French

By studying French at St Andrews, you will explore all the debates, contradictions and extraordinary creativity that characterise contemporary France and the French-speaking world. 

Develop a high level of competency in language skills alongside cultural awareness and other crucial transferable skills. Learn from native speakers and specialists in French studies, who cover francophone identity and culture from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Marseille, Cathédrale de la Major by Jddmano

Undergraduate

Postgraduate taught

Postgraduate research

The School of Modern Languages offers PhD, MPhil, and MSt (Res) research programmes. Research interests in the School cover many aspects of language studies, including: 

  • literature 
  • linguistics 
  • cinema 
  • history 
  • gender 
  • identity issues. 

To apply, you should first identify and contact a potential supervisor you would like to work with in your intended research area. Find out how to contact a research supervisor.

“My teachers are so kind and knowledgeable – it's great to be taught by people who are so enthusiastic about their subject. The best part of my degree has been my year abroad in Perpignan where I made fantastic friends, ate lots of pastries, and put my learning into practice. St Andrews has sparked my love of languages, and given me so many wonderful opportunities – merci beaucoup!"

Talia
- Inverness-shire, Scotland

Awards

First in Scotland and second in the UK for languages and linguistics

Guardian University Guide 2023

First in Scotland and fourth in the UK for French

The Complete University Guide 2023

83% of research activity rated 3* or 4*

Most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)