Undergraduate French Studies (BA) | UBC FHIS

Expand your horizons and gain an appreciation for Francophone language, literatures and cultures around the world through our Major, Honours, and Minor programs in French Studies at UBC Vancouver—taught in French.

As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and one of Canada’s official languages, speaking French opens many doors both professionally and personally. Across Canada, French language skills are an asset when applying for federal public sector jobs and are a necessity for advancing to higher-ranking positions. The language also offers access to great works of literature, art, music, dance, fashion, cuisine, and cinema.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a native speaker, you will find a rich selection of French language and literature courses that are appropriate to your level and interests.

View the French version of this webpage.

Curriculum Change

The former French Major, Minor and Honours programs have now been replaced by two new streams of specialization:

French Language, Literatures and Cultures: available as a Minor, Major, or Honours program for students with intermediate or advanced proficiency in French
French Language: available as a Minor program for students with beginner proficiency in French

Learn more about the new requirements by clicking on the cards below.

Program overview

The French major, honours, and minor programs—taught in French—are designed to enhance students’ active communication skills and develop their appreciation of Francophone culture and literature, including those in Canada, France, Africa, and the Caribbean.

After developing French language proficiency for practical uses such as traveling, students can progress to exploring French literature and the evolution of the language as it emerges from Latin and invents itself as an independent language.

Modern French cultures offer vibrant literature and distinct societies in Quebec, Manitoba, Louisiana, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and in France’s overseas regions, among others.

A French degree teaches 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.

Determining your entrance level

Specialization in Language, Literatures and Cultures:

Designed for students with intermediate or higher fluency in French language (CEFR B1 level or higher) who are interested in developing their appreciation for Francophone literatures and cultures around the world.

Major

Honours

Minor

Specialization in Language:

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.