolution Collection of original pamphlets from the era, exploring the start of the French Revolution in 1789, the political power of the printing press, the Revolution as portrayed on the stage and in music of the time, and the final days of King Louis XVI.
Experiential learning and research
Go Global allows you to study abroad, bringing course content to life with hands-on learning. You can experience French language and culture by immersing yourself in a French-speaking country or province for several weeks. UBC has study exchange agreements with several universities in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Québec.
Campus features
UBC’s world-class library has exceptional holdings in French and Québécois literature, as well as works on the history of the French language and dialectology, which are among the best in Canada. Among others, it has:
- Collections of French literature throughout history, particularly the 18th century and modern Québécois literature.
- A French Revolution Collection of original pamphlets from the era, exploring the start of the French Revolution in 1789, the political power of the printing press, the Revolution as portrayed on the stage and in music of the time, and the final days of King Louis XVI.
Program advantages
Join 200 million French speakers worldwide by speaking one of the principal languages of diplomacy, especially in Canada. Gain access to great works of French literature, art, cinema, music, fashion, and cuisine. Explore Francophone culture and literature around the world—from Quebec to the Caribbean, and more.
Most popular courses
Exploration of early French culture and literature from the Middle Ages to the close of the Early Modern period and the French Revolution; the impact of society on the arts and vice versa.
Refinement of reading, writing and speaking skills through the study of contemporary literature and other authentic documents of the French-speaking world. This course is aligned with level B1 objectives of the CEFR
A survey of basic terminology, methods, problems, and theoretical trends in French linguistics, specifically designed to provide students with a foundation for advanced language study in French
Aesthetic and ideological trends of eighteenth-century French literature in their historical context
Outcomes
Many graduates will find careers as French language teachers in the K-12 school system. Others will work in university teaching and administration positions, translation companies, bilingual federal and provincial administrations, tourism, radio and television, libraries, and many companies across Canada and internationally.
You will develop transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of contexts, including language proficiency, cultural awareness, international and intercultural know-how, critical thinking and problem solving, research skills, and communication skills.
Program graduates
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about French.
View full program details