Postgraduate Study in French
Study Languages: make the world your place.
In our world of global travel and communication, language graduates are in short supply. French has traditionally been the language of international relations between countries which speak different languages, and it still represents a major link within the organisation of the European Union.
With an understanding of French, you have an extra advantage in business, tourism or any organisation with an international marketing strategy.
The cultural heritage of France has been a strong influence in the development of the political history, literature, philosophy, arts, architecture and music of the modern world. Your French studies at Otago will give you insights and perspective on the world beyond New Zealand.
Why study French?
French is a major international language. It is the first language of many people living in several European and African nations and Canada. It is an official language of Pacific territories within three hours flying time from New Zealand. With an understanding of French, you have an extra advantage in business, tourism or any organisation with an international marketing strategy.You will be sought after in such areas as Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tourism and Treasury. You may be involved in furthering New Zealand's interests overseas and there will be plenty of opportunities for travel. You may even find yourself interpreting at international conferences, translating books or subtitling films.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying French as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Applications for the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in French are no longer being accepted. The Languages and Cultures programme Kā Reo me kā Tikaka o te Ao Whānui is introducing a new curriculum which will no longer offer honours.
| Papers |
|---|
| FREN 441 Advanced Topics in French |
| FREN 451 Studies in French |
| FREN 452 Studies in French 2 |
| FREN 490 Dissertation |
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in French is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
| Thesis |
|---|
Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in French or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in French must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in French prior to undertaking the thesis. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
FREN papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREN105 | 2025 | Intensive French for Beginners | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN131 | 2025 | Introductory French 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FREN132 | 2025 | Introductory French 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FREN232 | 2025 | Intermediate French | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FREN233 | 2025 | French for Professional Purposes | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FREN250 | 2025 | Crossroads in French Cultural Space | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN333 | 2025 | Advanced French 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FREN334 | 2025 | Advanced French 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FREN335 | 2025 | Advanced French 3 | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN336 | 2025 | Advanced French 4 | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN341 | 2025 | Topics in French | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN350 | 2025 | Crossroads in French Cultural Space (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN441 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in French | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN451 | 2025 | Studies in French | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN452 | 2025 | Studies in French 2 | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| FREN590 | 2025 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | Not offered in 2025 |
Contacts
Languages and Cultures programme
School of Arts
Email languages@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/french
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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