Gain strong skills in French language and a critical insight into Francophone literatures and cultures within a global context. The study of French can be an excellent focus for your degree or a perfect complement to a program of study.
This program is also offered at UBC's Vancouver Campus
Find out moreWhy this program?
- Wide range of foundational and advanced courses that cover translation, literature, and culture
- Opportunity to study abroad at a French-speaking university through the Language Assistant Program
- Language studies at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, plus courses in literature, culture, and translation
Program information
Send details- Campus: Okanagan
- Faculty: Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts
- Length 4 yrs
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Co-op
Yes
You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
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Honours
No
You can study intense specialization in a single field.
French involves the study of the French language, literature, and civilization. Whether you’ve come from a French Immersion program, or you’re new to the language, you will have the opportunity to develop your speaking and writing skills. You’ll also develop an understanding of the place of French language and cultures within Canadian and global contexts.
The study of French can be an excellent focus for your degree or a perfect complement to any program of study. French is one of two official Canadian languages, and the only primary language other than English spoken on five continents.
Experiential learning and research
You’ll access real-world learning experiences through community events organized by Kelowna’s French Cultural Centre. There are also opportunities to travel abroad and in Canada. You can apply to work as an English-language teaching assistant in France for an eight-month period. Plus, you can take advantage of the Canadian government’s five-week French-immersion bursary program to study at one of 20 institutions across Canada.
In fourth year, you’ll have the option of a directed-studies course – working in French with a faculty member – where you will complete directed readings and research in a clearly defined area of French literature, culture, or language, culminating in the writing of a substantive assignment. The Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies offers $2,500 undergraduate research awards that provide undergraduate students support to engage in research and creative activities over the summer months.
- Centre culturel francophone de l’Okanagan
- English-language teaching opportunities
- Explore French immersion bursary program
- Directed studies in French
What can you do with this major after graduation?
Send details
Life at UBC's Okanagan campus
French language courses are designed to improve skills in reading, composition and oral communication, and to foster critical analysis of cultural material and intercultural understanding. Our literature courses cover francophone literatures across historical periods and from a range of geographical regions.
Find out moreYour future
Proficiency in, or mastery of, the French language will considerably expand your career options and destinations. Study in French can be applied to many fields and can facilitate work in nearly every region of the globe. Earn a UBC degree respected by employers around the globe, and secure a career as a bilingual educator, community worker development agency worker, or translator. Or continue your education to work in professions such as law, teaching, and international relations.
Program requirements
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts