French
Wīwī
A student exchange information session, where UC students can find out about studying their subject at one of 50 partner universities around the world (including three French tertiary institutions).
Qualifications
- Certificate in Arts
- Certificate in Languages
- Diploma in Arts
- Diploma in Languages
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
- Bachelor of Sport Coaching
- Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership
Overview
French is one of the truly international languages and is useful in travel, culture, trade, science, and sport.
With 29 countries speaking French as an official language, studying at UC will be a great addition to your studies and will ensure you have the skills to work internationally.
- Become an expert in the French language, as well as the history and culture of French-speaking countries: France, Belgium, Monaco, Canada, Congo, Madagascar, and more across the globe.
- International and virtual exchange programmes with multiple universities, including IEP Aix and the Institute of Political Studies in Paris.
- French can be taken with a range of bachelor’s degrees, as well as in a certificate or diploma in French with your other studies.
French major
For the major in the Bachelor of Arts, complete the following courses:
100-level
200-level
300-level
- FREN321 French Language Acquisition: Advanced A
- FREN322 French Language Acquisition: Advanced B
- FREN226 OR FREN326 From Wīwī to Iwi: Comparing Cultures in the Francosphere
Courses from European and European Union Studies can also be credited towards the major, with approval from the Programme Coordinator.
It is highly recommended that you complete some French language courses during your major study. The 100-level language courses are for absolute beginners or those with very little previous experience in French language. Those with a high level of French language proficiency may be given direct entry to 200-level language courses.
FREN321 and FREN322 are advanced language courses required for all French major students.
French minor
For the minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health Sciences, Science, Social and Environmental Sustainability, Sport Coaching, or Youth and Community Leadership, complete the following courses:
- 75 points in 100 to 300-level FREN courses, with at least 45 points above 100-level
French is spoken the world over, and your knowledge will help with cross-cultural relationship building and open you up to careers all over the world.
Some career pathways could include:
- International diplomacy
- Trade and tourism
- Public relations and journalism
- International business.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in French.
Contact us
Department of Global, Cultural and Language Studies
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email french@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Level 5, James Logie building – see campus maps
Postal address
Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Browse related subjects to French
Choose an area that you are interested in and learn how UC's extensive range of study options can let you study what you want to.

Computational Linguistics
Computational Linguistics combines linguistics, engineering, and science to evolve the way we use machines. It involves learning how to programme computers to ...

International Affairs
This specialisation combines foreign language with social sciences to understand international relations and political systems. Study in International Affairs ...