This course comprises both the intensive study of a foreign language and the development of knowledge and understanding of french culture and literature.

As part of an Arts degree, this subject is one of four subjects you choose in first year. In second and third year you continue with two of the subjects taken in First Arts. It may be possible to take an extra year studying abroad.

Notes:
Students registering for Modern Languages or Gaeilge should note that they will be required to pass (40% or higher) the language component of the subject in order to progress to Second Arts in that subject.

Students should also note that choosing to study a modern language to degree level involves spending a period, normally a year, abroad in a country or region where the language they are studying is widely spoken. Therefore, after successfully completing the Second Arts examination and in advance of registering for Final Year studies of the BA programme, students will be required to spend a period abroad to prepare them for the demands of the Final Year of their degree studies in a language.

Students registered for two languages are required to spend a minimum of twelve weeks in each of the countries/regions where the relevant languages are spoken. This will usually consist of an academic year abroad arranged by the university in one language and a summer placement arranged by the student in the other relevant country/region.

A thorough knowledge of French can be useful in the public service in Ireland and Europe; heritage management and tourism; international business, administration; information and communication technology.