BA English and French at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

English and French explores Anglophone and Francophone literatures and language, from Anglo-Saxon writing to contemporary Irish, British, French and postcolonial literatures. Language modules in both languages cover structure, everyday use including in the media, and historical influences. Students use a multimedia Language Centre with translation software (including SDL Trados) and the Seamus Heaney Centre, and complete a French year abroad.

Department: School of Arts, English and Languages | Duration: 4 years full-time (compulsory year abroad in year 3) | Intake: Academic year 2027/28 (UCAS) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules include English in Transition, Issues in Contemporary Fiction: Gender, Race, Ecology and Introduction to English Language (20 credits each), plus French 1 (40 credits) for post-A-level entrants or Beginners French Studies (Post GCSE Level, 40 credits), with an optional module Beyond the Hexagon: French language, politics and culture in a global frame (20 credits).

Career pathways

Students may take work or study placements through the French Year Abroad; Students can progress to cognate postgraduate study such as MA English Literary Studies, MA Poetry, MA Creative Writing, MSc Software Development (conversion), MLaw (conversion) or a PGCE, or the MRes in Arts and Humanities. Queen's Degree Plus award accredits extra-curricular skills.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A level (post-A-level French route): ABB including A-level English and French (AS French grade B acceptable in lieu of A-level French; AS English grade A acceptable in lieu of A-level English). Beginners French route: ABB including A-level English plus GCSE French grade B or GCSE grade B/6 in another modern language (not English Language); not available to those who have studied A-level or AS French. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate counts in the portfolio (Distinction* = A, Distinction = B). Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H3 in English; advanced French option needs Higher Level H3 in French, beginners option needs Ordinary Level O3 in French or another modern language. International Baccalaureate: 33 points including 6 in French, 6 in English and 5 at Higher Level. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 Honours degree. Access courses, BTEC Extended Diplomas and HNC/HND considered if subject requirements are met. Offers are normally based on three A-levels; candidates are not normally interviewed. Typically five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above including English Language (last year's intake); GCSE English Language grade C/4 required. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate for 2027/28 entry. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time (compulsory year abroad in year 3)

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