French and Japanese (BA)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

The BA French and Japanese is a four-year degree programme. It is structured in such a way that you will acquire over successive years high-level language competencies and the skills to become an independent and critical thinker, equipped for professional employment.

 

In each year of the programme, you will study 120 credits. Your third year will be spent studying or working abroad, one semester in France or a French-speaking country and the other semester in Japan or a Japanese-speaking country.

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

Year one
You will combine French with Japanese, allowing you to experience more than one field of study.

 

In year one we run two pathways for students; an advanced pathway for students with an A-level or equivalent competence in French and Japanese and a beginner’s pathway for students with limited or no knowledge of French or Japanese. The first year of this programme provides a thorough foundation in the grammar of the language for those students on the beginner’s pathway, and develops the linguistic skills for post A-level students on the advanced pathway.

 

You will also study a non-language module which introduces you to the development of France and Japan as a nation, exploring what it has symbolised for different groups at different moments in history. It also explores France and Japan’s exchanges with the world, enabling you to explore France and Japan’s role beyond the national borders. Studies in these areas will enable you to develop a good understanding of French and Japanese culture, and crucially begin to develop intercultural awareness, and the highly-prized ability to mediate between the different cultures.

 

Year two
The language elements of year two build on the work undertaken in year one, and prepare you for your year abroad.

 

In addition to 30 credits French and Japanese language, you will study 30 credits looking at France and Japan in a transnational context. This will introduce you to key approaches, methodologies and critical tools which you can apply to an in-depth study of France and Japan, looking at a range of topics such as culture, history and politics. You will also have the option of studying Specialised Translations and Business Language.

 

Outside of your formal studies, you will have the opportunity to take part in our highly-praised Student Mentoring Scheme, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government. Pupils in selected secondary schools are mentored by our specially-trained undergraduate students who go into schools to mentor pupils in small groups of two or three over a period of five weeks.

 

You may also choose to take part in the Student Language Ambassador (SLA) scheme, acting as advocates for language learning. Following specific training, as an SLA you may get the opportunity to speak publicly at events, sharing your personal experience of language learning. You may take part in a range of activities, such as language taster sessions, presenting and promoting the year abroad, supporting School language days and events, or promoting modern languages at career fairs or open days.

 

Year three: Sandwich year
Your third year will be spent in France or another French-speaking country and Japan or another Japanese-speaking country. The year will enable you to develop your language skills, deepen your understanding of French and Japanese culture and develop your independence, resourcefulness and resilience.

 

Your options for this year include studying at one of our partner universities, working as an English assistant in a school through the British Council Scheme, or working for a French or Japanese organisation or company. No matter what you choose, the year abroad is a great opportunity for you to improve your understanding of the language, immerse yourself in another culture, and gain international study or work experience.

 

If you choose the study option, we have established exchange programmes which provide opportunities to study in institutions in cities that have included Paris, Toulouse, Chambéry, Grenoble, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier and Nantes and Catania, Chuo, Dokkyo, Toyo, Waseda. We also have academic links with Brussels and Geneva.

 

Placements for teaching assistants on a scheme run by the British Council can take you to either a major city or a small, rural town. This option provides first-hand teaching experience and allows you to earn a salary sufficient to live on, although you only work on a part-time basis. Prior to the start of your placement, the British Council provides a training weekend in the destination country. In addition, the school you have been assigned to should also guide you in your role as a teacher and help you to find a place to live.

 

The third option consists of a work placement with an organisation or company in the French speaking world. The necessary arrangements can be made through personal contacts you may have or by approaching organisations directly. The School can also assist you in finding suitable work placements. In order to ensure that your work placement affords you plenty of opportunity to speak and provides you with a beneficial experience, such arrangements will require prior approval by the School.

 

Any student who undertakes a study placement or a traineeship/work placement in Europe is currently eligible to apply for an Erasmus grant.

 

A visa must be acquired in order to study in Japan. Progression to the Year Abroad in Japan is dependent on the Japanese embassy successfully approving your visa application.

 

The documents necessary for filing an application for a Certificate of Eligibility to the immigration office is described at the Immigration Bureau of Japan website and

 

The School of Modern Languages will make an application to the relevant immigration office for a Certificate of Eligibility for Residence Status (“Certificate of Eligibility”) on your behalf. The Certificate of Eligibility provides proof that you conform to the conditions for entry as prescribed in Article 7 Paragraph 1 Item 2 of the Immigration Control Act. Therefore, being in possession of a Certificate of Eligibility will make the procedures for visa issuance at overseas Japanese embassies, as well as the immigration inspection at a Japanese airport go smoothly.

 

Support and guidance to prepare you for applying for your visa and your Year Abroad will be provided by the School of Modern Languages in Year 2 of your programme of study.

 

Studying or working abroad is excellent preparation for your final year and gives you a level of self-confidence and maturity that has proven popular with employers.

 

Year four
When we welcome you back to Cardiff in your final year, you will continue to develop your language skills, studying 30 credits of French and 30 credits of Japanese language, in addition to 60 credits of optional modules. You will have the opportunity to build on the broad base of knowledge and skills you have developed to study an area of research expertise in the School, through taught modules and/or a dissertation. You will also have the opportunity to take part in our very popular teaching module, an accredited module where you can build on study and workshops at the University to undertake a teaching placement at one of our partner schools in the area.

A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in the relevant language A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

 

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

 

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in the relevant language at HL you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

 

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

 

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £19,450    

In 2015/16, 94% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation.

 

Many graduates enjoy their year overseas so much that they take time out for more travel, or go abroad on graduation in search of employment.

 

Of those who choose to remain in the UK, many pursue postgraduate studies such as one of the School’s Postgraduate Taught degrees or a PGCE. Others start work immediately following their studies, and our graduates go on to secure excellent careers in international diplomacy, the Civil Service, teaching, business and journalism. Other employment options include roles as translators, language assistants, export assistants and proof-readers.