French Studies (Graduate Diploma)

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom, London

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Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesOctober-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 13,900 / year

Next Intake October-2026

French Studies (Graduate Diploma)

About

Course Overview

Our Graduate Diploma in French Studies is ideal if you are keen to study French language, literature and culture at an advanced level. It will help you become a proficient French speaker with a critical appreciation of the literature and cultural history of France and the French-speaking world from the Enlightenment to the present day.

Why choose this course?

You will be taught by specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence that prides itself on research-led teaching.
It offers you the chance to attend numerous workshops, public lectures and conferences organised by our affiliated research centres such as the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies.
If you have a degree in another subject or have taken a break from studying, this course will improve your written French and develop your research and study skills to prepare you for a master's degree in French or comparative studies.
It is also ideal if you are a teacher wishing to refresh and deepen your knowledge but you are not quite ready to undertake a full MA.

What you will learn

This qualification will prepare you for postgraduate study and allow you to pursue a personal or intellectual ambition. You will gain a high level of proficiency in French language and develop your understanding of French culture by choosing option modules from a diverse and challenging syllabus, exploring French literature and culture through a range of different periods, from the eighteenth century to today.

You can also choose one of our cross-cultural modules, allowing you to analyse comparative themes across linguistic, cultural and historical contexts. At the same time, you will master transferable skills such as essay writing, oral presentations and written reports, critical and logical thinking, and translating.

How you will learn

Teaching takes place in small-group seminars giving you plenty of opportunities to participate actively and interact with your peers and our experienced tutors, who are experts in their fields. Language teaching is delivered in French, allowing you full immersion in the language.

This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening allowing you the flexibility to combine studying your Graduate Diploma with other commitments, such as work and family.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking French Studies (Graduate Diploma) (Graduate Diploma).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Normally a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a subject other than French studies or modern languages.

Language skills in French equivalent to A-level plus one year (also equivalent to a pass in French 3).

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

English Program Requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

Career

On successfully graduating from this Graduate Diploma in French Studies, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

enhanced intercultural awareness, especially in relation to the French-speaking world
critical thinking
advanced communication skills in both English and French
time management and organisation.

Graduates can pursue career paths in the Civil Service, international organisations or businesses, translating and teaching, research and journalism. Possible professions include:

translator
secondary school teacher
researcher
journalist
diplomatic services operational officer
interpreter.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.