skip to content
 

Undergraduate Study

The French are our nearest neighbours, with whom we have been interacting throughout our history. French is a major world language, spoken not only in several European countries, but in Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean, and the influence of France on European culture has been massive from medieval times to the present. In literature (poetry, drama, the novel), philosophy, the visual arts, and cinema, its achievements are second to none. You will find French immensely rewarding to study.

 

As well as offering high-level teaching in all aspects of language, the undergraduate course covers the literature, thought, and culture of France and the French-speaking world from the early medieval period to the present day. You will be able to develop your existing interests and to discover new and perhaps unexpected ones. You will encounter challenging and stimulating ideas about language, culture, and life. As well as linguistic skills and academic knowledge, you will acquire important transferable skills, skills of analysis and expression (verbal and written), which will be valuable to you whatever your chosen path after Cambridge.

Latest News

Choix Goncourt 2025 – Join the Reading Groups

5 November 2025

For the seventh time, the prestigious Prix Goncourt (the French equivalent of the Booker Prize) is coming to Cambridge. The University will once again take part in the Choix Goncourt UK, alongside 15 other universities across the country. To select the Cambridge choice, we will be forming student reading groups that will...

Volunteering for a Refugee Centre in Paris

3 November 2025

Presentation and Workshop 4pm–6.30pm Firas Abboud, Jennie Dorny, Immaculée Ntawuhungakaje, Marie-Sophie OliveraThe Parlour, Magdalene College, 7 November, 4–6.30pm Presentation of the CEDRE Paris-Aubervilliers refugee centrespecialisedin supporting migrant persons. Q&A (4pm–5.30pm) “Refugiés, migrant.e.s, exilé.e.s? De...

French Section Events – Michaelmas Term 2025

30 October 2025

Michaelmas Term 2025 CO-CREATING CODE: Ethics, Knowledge and Culture in the Age of AI Time: Tuesday 14 October, 4–6pm Venue: Barbara White Room, Newnham College, University of Cambridge Description: Professor Mander (MMLL) will be in conversation with Dr Tim Hearn (Department of Medical Genetics), Rev Imogen Nay (Bishop’s...

Events