French Studies and Geography (Hons) Lancaster University

Overview

At the beginning of the degree in French Studies and Geography (Hons) at Lancaster University , you will be introduced to human, physical and environmental geography. You will develop the skills geographers use to analyse major issues and global concerns. You'll also begin to follow a progressional ladder on an internationally recognised language scale, entering either from beginner or intermediate level and progressing to being proficient in French.

In Year 2, you will deepen your knowledge of cultural and political geography, with the opportunity to tailor your interests around a range of human-centric optional modules. As you specialise, you will undertake practical work that aims to enhance your understanding of key topics while developing your analytic and research skills. You'll also develop a range of oral, aural, written and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual contexts of French.

You'll spend Year 3 abroad, engaging with French communities. This can be at a partner university, working in industry, with an NGO or other charitable projects, in an entrepreneurial activity or teaching English as a foreign language. A combination of activities is also possible.

As you progress into Year 4, you will tailor your studies even further with a dissertation. Here, you will be guided by an academic advisor to deliver an independent research topic of your choice. This can be completed in collaboration with a regional organisation such as Lancaster City Council, where you will gain valuable work experience in a real-world environment. Alongside your research project, you will complete further optional modules, including residential field trips. You'll build on the language competencies and expertise you have gained during the Global Engagement Year, to express yourself spontaneously, flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

Careers

As a graduate of French Studies and Geography you will have acquired wide-ranging skills and experiences that will enable you to advance professionally in a range of sectors.

A degree in geography will help you get to grips with the many challenges we face with a growing population and an increasingly precarious climate situation by providing you with the opportunity to tackle a wide variety of complex issues. Graduates from our courses are also well-paid, with the median salary of graduates from Lancaster Environment Centre being £28,500, 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025).

Language graduates are in high demand in roles which require collaboration, communication, leadership skills, and critical thinking, as well as intercultural competencies and creativity.

Graduates of this programme might choose to pursue careers in roles such as:

• Intelligence Analyst Linguist

• Global Supply Chain Manager

• Translator or Interpreter

• Language Teacher

• Civil Servant or Diplomatic Service Officer

• Graduate Planner

• Education, Communication, and Outreach Officer

• Planning Officer

• Sustainability Executive

• Landscape Architect