History and French

History and French is a combination that works particularly well because France occupies a uniquely important place in the history of Europe and of the modern world. The French Revolution, the Enlightenment, the two world wars, decolonisation and the construction of the European Union have all been shaped decisively by events in France and by French political, cultural and philosophical thinking. Studying French language and culture alongside history gives you a depth of engagement with both the textual and the linguistic dimensions of that past, while also equipping you with a genuinely useful modern language.

At the University of Manchester, this four-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year with work placement opportunities, giving you sustained professional experience in addition to your academic studies. Manchester's history and modern languages departments are both well regarded, and the city's proximity to major archives, cultural institutions and a large French-speaking professional community gives the programme a rich environment. The typical entry tariff is around 168 UCAS points.

You will study history across periods, themes and regions, developing your skills in primary source analysis, historiographical debate and historical writing alongside the language work. The French component will develop your proficiency in speaking, writing and reading French to a high level, and you will engage with French literature, cinema, society and culture as well as the history of France and its colonies. The two disciplines will sometimes intersect directly, giving you the opportunity to read historical documents and literary texts in the original French.

Graduates of history and French programmes are well prepared for careers in which both analytical rigour and language ability are assets. International organisations, diplomatic service, European law, publishing, journalism, public policy, archival work and education are all common destinations. The work placement provides professional experience that helps graduates compete in graduate labour markets.

Many also use the French language in roles in business, finance and the creative industries with connections to French-speaking countries. Postgraduate study in history, French studies, translation, European studies or international relations is a natural continuation.