French and Gaelic Studies at Aberdeen gives you the benefits of combining a major modern European language and culture with in-depth study of Scotland’s oldest living language and its origins and culture. You will graduate with language, intellectual and cultural skills, plus a European perspective to make you extremely attractive to employers in many areas of business, arts, education, tourism or media.
French at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation, gaining the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in the last national Teaching Quality Assessment. You will add to your growing language skills with courses in contemporary civilisation and culture, Francophone and post-colonial studies, philosophy, history, sociology, linguistics, theatre and most genres and periods of literature from the middle ages to the present day. You will be taught by staff recognised internationally for their research, from Renaissance studies to the politics of culture and difference in contemporary France.
We have been teaching Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) and culture for a hundred years, led by teachers and researchers passionate about Gaelic and whose work directly influences Scottish policy on keeping Gaelic alive, healthy and important in Scotland today. Gaelic at Aberdeen is the ideal combination of tradition, location, programme, quality and inspiring teachers for you as a beginner or native speaker to enjoy exploring Gaelic language, literature and culture and its place in our world today. Our students and staff play an important role in Scotland’s Gaelic-interest community through activities, networks and organisations.
As an integral part of your 5-year programme you will spend the whole of year three developing your language skills as a teaching assistant or visiting student in a French-speaking country.
Opportunities for graduates fluent in French are very good - as as those for graduates fluent in Scottish Gaelic. Your career options will be wide, including teaching, business and tourism. Gaelic development, arts management and librarianship are all great options and the commitment in Scotland to Gaelic broadcasting also brings graduate opportunities.
Course Details - Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; Written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
QR51
Institution code:
A20
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
For First Year Entry a minimum of 3 A Levels at BBB or 4 AS at AABB.
For Second Year Entry a minimum of an A in the subject selected for Single Honours plus BB, or AB in the subjects selected for Joint Honours plus a further B.
GCSE in English or English Language is also required.
Minimum of 4 Highers at AABB obtained at a single sitting or 3 Advanced Highers at BBB. Those seeking to qualify over two sittings will be expected to exceed this minimum.
Also required: English at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3 or National 5 at Grades A, B or C.
Second year entry may be possible in most school based subjects. A minimum of ABB overall in Adv Higher is required. Adv Higher at A in the subject selected for Single Honours or AB in the subject selected for Joint Honours.
For entry into First Year, a minimum of 32 points required, including at least 5,5,5 at HL.
For entry into Second Year, a minimum of 36 points, including at 6, 6, 6 at Higher level in subject(s) selected.
English at a minimum of Standard level required.
Minimum entry requirement: DDM in related subjects.
A minimum of 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB, obtained in a single sitting. (The grading within band B must be at B2 or above).
Also required: O in English or English Language
No previous qualification in French is required for entry to the French beginners' course. Students who already have a qualification in French sit a placement test to determine the language course appropriate to them. All students, whether beginners or with a qualification such as Higher grade, can proceed to Honours, subject to satisfactory performance at levels 1 and 2.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
IELTS (Academic)
6.0
Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above.
TOEFL (iBT)
78.0
TOEFL DI code is 0818: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic
59.0
Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above.
Trinity ISE
Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
Institution's Own Test
Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations.
We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
