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MH101 - French
Go to Course - Bachelor Of ArtsOverview
Whether you’re a beginner or at non-beginner level, you’ll enjoy studying French in Maynooth University’s friendly and supportive learning environment.
For non-beginners, a minimum Leaving Certificate French grade of H4 (or equivalent) is recommended.
A strong French tradition
Our long tradition of teaching the French language, literature and culture is a real benefit to you. French has been taught on this campus since 1795, when the Royal College of St Patrick was founded.
If you’re in the non-beginner stream, much of your teaching takes place through French, helping you fully immerse yourself in the language.
Excel in a world language
This degree gives you a solid foundation in all aspects of the French language.
We do this through core modules in:
- French grammar
- oral expression
- writing in French
- listening skills
Spoken by 300 million people across the world, your skills and competency in this modern European and world language will flourish.
Study abroad
All students of French can choose to spend the third year of their degree programme in a French-speaking country.
This might involve:
- studying at a university in France (Erasmus programme)
- assisting with English classes at a French school (English Language Assistant programme – subject to availability)
- Erasmus internship/placement (subject to availability)
Your year abroad can be recognised as part of your studies, converting your degree into a 4-year BA International.
Thinking of a teaching career?
If you’re considering teaching, the Teaching Council of Ireland requires French teachers to have lived in a French-speaking country — we recommend at least 3 months.
Subject Structure
You will engage with a wide range of texts, learning to recognise and analyse key features.
First year
- Either 15 credits of French (if you studied French in school to the recommended H4 Leaving Certificate or equivalent level) or 30 credits of French (if you are a beginner)
- Non-beginners are strongly recommended to take Language and Culture as a subject in 1st year and to select the modules on French Language and Culture. This is especially important if you are hoping to take French on to degree level
- Choose 2 or 3 other subjects, which may include Critical Skills, from the available groups (maximum 1 subject per group)
Second year and Final year
- French is taken with another subject in 2nd and 3rd year as part of a Double Major or as a Minor
Or
- Transfer option in 2nd year - into the MH409 BBA Business and Languages degree - for students who have completed the first year of the BA degree (MH101) taking at least 15 credits of a Business subject and achieving at least 40% in 30 credits of beginners/15 credits of non-beginner French
- Transfer option in 2nd year - into the MH503 BCL (Law and Languages) degree - for students who have completed the first year of the BA degree (MH101) passing 30 credits of Law and achieving at least 40% in the 15 credit non-beginner French subject
- All students of French Studies have the opportunity to spend the third year of their degree programme in a French-speaking country. This might involve:
- studying at a university in France (Erasmus programme)
- assisting with English classes at a French school (ELA programme - subject to availability)
- Erasmus internship/placement (subject to availability)
Students who avail of the Year Abroad can have this year recognised as part of their studies and thus convert their degree.
MH101
- Optional 10 credit Elective in second year.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Entry requirements
Leaving Certificate applicants
Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language.
H4 French recommended to study French at non-beginner level. No minimum French grade required to study French at beginner level.
If taking up French as a beginner, it is advisable to attend all lectures from the first week of term.
HEAR and DARE
DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.
HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.
The Maynooth Education
Learn more about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.
Postgraduate
Some graduates proceed into postgraduate study and the MU School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers a range of options.
Visit the French Studies website for more information about postgraduate options.
Careers
Language skills are increasingly essential in the modern world and a language degree can greatly enhance graduates’ employability.
Our graduates have progressed into a wide range of careers including:
- the diplomatic service
- law
- development work with NGOs (nongovernmental organisations)
- education
- publishing
- working with EU institutions
- translation and interpreting
- banking and business
- international trade
- communications
- tourism
Multinational companies, many of whom have bases in Ireland, often stress the importance of finding graduates who are not only fluent in languages but who have the intercultural competence to deal with colleagues and customers in an increasingly globalised world.