French

Where can I study French?

• The University of Queensland

Why study French?

French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world with more than 220 million French speakers worldwide. The use of French extends into all corners of the globe with French spoken in 53 countries including France, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Martinique, Mauritius, Monaco, New Caledonia, the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Vanuatu. No matter what career you end up in you will be working in a global economy in which a knowledge of French will always be an advantage.

It is one of the major diplomatic languages of the world and it is used as one of the official or administrative languages in many organisations such as the European Union, the IOC and the United Nations.

As well as a cherished linguistic heritage, the French prize their extremely rich cultural history. In all cultural domains, the French have consistently produced some of the most renowned names in the entire world. Another obvious reason to study French, therefore, is to gain a knowledge and appreciation of this rich linguistic and cultural legacy or even to experience it first-hand!

Learning any language improves many other skills that will serve you well in your future career. The very nature of learning a language means that you will develop better communication skills, better listening skills and you will learn how to work effectively in a group towards common goals.

Course Information

Find information about UQ’s French courses here.

UQ’s French teaching staff realise that language cannot be separated from the culture which produces that language, so you will learn much more than just French. UQ strongly emphasise the link between culture and language so whilst doing French at The University of Queensland you will be developing many other transferable skills, such as increased intercultural understanding and communication, analytical skills and, due to the very nature of the culture that informs all that we study, a sense of the need for reflection in all actions. You will be taught by academics with research expertise in literature, film, cultural studies, philosophy, intercultural communication, computer assisted language learning and more.

Students can commence their studies in French at a number of different levels depending on your prior knowledge: beginners, intermediate, advanced and accelerated.

Depending on the program you are enrolled in you can study French courses as electives or complete a minor, secondary major (QUT), major or extended major.