French

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Faculty: Humanities and Social Sciences Campus: St. John's
Department: French Honours available: Yes
Length: Four years
Prospective students: Fill out our student inquiry form to receive updates from Memorial.
Department website University Calendar


The French language is more than a thousand years old and has created one of Europe's greatest cultures. Much of the world's finest philosophy, cinema, history, science and literature are in French. French is one of Canada's official languages and is indispensable for anyone seeking a national career in any field. Having a second (or third!) language is a huge asset in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

French at Memorial

All students majoring in French are required to participate in an immersion experience. Study abroad opportunities include the Frecker Program in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the Canadian third-year in Nice, the Université de Bretagne Sud and other opportunities to work/study in a francophone milieu.

The Frecker program is a total immersion program in St. Pierre-et-Miquelon where students will enrol in five Memorial University French courses at the 2000 level and live with a French family. The program is offered every Fall semester and in July (FREN 2300 and 2900).

Back to top ↑


Admission requirements to degree

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply by:

IntakeApplication deadline
Fall (September) semester March 1
Winter (January) semester Oct. 1
Spring (May) semester Feb. 1


You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by indicating bachelor of arts as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission. Direct entry into the faculty is subject to your meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University.

You may choose French as your major at the time of application or you can explore your options and declare a major in a later semester by emailing registrar@mun.ca to make your choice official.

Apply to Memorial button

Back to top ↑


Your first year

Considering a major in French? Have a look at a sample schedule for a first-year student studying five courses per semester.

FALL SEMESTERWINTER SEMESTER
English 1090
(critical reading and writing (CRW) course)
CRW course
French 15011-4 French 15023-4
first required quantitative reasoning (QR) course  second required QR course
minor program course minor program course
elective5
(breadth of knowledge course encouraged)
elective5
(breadth of knowledge course encouraged)
  1. Selection of a French course depends on your background and ability in French. You should refer to the French course criteria chart prior to selecting your first-semester French course.
  2. If you are unsure of the course to select, or have difficulty registering for your intended French course, you should contact the Department.
  3. When choosing first-year French courses, you should keep in mind that you may want to take advantage of the Frecker Program in second year. Admission to this program is competitive based on your final grades from French 1502.
  4. Native speakers of French and students with near-native fluency will not normally receive credit for courses taken at the first year level in their native language nor will they be allowed to challenge for credit at the first year level. Consult the with the Department of Modern Langugages, Literatures and Cultures to be placed at the appropriate level.
  5. It is strongly recommended that students in the French major program complete Classics 1120 or Language 2800 or Linguistics 2800.
Future course offerings: The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences posts anticipated future course offerings to help you plan your degree.

Further assistance

For assistance with course selection, contact the Academic Advising Centre.

For additional program information, visit the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures or contact the undergraduate program director.

Back to top ↑


Sample courses and degree map

French degree map

Degree maps are navigational tools, designed to help you make the right choices throughout your bachelor of arts degree. They cover information pertaining to your studies, provide study tips, career guidance, suggestions for involvement, advice on go abroad activities and on your well being.

Degree maps are maintained by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Any questions related to your major's degree map should be directed to the associated academic unit.

Back to top ↑


Career opportunities

In the 21st century, the ability to communicate at the international level is an essential skill that is greatly valued in several areas including:

  • education (translation, research, teaching, library work, graduate studies)
  • business and industry (banking, journalism, export/import, advertising, publishing)
  • social work (police work, health sector, courts)
  • government services (customs, civil service, external affairs, immigration)

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.