Modern Languages, Communication and Cultures with French

Modern languages, communication and cultures with French is a degree that takes language study beyond the acquisition of communicative competency to encompass the full cultural, literary and communicative dimensions of the French-speaking world. Language at degree level means engaging with how French is used across contexts, registers and media, from literary texts and films to professional communication and political discourse. Communication as a discipline adds the analytical frameworks for understanding how messages are constructed, how meaning is made in different cultural contexts, and how communication practices shape identities and institutions.

Cultures completes the picture by examining the history, arts, politics and social life of French-speaking societies.

At Heriot-Watt University you will study modern languages, communication and cultures with French over four years of full-time study, on a programme that takes you from your entry level of French through to a proficient standard across listening, speaking, reading and writing. The programme is ranked second in Scotland by the National Student Survey for student satisfaction, reflecting the quality of teaching and support available. A sandwich year and the opportunity for a year abroad are built into the programme, and work placement is integrated throughout, connecting your linguistic and cultural development to professional contexts.

The typical tariff of 168 reflects the academic demands of a programme that combines linguistic rigour with cultural and communicative breadth.

Graduates work in translation and interpreting, international business, diplomacy, the civil service, education, journalism, publishing, cultural organisations, the European institutions and a wide range of roles where genuine French language proficiency and cultural understanding are valued. Heriot-Watt's connections to industry and the international reputation of its language programmes support strong graduate employability. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in translation, applied linguistics, international business or area studies, and the combination of French language competency, communication theory and cultural knowledge is a genuinely versatile and valued graduate profile.