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French, Master's, 2 years

The French Master’s programme aims to give a high level of knowledge in French language, literature and culture. We offer specialised courses in linguistic and literary topics.
  • TuitionFor non eu/eea citizens
  • Years2 Years
  • Grade requirementsMinimum C
  • LanguageFrench
  • ECTS120
  • StartAutumn

Main content

The French Master’s programme aims to give a high level of knowledge in French language, literature and culture. We offer specialised courses in linguistic and literary topics, and provide extensive training in oral and written use of modern French.

The supervised master’s thesis allows you to pursue in-depth investigation and analysis within your chosen area of linguistics or literary studies. The Master’s programme also aims to engage you in on-going research at the Department and to help you develop a critical and independent attitude to problems and methods of the subject disciplines.

Currently, we research how language is used to describe and explain climate change, and how our understanding of the phenomenon determines the way we act, both at a societal and at an individual level.

The Department has a strong focus on the didactics of foreign languages and is continually seeking to optimise its learning environment. We practice teaching and research across languages and disciplines, and benefit from many international students and staff members. We have an informal relationship between staff and students and you are welcome to knock on doors should you have questions.

The master’s programme seeks to cultivate a critical approach to information, and an ability to critically and creatively analyse complex issues. These abilities are fundamental to a functioning democracy.

Career

The importance of French language skills will increase, as the number of French speakers worldwide is expected to multiply manifold during the 21st century.

Fluency in French language and its cultures is of great relevance if you want to work in:

  • international organisations
  • research
  • art and education
  • media
  • commerce
  • tourism

A French master’s degree guarantees a certain amount of experience in independent research. A master’s degree implies extensive training in the interpretation and production of texts. The study of foreign languages contributes to the development of a greater capacity for intercultural communication. All these are transferrable skills, useful in a great variety of professional and social settings.

72 % of alumni with a master’s degree from the Faculty of Humanities say that they have found relevant work within two years of graduating. 

You can continue in academic research by pursuing a PhD.

Structure

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn.  

The courses can be divided into three parts: two basic courses worth 30 credits, two specialised courses worth 30 credits, and a master’s thesis worth 60 credits.

Semester 1

  • FRAN312/French Literature, H (15 ECTS., in cooperation with NTNU)
  • FRAN307/Linguistic Seminar, H (15 ECTS)

Semester 2

  • FRAN308/Literary Seminar, V (15 ECTS)
  • FRAN313/French Linguistics V (15 ECTS, in copperation with NTNU)

Semester  3 and 4  

  • FRAN350 /Master's Thesis  (60 ECTS)

Full list of courses in this study programme 

You define and plan your project with help and assistance from your supervisor. In the master's thesis you may choose to specialise in language or literature, but it is also possible to combine literary, linguistic and cultural perspectives.

There will be changes in the programme structure for students starting in the autumn of 2019. 

Student life

As a master's student of French, you get your own desk in a reading room together with the other master's students at the Department of Foreign Languages. You will meet people who are interested in areas of study related to yours and probably get a chance to practice French with native speakers. The administrative and scientific staff will welcome your questions, and you will have your own supervisor.

If you are interested in having a say in the development of your own study programme, you can represent the students by acting as a student representative in the programme committee of French, or you can arrange social and academic gatherings as part of the student council for French.

Workload

In this study programme, you have about 6 hours a week of lectures. In addition, there are seminars, depending on the course. This means that most of your time is taken up by individual reading and research (in year 1) and working on your master’s thesis (in year 2). We teach and use literature in French.

You will have to be able to work independently, but you will always have your fellow students and your supervisor/professors to talk to should you feel stuck or need input.

Master’s thesis

You will spend the second year of the programme writing your thesis (worth 60 ECTS). You will receive individual guidance during the research and writing process.

What you will learn

This programme aims to give you a high level of knowledge in French literature, culture and language, including oral and written use of modern French.

The master’s thesis lets you pursue in-depth investigation and analysis within an area of linguistics or literature of your choice.

With this degree, you 

  • have extensive knowledge within French and/or Francophone literature and French linguistics
  • can work independently and long term on problem solving, on the basis of academic knowledge
  • can independently develop your own competences and specialisation

Study period abroad

You can spend the second semester in a partner institution abroad. We recommend France and Canada.

How to apply

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.

All applicants with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA must pay tuition fees