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French (Diploma)

Diploma in French

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Course Overview

This Diploma in French is open to anyone with an interest in French and who wishes to gain fluency in the language. This course is not intended for complete beginners. Successful applicants will be placed in either an intermediate or advanced group to ensure they progress at the most effective pace for their learning.

This course aims to enable students with an interest in French to acquire a high level of written and oral communication skills in the language through a variety of practical language exercises. Students will also study major cultural issues in the contemporary French-speaking world. In their second year, students will be introduced to the world of French literature. As the course progresses, students should be able to converse on and comprehend a variety of topics and situations.

Application to enter year 2 of the Diploma in French is available to those who have completed an equivalent course at third level or who have lived in a Francophone country for an extended period. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Applicants should apply online for the course and contact the Programme Director to discuss an advanced entry application.

Mode of Study: Online Learning - please visit our Online Learning webpage for further details on what is required to be an online learner.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System.* This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.

Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.

 

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Classes will run on Monday evenings for second-year students and Tuesday evenings for first-year students (6:30-9:30pm). The classes will run as live online classes.

All modules in the Diploma are individually assessed. The assessment for each module takes the form of essays, written assignments or presentations during the semester and a written examination at the end of the semester.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

The Diploma in French is not suitable for complete Beginners as it is offered at two levels: intermediate and advanced. Entry requirements for part-time students can be found here (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.).

*The English language requirement does not apply to this language diploma.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

2 years, part-time

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

30

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date
NFQ level

7

Mode of study

Online Learning

ECTS weighting

30

Award

CAO

Course code

Course Outline

The course aims to equip students with appropriate written and oral skills in French. The French native teachers will use the communicative method of modern language instruction. He/she will gradually introduce the relevant points of grammar to the students and show how these are applied to written and oral structures. By the end of each week/term/and year students should be able to converse and comprehend a variety of topics and situations that are normally encountered in everyday situations in a contemporary Francophone environment.

Course Content - Year 1

  • Introduction to French Language
  • French Language
  • Introduction to Civilisation, Culture and Society in France
  • Oral French - Parlons Français

Course Content - Year 2

  • Improvers’ French – on écoute, on écrit et on parle 1
  • Improvers’ French – on écoute, on écrit et on parle 2
  • French Culture – connaître le monde francophone 2 Oral French – Parlons Français 2

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (15 Credits)

RequiredFR8100: French I: Introduction to French Language


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Students develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for interactive communication in the following areas: social interactions, ordering food, work and leisure activities, interpersonal relations in the family and community, and city life. Classes will be taught communicatively, with an emphasis on pair and group work. A series of linguistic tasks, related to living and working abroad, will enable students to achieve the targets set. These tasks will promote the development of the four language skills, the acquisition of knowledge of the foreign culture and knowledge of the language associated with the students' specialism. In principle classes will be conducted in the target language.
(Language of instruction: French)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Read and demonstrate comprehension of a short paragraph in French about people, places or everyday topics.
  2. Converse in a culturally appropriate manner about everyday topics such as greetings and personal description
  3. Write an essay in French about themselves and everyday topics.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Vis-à-vis: Beginning French" by Amon, Evelyne, Muyskens, Judith and Omagio Hadley, Alice C
    Publisher: McGraw Hill
  2. "Bescherelle: La conjugaison pour tous" by Hatier
    Publisher: Hatier
The above information outlines module FR8100: "French I: Introduction to French Language" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredFR8102: Language, Culture & Society in France


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Students are exposed to cultural and political aspects of life in France and In other French-speaking countries and are encouraged to share their own experience. The aim of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding of the workings of French society; to equip students to understand the French way of life and to improve reading skills in French.
(Language of instruction: French)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of society and culture in contemporary France and French-speaking countries.
  2. Undertake a supervised research project in the field of French and Francophone Studies.
  3. Utilise learning and research technologies in French and English.
  4. Prepare and deliver a short oral presentation on topics of general interest or relating to contemporary France.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Collins Robert French Dictionary" by n/a
    ISBN: 9780007556526.
  2. "Practising French Grammar, A Workbook" by Hawkins, Lamy, Towell
    Publisher: Arnold
  3. "Culture Shock! France-a guide to Customs and Etiquette" by Sally Adamson Taylor
    ISBN: 10 155 860 56.
    Publisher: Graphic Arts Centre Publishing Company
The above information outlines module FR8102: "Language, Culture & Society in France " and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredFR8101: French II: French Language and Comprehension


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Students continue to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for interactive communication in the following areas: past experiences, travel, regional cuisine and cultural diversity. The module will prepare students to communicate effectively and fluently in everyday situations. There will also be a thorough revision of the basics of French grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Although primarily focusing on language use, the module, through the topics chosen for language practice and, in particular, through a range of media including music and film, will enable students to gain insights into contemporary French society and customs.
(Language of instruction: French)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Converse in a culturally appropriate manner with French speakers about topics such as discussing their future plans or relating something that happened in the past.
  2. Read and demonstrate comprehension of short articles in French.
  3. Write an essay in French about topics such as describing a past event with passé composé and/or imparfait.
  4. Use technology and media to improve his/her language learning skills.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "English Grammar for Students of French" by Jacqueline Morton
    Publisher: Arnold
The above information outlines module FR8101: "French II: French Language and Comprehension" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalRPL005: Recognised Prior Learning


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module RPL005: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalRPL010: Recognised Prior Learning


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module RPL010: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Year 2 (15 Credits)

RequiredFR8201: Improvers French I


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Students continue to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for interactive communication. Classes are taught communicatively, with an emphasis on pair and group work. In principle classes will be conducted in the target language.
(Language of instruction: French)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Communicate effectively in authentic French, both orally and in writing
  2. Demonstrate mastery of elements of grammar essential to effective communication in French;
  3. Recognise and describe the historical, social, economic and political forces that have shaped French society.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of French through a variety of different media, including radio and news broadcasts, lectures and discussions.
  5. Write in accurate and appropriate French on topical issues
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

The above information outlines module FR8201: "Improvers French I " and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredFR8203: French Culture/Literature/Language


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Students will continue to study major cultural and topical issues in the contemporary French speaking world and will also be introduced to French Literature. The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of French culture and the main literary movements in France, to equip students to understand the French way of life and to improve oral and reading skills in French.
(Language of instruction: French)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate oral and public presentation skills in French.
  2. Reflect critically on their position as a developing multicultural person and as a global citizen through the analysis of the social, historical and cultural processes represented in the French and Francophone texts and films studied.
  3. Demonstrate skills in critical thinking and in the interpretation of literary texts.
  4. Read and understand written French through a variety of different media (including newspapers, periodicals and websites).
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Le Petit Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
    Publisher: Gallimard
  2. "Contes" by Charles PERRAULT
    Publisher: Hachette
  3. "Tintin en Amérique" by Hergé
    Publisher: Casternan
The above information outlines module FR8203: "French Culture/Literature/Language" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredFR8202: Improvers French II


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Students continue to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for interactive communication. The module will prepare students to communicate effectively and fluently in predictable, everyday situations. Although primarily focusing on language use, the module, through the topics chosen for language practice and, in particular, through a range of media including music and the Internet, will enable students to continue to gain further insights into contemporary French society and customs.
(Language of instruction: French)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Write clear detailed text on a wide range of subjects; explain viewpoints on topical issues, giving advantages and disadvantages.
  2. Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated skills in French, incorporating reading and writing, speaking and listening comprehension equivalent to oral and written French at level B1 of the Common European Framework for Languages.
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of the use of French in a variety of contexts and registers.
  4. Develop strategies to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar advanced vocabulary from the context in which it is used.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "French Grammar and Usage" by Roger Hawkins and Richard Towell
    Publisher: Routledge
  2. "Grammaire Progressive du français, Niveau avancé" by Michèle BOULARES
    Publisher: Clé International
The above information outlines module FR8202: "Improvers French II " and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalRPL005: Recognised Prior Learning


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module RPL005: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalRPL010: Recognised Prior Learning


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
The above information outlines module RPL010: "Recognised Prior Learning " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

The ability to converse and write in French will be a clear advantage to those who work, or wish to work, in areas such as education, business, law, tourism and information technology, to name but a few. Knowledge of French will offer enhanced employment opportunities both in Ireland and abroad.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€1,035 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€1,000 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€35 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€1,535 p.a. 2025/26


NB: EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Levy.

A fee scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. For more information download the 2025_26 Fees Scholarship Form

Find out More

Dr. Máire-Áine Ní Mháinnín

Discipline of French

Tel: 091 493397

E-mail: mary.mannion@universityofgalway.ie

What Our Students Say

John

John Breslin |   Student

I was delighted to find out that University of Galway offered an evening Diploma in French as that suited me very well as regards work hours. I wanted to brush up on my school-level French, as France is our regular holiday destination, and who knows, we might even retire there! The course was very well structured, and the lecturers were excellent. I'd highly recommend this course to others interested in improving and further developing their French skills.
in Connect with John
Claire

Claire Kavanagh |   Graduate

I registered for University of Galway's Diploma in French, delivered in Ennis and graduated in 2014. The Continuing Professional Development mode of study has allowed me to study French as a single subject to level 8; I currently attend weekly evening lectures at University of Galway. I am delighted that I am pursuing my goal. I absolutely love the variety between language skills, culture and literature on the course. Lecturers are extremely encouraging, flexible and approachable. After years of being a stay-at-home mother, studying at University of Galway and the guidance from lecturers has given me the confidence to consider pursuing further studies to enable me to teach French.
John

John Moriarty |   Graduate

Just a brief note to say Merci Beaucoup. I am delighted to have attended University of Galway to study for my Diploma in French. The support was outstanding. Thank you. I am heading to Nice shortly and hope to impress all and sundry.

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