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Welcome to French

French is one of the world’s international languages. France is one of the world’s important nations. And Paris is one of the world’s favourite cities. No wonder Canterbury’s long-established French programme is still running!

Our largest courses are language-acquisition courses, at several different levels, all intended to develop your skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening to French.

We encourage students also to take “French Studies” courses, which treat aspects of France’s fascinating and influential culture, past and present — plus some topics in Francophone culture. Most of these courses expect you to read materials in French. Some of them, however, operate solely in English.

Knowing French can be an asset in many fields of study, and in many parts of the world (including some of our Pacific neighbours). Majoring in French can lead to careers in many word-focused professions — journalism, education, trade, diplomacy, tourism, communications, the arts, law and commerce.

The French programme has two permanent academic staff and one senior tutor. They teach and research in literary criticism, language acquisition and linguistics. They participate in the administration of the School of Languages and Cultures and the wider university. Some staff teach in inter-disciplinary courses. Native speakers of French are employed on a part-time basis as tutors.

Why learn French? Read all about it on the website: I love French, hosted by the Embassy of France in Wellington.

Announcement - Study abroad at the University of La Rochelle

Monday 22 April 2013:
Peter Rawlingson, the Exchange Coordinator at the University of La Rochelle in France, will present an information session about this exciting study abroad option. He will also be available to meet individually with students who are interested in this exchange. UC's International Office staff and the French Subject Coordinator will also be present at the Information Session to answer any queries.
Details >> (PDF, 64KB)

Qualifications offered

BA Major (see full regulations)	In order to qualify for the degree of B.A., a student must pass courses with a total value of at least 360 points. A minimum of 215 of the required 360 points must be for courses coded above the 100 level and at least 90 points must be for courses at 300 level. Students intending to complete the BA with a major in French must be credited with at least 135 points in French (not including ARTS 395) of which at least 105 points must be at 200-level or above, and at least 60 points of 300-level French including FREN 301 (not including ARTS 395). A B average at 300-level is normally required for entry to honours. Note: EULC 101 and 104 may be counted as French courses.
BA Minor (see full regulations)	Students intending to complete the BA with a minor in French must be credited with at least 75 points in French (not including ARTS 395) which must include at least 45 points at 200-level or above.
DipFrenLang (see full regulations)	Students who are intending to major in a different subject while continuing their language studies are strongly encouraged to consider enrolling for a Diploma in French Language. This will give them an added qualification without the need to take many extra courses. Candidates must complete courses with a minimum total of 120 points, with at least 75 points for courses above 100-level. Prerequisites may be waived where this is appropriate to account for prior learning or experience. No credit is given towards the diploma for such prior learning. The diploma normally includes courses at 100, 200 and 300-level in a single language. Courses selected will, however, be appropriate to the candidate’s previous learning and experience. Candidates may include up to 45 points in non-language courses from the French schedule (subject to the approval of the Programme Director and the Dean).
BA(Hons) MA PhD	Please see the postgraduate pages on the French web site.
CertArts GradDipArts	Please see the University CertArts and GradDipArts regulations.

Recommended background

The language courses cater for total beginners as well as those with some prior knowledge of the language.

Complete Beginners	If you know no French language, you should start with FREN 121. If you have some knowledge of French, you will be placed in the course which best suits your skills. Note: It is not possible to credit FREN 121 and FREN 122 towards a major in French.
Students with NCEA Level 3	Students who have NCEA level French below Level 3 will automatically be enrolled in FREN 122. If you have 24 credits at Level 3 you will be automatically enrolled in FREN 123. If you have achieved Excellence or Merit at Level 3, you will be automatically enrolled in FREN 124. Direct entry to FREN 201 may be possible for students who pass a Placement Test.
Placement tests	Students who have reason to believe their French levels might qualify them for direct access to FREN 201 should contact the Subject Coordinator to arrange to take a Placement test online (no studies are required).

Career opportunities

Because French, as a discipline, extends well beyond the learning of the language itself, it should not be thought of merely as vocational training for teaching, diplomacy, foreign trade or the tourist industry. Graduates of French take up a wide range of occupations, from the public service to banking or journalism.