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French Studies
Diploma in LanguagesSpecialisation (formal)Year: 2025
French Studies
Contact information
Coordinator
Dr Bertrand Bourgeois
Email: bbo@unimelb.edu.au
Currently enrolled students:
Future students:
Overview
The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in French Studies while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne. The Diploma consists of a three-year sequence of first-, second- and third-year language study and may add up to one year to the duration of the student’s degree course.
French Studies
The core subjects in French are organised in a progressive sequence from French 1 through to French 8. Entry and exit points are determined by the French Studies Program based on the student’s background in the language, placement testing or prerequisites. Students normally progress through the subjects in consecutive order. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers, subject to appropriate prior experience and approval from the head of the French program. Accelerated progression is possible on advice from the French Program.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who complete the Diploma in Languages (French) should be able to:
- Acquire a mastery of both oral/aural and writing/reading skills comparable to that of a student majoring in a language discipline
- Gain a basic understanding of selected aspects of the culture (or cultures) and of the society (or societies) associated with the language.
Last updated: 27 March 2025
Structure
100 credit points
The Diploma consists of a three-year sequence of first-, second- and third-year language study and may add up to one year to the duration of the student’s degree course. See the Diploma course structure for details.
A 100-point sequence is available in French Studies. Students complete a sequence of core subjects determined by their background in French and by their level of achievement. Students will have their appropriate entry point determined by the French Studies Program, based on evidence of prior language learning and/or results on a placement test as required. The remaining credit points required for the diploma are attained by the completion of elective subjects in French Studies.
The sequence is as follows for the four entry points for the diploma:
- Entry at French 1 is for students who have little or no background in the French language. Students commencing their study of French at this level range from absolute beginners to students who have completed up to two years of French study at secondary level (not including VCE or equivalent).
- Entry at French 3 is for students who have completed more than two years of French study at secondary level, including those who have achieved a VCE French study score of up to 31 (up to 4 in IB French), or equivalent.
- Entry at French 5 is for students who have achieved a VCE French study score of between 32 and 41 (5 to 6 in IB French), or equivalent.
- Entry at French 7 is for students who have achieved a VCE French study score of 42 or above (7 in IB French), or equivalent.
Students will have their appropriate entry point determined by the French Program, based on evidence of prior learning and/or results of a placement test as required. Please refer to the following link for further information:
http://arts.unimelb.edu.au/soll/resources/language-placement-testing
To obtain a specialisation in French Studies students will need to complete one of the following:
Entry Point 1
- 25 credit points of Entry Point 1 Level 1 core subjects
- 25 credit points of Entry Point 1 Level 2 core subjects
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 French electives
- 37.5 credit points of Entry Point 1 Level 3 core subjects
Entry Point 3
- 25 credit points of Entry Point 3 Level 1 core subjects
- 25 credit points of Entry Point 3 Level 2 core subjects
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 French electives
- 25 credit points of Entry Point 3 Level 3 core subjects
- 12.5 credit points of Level 3 French electives
Entry Point 5
- 25 credit points of Entry Point 5 Level 1 core subjects
- 25 credit points of Entry Point 5 Level 2 core subjects
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 French electives
- 12.5 credit points of Entry Point 5 Level 3 Core subjects
- 25 credit points of Level 3 electives
Entry Point 7
- 25 credit points of Entry Point 7 Level 1 Core subjects
- 37.5 credit points of Level 2 electives
- 12.5 credit points of Entry Point 7 Level 3 Core subjects
- 25 credit points of Level 3 electives
Students completing a French major from any Entry Point may choose one European Studies elective instead of a French Studies elective at either second or third-year level.
Subject Options
FRENCH STUDIES ENTRY POINT 1
Level 1 core subjects - Entry Point 1
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN10004 | French 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| FREN10005 | French 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 2 core subjects - Entry Point 1
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN20015 | French 3 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20017 | French 4 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20018 | Intensive French 3 and 4 | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Level 3 core subjects - Entry Point 1
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN30003 | French 5 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN30004 | French 6 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN30023 | Global French Studies | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FRENCH STUDIES ENTRY POINT 3
Level 1 core subjects - Entry Point 3
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN10001 | French 3 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN10003 | French 4 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 2 core subjects - Entry Point 3
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN20001 | French 5 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20002 | French 6 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 3 core subjects - Entry Point 3
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN30001 | French 7 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN30024 | Global French Studies (Advanced) | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FRENCH STUDIES ENTRY POINT 5
Level 1 core subjects - Entry Point 5
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN10006 | French 5 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN10007 | French 6 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 2 core subjects - Entry Point 5
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN20019 | French 7 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20023 | French 8 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 3 core subject - Entry Point 5
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN30024 | Global French Studies (Advanced) | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
FRENCH STUDIES ENTRY POINT 7
Level 1 core subjects - Entry Point 7
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN10008 | French 7 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN10009 | French 8 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 3 core subjects - Entry Point 7
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN30024 | Global French Studies (Advanced) | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ELECTIVES
Level 2 French Electives
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN20003 | Romanticism to Decadence: French Novels | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20004 | French Translation | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20007 | Immigration and Identity | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN20010 | The Rise of the Novel | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN20011 | French Cinema: The New Wave and Beyond | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20012 | French Travel Writing | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN20013 | Matters of Taste: French Eating Cultures | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20016 | French and Francophone Cultural Studies | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20020 | In the Heart of the Loire Valley | Winter Term (Off Campus) |
12.5 |
| FREN20021 | The French Pacific in a Global Context | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN20022 | From Page to Stage: French Theatre | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN20024 | The French Media: From Ink to Link | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN20025 | Global Francophone Cities | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
Level 3 French Electives
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREN30005 | Romanticism to Decadence: French Novels | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN30006 | French Translation | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN30012 | The Rise of the Novel | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN30013 | French Cinema: The New Wave and Beyond | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN30014 | French Travel Writing | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN30015 | Matters of Taste: French Eating Cultures | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN30017 | Immigration and Identity | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN30018 | In the Heart of the Loire Valley | Winter Term (Off Campus) |
12.5 |
| FREN30019 | The French Pacific in a Global Context | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN30020 | From Page to Stage: French Theatre | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN30021 | French and Francophone Cultural Studies | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FREN30025 | The French Media: From Ink to Link | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN30026 | Global Francophone Cities | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| FREN30022 | French 8 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 2 Other Electives
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| EURO20001 | Language and Society in Europe | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| EURO20003 | Memory & Memoirs of 20th Century Europe | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| EURO20005 | Screening Europe: Image and Identity | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| EURO20006 | Europe and its Others | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EURO20007 | A Taste of Europe: Melbourne Intensive | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EURO20009 | Wines of the World | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EURO20010 | Queering Europe | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 3 Other Electives
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| EURO30001 | Language and Society in Europe | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| EURO30002 | Memory & Memoirs of 20th Century Europe | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| EURO30004 | Screening Europe: Image and Identity | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| EURO30005 | Europe and its Others | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EURO30006 | A Taste of Europe: Melbourne Intensive | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EURO30008 | Wines of the World | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LANG30001 | Languages at Work | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EURO30009 | Queering Europe | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Links
http://languages-linguistics.unimelb.edu.au/
Last updated: 27 March 2025