masters thesis in french

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How to Write a Stellar Mémoire (French Master’s Thesis)

Pursuing graduate studies in France entails mastering all sorts of assignments, but perhaps none as daunting as the notorious mémoire , or master’s thesis. Writing and defending a master’s thesis is the cornerstone of many, though not all, French graduate degrees, making it a rite of passage for degree-seeking students in France. As part of my French master’s degree in Droit Public parcours Intégration Européenne et Gouvernance Globale , I was required to take on the infamous mémoire alongside my regular coursework during the final year of my studies.

Since I’m an international student at the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne , I had to contend not only with the base-level difficulties of putting together a master’s thesis, but also with the reality of writing fully in my second language and following the unforgiving methodology and writing norms of French law school to a tee. Needless to say, my year-long research project entailed late nights spent reading, countless trips to the library, typing until my fingers were sore, and shedding a few more tears than I’d like to admit!

My master’s thesis experience wasn’t all bad, of course. I genuinely enjoyed learning everything I could about my topic, discussing my progress with my classmates, refining my French-language skills , and presenting a piece of work that reflected my academic rigor. To my delight, at the end of my defense, the jury awarded me an 18/20 for my mémoire , entitled Associer les inégalités sociales et le changement climatique : Une étude comparative des contextes et approches aux États-Unis et dans l’Union européenne . The jury highlighted the following assets of my work:

• Qualité de recherche (Research quality)
• Qualité rédactionnelle (Writing quality)
• Qualité de français (French-language quality)
• Problématique innovante (Innovative research question)
• Posture épistémologique intéressant (Interesting epistemological posture)
• Bon cadrage théorique (Good theoretical framework)
• Limitations justifiées (Justified limitations)
• Structure impeccable (Impeccable structure)

Managing to receive the highest honors on my mémoire as an American studying law in France was no easy feat. Throughout the lengthy process of crafting my master’s thesis and defense, I discovered what worked well for me and what held me back – that’s why, in this post, I’m sharing my expert tips to help you write an outstanding French master’s thesis.

Honor Your Interests

Completing a mémoire takes months of daily research, reading, and writing, so you can imagine how painful the whole operation can become if your topic doesn’t inspire you! For a certain amount of time, your master’s thesis content will likely be all you can think about as you attempt to find and consume every piece of relevant literature ever written about it. To avoid misery and increase your motivation, you need to reflect upon the subjects within your degree field that excite you, the themes you’d be delighted to learn more about, and the concepts you truly want to call yourself an expert in come the day of your defense.

• My research topic combined my enthusiasm for the themes of public policy and governance, social justice issues, environmental protection, the United States, and the European Union.

Favor Innovation

The goal of producing a master’s thesis is not to reiterate the conclusions that other researchers have already drawn, but to pull from existing knowledge in order to demonstrate something new. To elevate your mémoire and impress your jury, innovation is indispensable. Creating a research question that hasn’t already been exhaustively answered will also prevent you from simply regurgitating what you read and will allow you to write a master’s thesis that relies on the important work of those before you, but is, ultimately, entirely your own.

• In my case, the concept of linking social inequality and climate change is relatively new on the whole. Moreover, my comparison of the United States’ and the European Union’s approaches for dealing with this phenomenon is something that hadn’t been done before.

Survey Your Sources

Because a finished mémoire is the culmination of in-depth research and analysis, you’ll need to choose a topic that you can thoroughly explore. For example, if your desired subject is too cutting-edge, you may struggle to find sufficient existing material upon which to build your master’s thesis. If essential documents that you need to read are confidential, located far away, or otherwise inaccessible, you won’t be able to use them for your work. It is therefore essential to consider whether adequate sources are available before you set your heart on a specific theme.

• When finalizing my topic, I ensured that the sources I would need to study were either located online, at my university , or in libraries near me.

Create a Timeline

You know that you should start working on your master’s thesis at the beginning of the school year , and that you need to have it finished by the end, but what happens between those two events is much less clear! With the help of a trusted professor or independently, you should make a realistic schedule with self-imposed deadlines to help you conceptualize the amount of work that needs to be done by each date. Your timeline should include targets for things like finalizing your research question, gathering sources for your bibliography, writing the various sections of the manuscript, submitting your mémoire for review, and preparing for your defense.

• Using a holistic timeline helped me to know when I was on track, when I could take breaks, and when I needed to speed things along. It also enabled me to beat procrastination, as delaying tasks for too long would have thrown me completely off schedule.

Chat About Your Research

While a master’s thesis is definitely an individual project, you shouldn’t keep your thoughts and questions to yourself! Your professors, classmates, friends, and family are all valuable resources as you go through the mémoire process. Speaking with your professors (who have already successfully completed challenging research projects) and with your classmates (who are currently working on their own mémoires ) about things like methodological difficulties and research hardships can lead to helpful problem solving and sincere moral support. Moreover, explaining your research to friends and family (who are likely unfamiliar with your subject) will help you gauge how well you understand it yourself and how clearly you’re able to express your ideas.

• I personally checked in regularly with my classmates who always offered useful words of advice and encouragement. I also talked with my significant other, Jalen , frequently to get his feedback on my work.

Choose the Right Advisor

Selecting a directeur·rice de mémoire , or master’s thesis advisor, isn’t a decision to make lightly. To find the perfect fit, you need to be familiar with your potential advisors and know your own preferences very well. For example, asking a professor whose specialty has nothing to do with your research question is likely to be as uninteresting for them as it is unhelpful to you. Furthermore, if you’re a student who likes frequent and detailed feedback, choosing a professor with a tightly-packed schedule might not be the best idea. Take the time to weigh your options carefully before asking a professor to become your advisor.

• I made sure to pick an advisor who was familiar with the broad strokes of my topic and had a hands-off attitude so that I could work autonomously and at my own pace.

Write Meticulously

The quality of the content of your master’s thesis is crucial, but so is the quality of your writing. The most brilliant of ideas will still fall flat if your text is riddled with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Attempting to avoid all language blunders is especially vital when you’re writing in your second language – and even more so in a country like France where such mistakes are not looked upon kindly. If your manuscript is hard to understand, readers won’t be able to appreciate your analysis. Additionally, it’s tough for readers to take a piece of work seriously if they’re constantly distracted by careless errors. Try to compose every sentence with care in order to avoid these pitfalls.

• When writing my mémoire , I never hesitated to look up a word, phrase, or grammar rule when I was even the tiniest bit uncertain. I also double-checked for errors that I commonly make, like accidentally including a serial comma when I’m writing in French.

Perfect Your Formatting

You shouldn’t organize your master’s thesis like you would a novel, an essay, or a report. Depending on your field of study and your degree program’s requirements, you’ll likely have specific norms to apply and rules to follow for structuring your mémoire . Your acknowledgements, dedication, abstract, abbreviations, table of contents, references, and appendices can’t be placed just anywhere! You should also ensure that your work is pleasing to the eye, with an appropriate cover page, sensible headings, proper font sizes and line spacing, logical page breaks, and accurate citations. These details are what make the difference between a good master’s thesis and a great one.

• In French law school, for example, writing to a detailed, hierarchical outline, known as a plan , is often an absolute must. As such, the final version of my master’s thesis manuscript consists of an introduction, two chapters with three sections and eight sub-sections each, and a conclusion.

Prepare Your Defense

When you’re finally done writing your master’s thesis, it can be tempting to put it completely out of your mind. But once you conquer this first step, you still have one more challenge to tackle: your soutenance , or master’s thesis defense. To pass your defense, you need to do more than just prepare to present your research and findings to the jury. A quality presentation will also include explaining the reason you chose your topic, the sources you used, the problems you faced , the limitations of your work, any updates on your subject since you finished writing, and future research possibilities. Don’t forget to reread your mémoire with a critical eye to anticipate the jury’s critiques in advance. Going the extra mile to prepare your defense to the best of your ability is a recipe for triumph.

• I prepared for my defense one week in advance, and it consisted of a 20-minute presentation, a 25-minute question and answer session, and a 10-minute jury deliberation.

Take Your Work Seriously

It’s no secret that some degree programs are more rigorous than others, just as it’s true that some students take their studies more seriously than others. However, if you decide that writing a solid master’s thesis demonstrating your academic talents and integrity isn’t worth your time because you know that your program will accept work of lower calibre, you’ve effectively proven your degree to be a second-rate credential and yourself to be a substandard student. Would you rather throw together a mediocre mémoire that you’ll stuff away the moment it’s over, or compose a meaningful piece of work representing the best of your capacities that you’ll be excited to share with others for years to come? Taking your work seriously won’t steer you wrong, especially when it comes to an assignment as noteworthy as a master’s thesis.

• I know that my decision to do my absolute best played a large role in the jury’s attribution of my final grade, and I’m proud of myself for having done so.

Everyone’s master’s thesis journey is unique, but implementing these tips will put you on a path to success. Is writing a French mémoire in your future? Have you ever carried out a significant research project? Do you want to know more about my experience? Let me know in a comment!

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One comment.

Jator Berline

Thank you for sharing your experience and the meaningful tips. I hope to put them to use as I write my master’s thesis and prepare for defense.

Congratulations on your final grades 👏👏

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Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How to Prepare a Successful Master’s or Doctoral Thesis in France: Guide for International Students

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Home > Academics > Master Programs > Master's Thesis

Master's Thesis

PSIA students have the option of undertaking a Master thesis, in lieu of an internship or a semester exchange at a partner university. Sciences Po Academic rules in Article 37 specify that Master curricula include “a semester of extramural activities” and “as applicable…a Master thesis.”

This is a selective track offered to PSIA students, who must apply for the opportunity. Only the strongest proposals are approved by PSIA's scientific community. Every year, this track produces highly relevant and successful research work. Since 2021, the best Master thesis defended at PSIA have been published online by Sciences Po digital library .

PSIA Master thesis’ Regulations

• Course consistency: undertaking a Master thesis is optional and the approval of the Academic Advisor is necessary.
• Individuality: The Master thesis is an individual research project, it cannot be done in a group ;
• Thesis Director: The research project is conducted under the direction of a faculty specialist in the same subject area. Please note that Sciences Po faculty will be preferred. The academic advisor approves the choice;
• Prerequisites: Students interested in pursuing a Master thesis must enrol in and validate two courses within the “Methods” concentration during the first year of their Master program;
• The Master thesis track is open only to students who must register for a third semester "hors les murs", as per the Sciences Po regulation. Students who are enrolled in a one-year Master program, as well as dual degree students who spend only their first year at PSIA, are waived from this obligation, and they are not eligible for the Master thesis track.
• The thesis defence will constitute both the validation of the Master thesis as well as the required Grand Oral.

The Master thesis Track is mainly directed at students with previous work experience presumably waiving the internship requirement, or students aiming for a PhD / academic career.

Master thesis Q&A

Proposal Documents (to be sent to the Academic Advisor)

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter (students must indicate the two methods coruses they have taken at PSIA, or describe methods courses and any research internships undertaken prior to PSIA, attaching transcripts of any previous methodology coursework from another institution).
• Research proposal (5 pages, single-spaced, Times New Roman 12, not including bibliography). Students may want to include the following sections: literature review; research question; proposed research design; information about empirical data and/or modalities of fieldwork if relevant. See a template for your reference.
• Reference letter from the potential Thesis Director
• Transcript of the first semester at PSIA, and a list of courses they are enrolled in for the second semester.

When required, field research may be undertaken within the third semester.

Students producing a Master thesis may receive exemptions from The mandatory 14-week internship.

The Master thesis length is between 20,000 and 30,000 words, excluding appendices. Electronic versions of the thesis must be sent to the thesis' supervisor, the academic advisor, the third member of the jury and  [email protected] .

Format of Thesis : Overview

The defence jury is composed of three members approved by PSIA and must include:

• The Thesis Director
• An Expert in the field of research (professional or scholar)
• A faculty or administrative officer representative of the student’s Master (in charge of reporting)
• At least one member of the defence jury should be a university professor or researcher

Thesis Defence

It consists of two parts: a 10 minute presentation then a 20 minute discussion with the examiners

The validation of the Master thesis will bear 30 credits.

Master Thesis Calendar

• To be eligible to undertake a Master thesis during their third semester, students must take and validate two courses within the “Methods” concentration by the end of their first year – ideally one in semester 1 and one in semester 2. Students who wrote a thesis or long research essay (minimum 10,000 words) during their undergraduate studies may apply for a waiver of one of the two mandatory methods courses. 
• March 15, 2023: Submission of full written proposal to their Academic Advisor by 2 pm.
• Late April 2023: Confirmation if they have been accepted onto the Master thesis Track for the third semester by their Academic Advisor. In all cases, progression to the third semester is subject to successful completion of the first year.
• September-December 2022: Third semester (Off campus; 'hors les murs');
• January 31, 2023: Master thesis submission deadline: electronic version to be sent to [email protected] , academic advisor, thesis supervisor and third member of the jury.
• Mid-April – May 2023: Master thesis Defence

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• French Language and Literature
• Dissertations and theses

French Language and Literature: Dissertations and theses

• Web resources

French dissertations and theses

There are a number of different resources available for finding French dissertations. 

• Atelier national de Reproduction des thèses Also known as tne National Center for the Reproduction of PhD theses
• SUDOC Le catalogue du Système Universitaire de Documentation
• Thèses en ligne (TEL): serveur de thèses multidisciplinaire Although multidisciplinary the majority of theses are in scientific disciplines.
• thèses.fr This research tool is maintained by ABES (Agence bibliographique de l'enseignement supérieur) and records titles of theses in preparation in French universities and higher education institutions

Belgian dissertations and theses

• Répertoire commun des thèses électroniques des universités de la Communauté Française de Belgique Portal to access French-language theses through relevant University repositories

General resources for dissertations and theses

• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global The world's most comprehensive collection of full-text dissertations and theses. As the official digital dissertations archive for the Library of Congress and as the database of record for graduate research, PQDTGlobal includes millions of searchable citations to dissertations and theses from 1861 to the present day together with over a million full-text dissertations that are available for download in PDF format. Over 2.1 million titles are available for purchase as printed copies. The database offers full text for most of the dissertations added since 1997 and strong retrospective full-text coverage for older graduate works. It also includes content from PQDT UK & Ireland (aka Index to Theses).
• Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) an international organization dedicated to promoting the adoption, creation, use, dissemination and preservation of electronic analogues to the traditional paper-based theses and dissertations.
• DART-Europe E-theses Portal DART-Europe is a partnership of research libraries and library consortia who are working together to improve global access to European research theses.
• Top 100 Dissertation and theses references on the web
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• Last Updated: Sep 13, 2024 4:35 PM
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French Language and Literature

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Writing a Thesis

Theses and dissertations.

• Guides de recherche supplémentaires

If you are writing a graduate thesis ( mémoire  or thèse) don't forget to consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies' guide on   Dissertation and Thesis Preparation 

For further information about theses and dissertations, take a look at the Theses and Dissertations Guide. 

• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global This link opens in a new window Includes millions of searchable citations to dissertations and theses from 1861 to the present day together with over a million full-text dissertations that are available for download in PDF format.
• Center for Research Libraries (CRL) Foreign Dissertation Database Search 800,000 doctoral dissertations (including those of Albert Einstein, Dag Hammarskjold, and other Nobel laureates) from universities outside the U.S. and Canada. CRL acquired the majority of the collection through deposit from member libraries. CRL continues to acquire about 5,000 titles per year from major universities through demand purchase and deposit.
• Dart e-Portal DART-Europe is a partnership of research libraries and library consortia who are working together to improve global access to European research theses. DART-Europe is endorsed by LIBER (Ligue des Bibliothèques Européennes de Recherche), and it is the European Working Group of the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
• Catalogue SUDOC (Système Universitaire de Documentation) The French collective catalogue created by libraries and resource centres in higher education and research. To find dissertations and theses, click Advanced .... Material selection... Dissertations [or in French: Recherche avancée ... Type de publication ... Thèses].
• L'Atelier national de reproduction des thèses (ANRT) The ANRT is a French public organization which has been reproducing and distributing doctoral theses since 1971.
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• Next: Guides de recherche supplémentaires >>
• Last Updated: Feb 12, 2024 12:29 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.ubc.ca/french

The Dissertation: Writing in French

Dissertation is a very specific way to write what we call a “paper.” In France, this style is used in academics and the professional world alike.

The Necessities

• Personal reaction: Be sincere, though not informal.
• Use examples to affirm your point. Using examples limits verbiage, generalities, and banalities.
• Be clear and coherent : A good paper should resemble a mathematical proof more than a lyrical flood of words. Be understandable and operate by the Law of Occam’s Razor (the simplest explanation tends to be the best one.)
• Outline : Getting your ideas on paper is harder than coming up with them in the first place. In order to convey your ideas effectively to the reader, outline!

The Schema of a Dissertation

In order to write a dissertation, you need a problem or problématique. Situate that problem within your topic or subject. Do not begin to write without these ideas in mind.

Introduction

• The introduction must rapidly situate and introduce the problem. Cite briefly.
• Give an idea of the movement of the paper, but do not announce each step of your work.
• Define key words.
• Attract the reader!  

The Body 

Separated into parts and paragraphs, where each part is a main point in the problem and each paragraph is one idea or one aspect of an idea.

• Thesis – often the predominant point of view (the most common analysis)
• Synthesis: Establish some nuanced truth in between the two arguments or overcome of the initial contradiction by bringing in additional information.
• “Problem-Cause-Solution” Plan: Introduce and define a problem, pinpoint its causes, and propose a solution.
• Separate your argument into parts (in this case, two: benefits and pleasures)
• Order your arguments within each part
• first element of comparison (one point of view on an issue, for example)
• second element of comparison (an opposing point of view)
• Meditation on the facts presented in the first two parts
• Explanation of the formula (definition, par ex.)
• Commentary on the formula, for example, expansion of a definition, comments on appropriateness

The Conclusion

A conclusion must be written in the spirit of synthesis and with logical rigor. Coming to the end of an argument, a conclusion must be concise and strong. If desired, it can situate the results or thesis a more general sense.

(Desalmand, Paul and Tort, Patrick. Du plan à la dissertation. Paris : 1977) 

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M.A. in French Language and Literature (FRIT)

The M.A. in French language and literature (FRIT) provides students with a solid foundation in French and francophone literature, culture and film, in addition to French language and linguistics, introducing them to current research issues while providing training in higher education pedagogy. 

Related Links

• M.A. Handbook  (PDF)
• French Program Graduate Funding

Housed within the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, the M.A. in French language and literature offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that reflects the diversity and complexity of the French-speaking world. Rigorous training in innovative research methods allows students to pursue their own interests in the form of a Research Paper. The program also provides thorough pedagogical training and teaching experience in French language, literature and culture courses. Students who have graduated from our program have either pursued Ph.D. degrees at the University of Maryland and at other leading institutions, or have pursued exciting careers in foreign service, teaching and other fields.

Admissions Information

Entry into the M.A. program is open to students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a field related to French studies.

An overall Grade Point Average of at least 3.00 (on a four-point scale) at the undergraduate level is also required.

All foreign applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL examination (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Information about application fee waiver

Entering students are advised in their first semester by the director of graduate studies or by some other designated professor. By the end of their second semester, students should choose an advisor based on their interests and register this choice with the director of graduate studies. Final responsibility for meeting Graduate School requirements and deadlines rests solely with the student.

M.A. Options

Students, in consultation with their advisor, may choose one of two options to complete the M.A. requirements:

1. The M.A. without thesis requires a minimum of 30 credits, of which not less than 18 must be selected from courses numbered 600 or above. In lieu of a thesis, students must present an article-length Qualifying Paper of between 25 and 30 pages as evidence of their ability to do independent research. The Qualifying Paper may be an extension of a paper prepared for a graduate level course, but it must be written in excess of course requirements under the supervision of the student’s advisor; up to two credits of FREN798 may be used for this purpose. The topic of the Qualifying Paper must fall within the area of concentration selected by the student. The M.A. Qualifying Paper defense committee consists of two faculty members. The defense must be scheduled to take place no later than three weeks before the last day of classes.

2. The M.A. with thesis requires a minimum of 24 credits, of which not less than 12 must be selected from courses numbered 600 or above. A further six credits of FREN799 (thesis research) are required. The M.A. thesis committee consists of 2 faculty members in addition to the student’s advisor, who serves as chairperson. The oral examination on the thesis, which should be a minimum of 80 pages in length, lasts about an hour. The defense must be scheduled to take place no later than three weeks before the last day of classes. The thesis serves as evidence of a student’s ability to conduct in-depth independent research.

Course Requirements

All students must complete courses from these three core categories: 1. One (1) course on Theory or History of Ideas 2. One (1) French linguistics course 3. At least three (3) culture/literature courses from three different periods

Apart from those core courses, with the help of the director of graduate studies and their advisor, students will create an individually-tailored program of study that best matches their interests to complete the course requirements towards their degree.

Additionally, graduate teaching assistants are expected to take a 1-credit practicum in their first semester (FREN709/SLLC601).

For additional information, please see the Graduate Student Handbook.

Comprehensive Examination

The M.A. program requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination. The exam has two separate components:

 a) one Written Examination testing knowledge based on the student’s personal reading list; and  b) one Research Paper, which includes the writing of either a Thesis or Qualifying Paper with its accompanying defense.

The Written Examination and the Research Paper are taken separately. Either one may be completed first. Full-time students are expected to take their Comprehensive Examinations in their fourth semester and no later than three weeks before the last day of classes.   The Written Examination (60% of total grade) includes two parts:

Part I (20%) - Commentaire de texte: 1½ hours Part II (40%) - Two essay questions (20% each): 3 hours   The questions for the Written Examination are based on the student’s personal reading list, which is composed of all the works read in seven (7) of the courses taken while in the program. To this list, faculty members who have taught these courses may add up to five readings. Students are responsible for compiling their reading lists under the supervision of their advisor. A student’s personal reading list must be approved by the members of the examining committee before the end of the semester that precedes the written exam (typically the third semester for full-time students). Students will have four and a half hours to respond to both parts (three questions total) based on their personal reading list without notes, in an examination room with a computer provided by the department.

Students whose native language is English may write the response to either the “commentaire” or one of the required essay questions in English. Students whose native language is French must write one response in English.

The Research Paper (40% of total grade) includes the completion and defense of either a Thesis or a Qualifying Paper. Students must select their topic and committee by the end of the semester preceding their final semester, typically the third semester for full-time students. The Thesis or Qualifying Paper, which is defended during the student’s last semester, must be submitted to readers at least three weeks prior to the defense date, which must be at least three weeks before the last day of classes. On average, the defense of either a Thesis or the Qualifying Paper lasts approximately one hour and is usually conducted in the language in which the Thesis or Qualifying paper will be written. The Research Paper is graded by the student’s chosen committee of two faculty (for the Qualifying Paper), or three faculty (for the Thesis).

Application Instructions

Application deadline is January 15 for admission in the fall and may be submitted here . Before completing the application, applicants are asked to check the Admissions Requirements site for specific instructions about the M.A. Program (FRIT).   As required by the Graduate School, all application materials must be submitted electronically through the Graduate Application Portal :

• Non-refundable application fee for each program
• Statement of Purpose. The statement should address relevant aspects of your educational experience, the focus of your academic interests and reasons for applying to our program.
• Unofficial transcripts of your entire college/university record (undergraduate and graduate). Electronic copies of these unofficial transcripts must be uploaded along with your online application.
• Three letters of recommendation. In your online application, please fully complete the information requested for your recommenders and ask them to submit their letters electronically.
• A single sample of critical writing written in French. A second sample is optional. While we encourage you to submit your best writing sample, we prefer a writing sample in your declared field of interest. If you are submitting an excerpted selection, please include a brief description or introduction to the selection. The MLA citation format is preferred.
• Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)
• Publications/Presentations (optional)
• Academic CV/Resume

  Completed applications are reviewed by an admissions committee in each graduate degree program. The recommendations of the committees are submitted to the dean of the Graduate School, who will make the final admission decision. To ensure the integrity of the application process, the University of Maryland authenticates submitted materials through TurnItIn for Admissions .   For questions related to the admissions process, prospective students may contact the Graduate School .

Information for International Graduate Students

The University of Maryland is dedicated to maintaining a vibrant international graduate student community. International applicants are encouraged to contact the office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS), a valuable source of information and assistance for prospective and current international students. Admitted international students will receive instructions about obtaining the appropriate visa to study at the University of Maryland which will require submission of additional documents. International students admitted by the Graduate School are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa in order to enroll.        English Proficiency Requirement Non-native speakers of English must submit TOEFL exam results to the Graduate School with their application. Based on these results, students may be advised to take a written expression course from the Maryland English Institute or a basic writing course given by the English Department. This course will not count towards the degree.

Please see the Graduate Admissions Process for International applicants for more information.

Director of Graduate Studies

Sarah benharrech.

Associate Professor, French Affiliate, Classics Associate Professor, School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

3104 Jiménez Hall College Park MD, 20742

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MA in French

Centered around the theme “Francophonie et diversité, our French graduate programs promote interdisciplinary perspectives, concentrating on the reciprocal relationships that exist between different discourses, different forms of cultural production and different social phenomena.

The humanities teach a breadth of soft skills that graduates need to succeed in the job market.

Katarina Todić '15

Bachelor of Arts Honours French and History

About the Program

Students have the option to pursue their MA in French on a full- or part-time basis. The department offers study in a wide variety of subjects including:

• Francophone literatures (African, Asian and Caribbean)
• Quebec literature
• Franco-Ontarian, Acadian and Francophone literatures from elsewhere in Canada
• Indigenous literature in French
• French literature
• Visual culture and intermediality
• Women’s studies and feminist research
• Philosophy of the Enlightenment
• Queer theory
• Utopia and science fiction
• Critical and literary theory

M.A. Degree

The following streams are available for the M.A. in French on a full- or part-time basis. Admission requirements conform to the general University regulations. Applicants whose specialization is in linguistics, French or Francophone literatures and cultures, are encouraged to apply to the M.A. program. The M.A. degree normally requires a full year to complete. Registration in three (3) graduate half courses in Term 1 is mandatory for all M.A. students, independent of the stream pursued.

A. M.A. with Project

The candidate is required to:

• obtain a grade of at least B- in each of six half courses, one of which, FRENCH 705 Introduction to Literary and Critical Theory, is mandatory. Exceptionally, after consultation with the Department, one graduate course at the 700-level may be taken outside of the Department in a subject related to student’s research. With the approval of the Graduate Program Committee a student may select a course of study under: FRENCH 730 Lectures Dirigées.
• write in French, under the supervision of a member of the Department of French, a Major Research Paper (MRP) normally amounting to 35-45 double-spaced typewritten pages (excluding bibliography). The paper must be on an approved subject, present solid research and critical analysis. The student must successfully defend this project at an oral examination conducted in French.

B. M.A. with Thesis

Admission to the M.A. thesis stream is not automatic with admission to the M.A. program. By the end of the first term and after submitting a formal request, students will require approval in writing from their prospective supervisor, submission of a formal thesis proposal and approval by the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee.

• obtain a grade of at least B- in each of four half courses, one of which, FRENCH 705 Introduction to Literary and Critical Theory, is mandatory. Exceptionally, after consultation with the Department, one graduate course at the 700-level may be taken outside of the Department in a subject related to a student’s research. With the approval of the Graduate Program Committee a student may also select a course of study under: FRENCH 730 Lectures Dirigées.
• write, under the supervision of a member of the Department of French, a thesis that would normally amount to 80-120 double-spaced typewritten pages. The thesis should be on an approved subject, embodying the results of original research and showing independent critical judgment. The student must successfully defend this thesis at an oral examination normally conducted in French.

Additional Information

All M.A. students must pass the workshop on Instruments and Methods of Research in French Literary Studies (Pass/Fail). In addition, students are expected to participate in four other professionalization workshops offered during the academic year.

All graduate students, including part time students, must also complete courses SGS 101  Academic Research Integrity and Ethics and  SGS 201  Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please refer to section 2.6.5 for more information. A graduate student may not obtain a graduate degree at McMaster without having passed these courses.

• FRENCH 730 / Lectures Dirigées

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements conform to the general University regulations. Applicants whose specialization is in French or Francophone literatures and cultures or who are in a program deemed equivalent are encouraged to apply. The English language proficiency test (TOEFL) is not required to enter the MA in French Program.

Application Process

The application process is completed online . You may apply only if you are planning to begin your graduate studies in September 2025   and note that close date for applications is January 31, 2025.

The application includes the following documents which must be downloaded:

• A letter of intent in French, stating why you want to do a Master’s degree in French with us, and what your areas of interest would be, your intellectual and academic background that prepared you and what you would like  your research focus to be (a page to a page and a half in length).
• All of your official transcripts since the first year of university. 
• Two reference letters written by your undergraduate professors. We recommend that students ask for these letters very early, communicate the deadlines to their referees (professors providing a letter of reference) and provide them with relevant documents (CV, copy of transcripts, study plan, etc.).
• Your resume (Curriculum Vitae).
• A non-refundable amount of $110 Canadian dollars must accompany your application form for administrative fees. This fee must be paid in Canadian dollars by means of a credit card payment or electronic transfer.

The main criterion is the excellence of your grades and the quality of your letters of recommendation. Offers of admission will be normally sent in the spring by the School of Graduate Studies upon the recommendation of the department’s Graduate Studies Committee. 

If you are an international student intending to undertake full-time studies in Canada, you must first notify the officials of the Canadian Immigration Service in your country of origin. Applicants must not leave their country until they have in their possession an offer of admission, issued only by the Faculty of Graduate Studies of McMaster University, and a valid study permit to study at McMaster issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Please note that students from certain countries must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa before being allowed to study in Canada. For further information, please visit the website Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada (French and English version).

Canadian equivalency for grades obtained at foreign universities will be calculated following the guidelines of the Ontario Universities Registrars’ Association (OURA).

For more information, we invite you to consult International Student Services .

Program Timelines

MA with Project

• Obtain a grade of at least B- in each of six half courses, one of which, FRENCH 705 Introduction to Literary and Critical Theory, is mandatory. Exceptionally, after consultation with the Department, one graduate course at the 700-level may be taken outside of the Department in a subject related to the student’s research. With the approval of the Graduate Program Committee a student may select a course of study under: FRENCH 730 Lectures Dirigées.
• Write in French, under the supervision of a member of the Department of French, a Major Research Paper (MRP) normally amounting to 35-45 double-spaced typewritten pages (excluding bibliography). The paper must be on an approved subject and present solid research and critical analysis. The student must successfully defend this project at an oral examination conducted in French.

MA with Thesis

Admission to the French MA thesis stream is not automatic with admission to the MA program. By the end of the first term after submitting a formal request, students will require approval in writing from their prospective supervisor, submission of a formal thesis proposal and approval by the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee. The candidate is required to:

• Obtain a grade of at least B- in each of four half courses, one of which, FRENCH 705 Introduction to Literary and Critical Theory, is mandatory. Exceptionally, after consultation with the Department, one graduate course at the 700-level may be taken outside of the Department in a subject related to the student’s research. With the approval of the Graduate Program Committee a student may also select a course of study under: FRENCH 730 Lectures Dirigées.
• Write, under the supervision of a member of the Department of French, a thesis that would normally amount to 80-120 double-spaced typewritten pages. The thesis should be on an approved subject, embodying the results of original research and showing independent critical judgment. The student must successfully defend this thesis at an oral examination normally conducted in French.

French MA Tuition & Program Fees

Visit Graduate Studies to learn more about tuition, supplementary fees and everything you need to know about being paid as a Teaching or Research Assistant. Tuition fees are assessed on a term by term basis, depending on the number of courses a student takes or if they are paying by term.

Faculty Scholarship Adjustments Guidelines

The McMaster Graduate Scholarship (MGS) is the most common form of scholarship support available to graduate students in our program. The MGS ensures that students receive a guaranteed minimum level of scholarship support. Adjustments to the MGS will depend on other available scholarships.

The Faculty of Humanities Adjustments guidelines policy is available for review.

REVIEW THE POLICY

Apply to an MA Program in French

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GRADUATE SUPERVISORS

Research your passion in French with supervision from our world-class faculty.

SEE OUR CURRENT AND FORMER GRAD STUDENTS

Supplemental information.

Graduate Course Offerings & Outlines 2024-2025

• FRENCH 6CC3 / Theoretical Reflections on Interdisciplinarity, Dr. Elzbieta Grodek
• FRENCH 6U03 / Topics in Literature and Culture of Quebec and Francophone Canada, Dr. Joëlle Papillon
• FRENCH 705 / Introduction to Literary and Critical Theory, Dr. John Stout
• FRENCH 711 / Voltaire et son siècle, Dr. William Hanley
• FRENCH 6MM3 / Sex, violence, and elegance: the eighteenth-century French novel, Dr. William Hanley
• FRENCH 6Y03 / Topics in 20th Century French Literature, Dr. Elzbieta Grodek
• FRENCH 701 / La poésie française contemporaine, Dr. John Stout
• FRENCH 730 / Lecture Dirigées
• FRENCH 733 / La Littérature Autochtone. Dr. Joëlle Papillon

Students who are accepted also have the option of taking, with the professor’s agreement, one directed (tailored) reading course (FRENCH 730) a year on a chosen subject.

McMaster Scholarships

External Scholarships

The Department offers a teaching assistantship to all students admitted to the Graduate Program by the official deadline.

Discover the resources available for Teaching Assistants and offered by the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching :

• McMaster Teaching Assistant Guide
• McMaster Teaching Assistant Guide for Remote Teaching
• Forward with FLEXibility: A Teaching and Learning Resource on Accessibility
• MacPherson Supported Teaching Tools

The MacPherson Institute is located in the McMaster Mills Library (L504) and is a resourceful and welcoming place to meet teaching and learning specialists at McMaster.

TAs’ Community of Practice

Teaching Assistants’ Community of Practice in the Department of French:

French TAs meet a couple of times each term to share best practices and discuss their teaching experiences. 

Collective Agreement 

CUPE 3906 – T.A.s (Unit 1)

A collective agreement providing terms and conditions of employment as a TA at McMaster.

Research assistantships are occasionally available conditional on faculty research funding.

With a French graduate degree, you could work as a teacher, journalist, translator, interpreter, proofreader, international aid and development worker, diplomatic service officer, education consultant, government administrator, public policy analyst, lawyer. 

You will gain marketable skills such as:

• Analytical and critical thinking
• Conceptual, systemic, interconnected thinking 
• Listening and communication
• Discussion and negotiation
• Writing and literature review skills
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork ability
• Planning and organizing activities
• Intercultural dialogue
• Understanding of diverse worldviews and practices
• Open-mindedness
• Life-long learning skills 

Academic job postings are available on University Affairs and Fabula , among other sources.

• Thesis Defence
• Graduate Calendar
• School of Graduate Studies Graduate Resources
• Graduate Association
• Program Handbook

PAST MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS

Department life.

The French department at McMaster boasts a vibrant collegial environment for students and faculty members alike to study, explore and celebrate the Francophone World.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Francophonie

Learn how McMaster acknowledges the entire “Francophone world” and embraces “Diversité”.

Internationalisation

Explore the internationalisation initiatives in our Department.

Gems at Mac

See the wide variety of unique resources offered by McMaster University.

Find a Humanities Expert

Research-focused and student-centered. Humanities researchers promote interdisciplinary approaches to local and global leadership. Learn more about our researchers by searching by name or keyword.

French - Master's Thesis

Postgraduate course, course description, objectives and content, learning outcomes.

Upon completion of the course, the student should have achieved the following learning outcomes:

The student:

• Has broad knowledge within the subject area and in-depth knowledge within a specific area
• Has basic knowledge of the central issues and methods in the chosen discipline
• Can express in French academic issues, analyses, and conclusions, both orally and in writing within their own subject area
• Can work independently and long-term with problem solving on the basis of academic knowledge
• Can familiarise themselves with, and critically assess, theories, methods, and interpretations within the subject area
• Can acquire and use knowledge in new areas within the subject

General competence

• Can conduct a limited research or development project under supervision and in line with applicable research ethics norms
• Knows the norms of academic writing
• Can use ICT tools that are necessary to carry out independent work within the subject area
• Can independently maintain their own competence development and specialisation
• Can participate in the public debate when relevant to the subject area

ECTS Credits

Level of study, semester of instruction, place of instruction.

Supervision

Master's students must enter into a supervision contract with an assigned supervisor. Assignment of supervisor(s) takes place in the first semester or, at the latest, during the second semester of the master's programme.

As part of the work on the thesis, students must present and have two papers approved at the pre-project seminar: one paper in which they present their project and one paper in which they comment on one of the other students' projects. The presentation of the student's own project must contain components on the problem, material used, method, and bibliography. Preparation for the project presentation must be completed in consultation with the supervisor. The presentation must be sent electronically to the course leader at least four days prior to the presentation.

The compulsory requirements are applicable for the entire period until the student has delivered the thesis.

A thesis of 70-100 pages, written in French. An oral examination, which can adjust the grade awarded to the thesis by a single grade. Both parts of the exam must receive a passing grade in order to get a passing grade in the course.

As a general rule, all modules in the course section of the programme must be completed before the submission of the thesis.

Contact Information

Student councilor: [email protected]

Exam administration: [email protected]

Exam information

• Exam part: Master's thesis Submission deadline 20.11.2024, 13:00 Examination system Inspera Digital exam
• Exam part: Adjusting oral examination

Important information about exams

• French News
• Articles & Journals
• Primary Sources

Dissertations & Theses

• Citations & Bibliography
• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Represents the work of authors from over 1,000 North American and European universities on a full range of academic subjects. Includes abstracts for doctoral dissertations beginning July 1980 and for Master's theses beginning Spring 1988. All dissertations published since 1997, and some from prior years, are available for free download; others may be requested via Interlibrary Loan.
• Dissertations & Theses (Georgetown-authored) This link opens in a new window Recent online theses and dissertations from selected Georgetown programs and departments. For access to Georgetown theses and dissertations authored prior to 2006, see the Georgetown catalog or refer to ProQuest's Dissertations & Theses database. Print copies of disserations may be requested using the Library's Library Use Only Materials Request. .
• EThoS: Electronic Theses Online This link opens in a new window The British Library's database of digitized theses from UK higher education institutions. Free registration and login is required.
• Open Access Theses & Dissertations The number of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) openly available via institutional repositories has grown dramatically in recent years, increasing the need for a centralized service to search for this unique material. Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD), launched in early 2013, is on the path to fulfill that need. Not as large as the commercial subscription service ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database, OATD distinguishes itself by providing access to more than 1.6 million open-access theses and dissertations freely available from over 800 institutions worldwide. The simplified interface allows searching across all fields or, in advanced search, by specific field (Title, Author Name, Abstract, University/Publisher, or Subject/Keywords). In addition, users may limit searches to a specific language or date range. Search results may be sorted by relevance, author, university, or date. more... less... Depending on the search, results may be further limited by date, university, department, degree, level (e.g., doctoral vs. master's), or language. The number of hits for entries under each limit is conveniently displayed in the left column. Links to the full text residing on the home institution's site are provided for each record. In many instances, several pages of the thesis or dissertation are available for viewing. Though other sites cover similar material, e.g., PQDT Open http://pqdtopen.proquest.com and Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, OATD focuses exclusively on open-access ETDs, and serves as an excellent resource for students and researchers. Its usefulness will continue to increase as more ETDs are made freely available.
• Theses.fr This link opens in a new window Provides access to more than 5000 theses on all subjects submitted in French to universities around the world, since 2006. Most are digitized and available in full text.
• Theses Canada Portal This link opens in a new window Provides information on all the Canadian theses and dissertations in the collection of the National Library of Canada. Free access to the full-text of theses from 1998.
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• Last Updated: Jul 30, 2024 4:02 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.georgetown.edu/french

French Master of Arts

The MA in French allows students to deepen their study of the literatures and cultures of the French-speaking world. Graduate students work closely with department faculty who specialize in interdisciplinary approaches to French and Francophone literature, queer and gender studies, philosophy, literary theory, film and visual culture, and medical humanities.

You Will Go Places

Combined BA + MA Degree

Designed for maximum flexibility, the combined BA/MA program in French allows high-achieving undergraduate students majoring in French to challenge themselves with advanced work and deepen their study of the literatures and cultures of the French-speaking world. Most of our students complete both the BA and the MA within four years.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year from undergraduate French majors who have earned Junior or Senior standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.

Assistantships

Our MA program is highly selective. Successful applicants are awarded graduate assistantships in exchange for teaching language courses in our department. The assistantship includes a modest stipend ($15,330 in 2023-24) and tuition waiver (in 2023-24, tuition is $13,931 for Ohio residents and $34,005 for nonresidents).

Learning Outcomes of Our Program

• Demonstrate excellent familiarity with the major works of French and Francophone literature, film, and theory from the Middles Ages to the present;
• Formulate original hypotheses about cultural artifacts and construct an argument that is informed by a clearly stated methodological approach. Students should be capable of making these analyses in French in both written and oral forms;
• Write a Master’s thesis of at least 50 pages that develops an original topic of research, demonstrates a well-defined critical framework, advances an original reading of work(s), and is written in clear, well-articulated prose.

To be guaranteed consideration, your complete application must be received by January 15. In addition to an online application , applicants must submit a CV, statement of purpose, writing sample in French (5-10 pages), and two letters of recommendation. International applicants must also include official results of the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL or IELTS.

Meet Our Alumni

Graduates of our Master's program often pursue advanced studies at some of the finest institutions in the world (Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, Stanford, and UC Berkeley). Others teach at the private or public secondary schools and usually receive a higher salary with a Master's degree. Some pursue careers in the law and in non-profit organizations.  

"The MA was formative to the development of my research interests in French literary studies. Now, several years into my PhD at UC Berkeley, I can recognize that my current research project – which focuses on the concept of the "contemporary" in the early modern period – was formed by the conversations I had with my professors and colleagues at Miami. Special thanks go to Audrey Wasser, Elisabeth Hodges, and Jonathan Strauss for advising me on the MA thesis, providing feedback on my PhD applications, and working with me to prepare for the reading list exam. I'm very grateful to everyone who made Irvin Hall such a welcoming place!"

Caroline Goddard

PhD Candidate, UC Berkeley

Recent M.A. Theses

Lina Scally,   Raconter sa biculture pour denoncer: le pouvoir transformateur de l’Art dans "Le Piano Oriental" et "Coquelicots d'Irak" (Mark McKinney, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at University of California, Berkeley.

Murielle Sandra Tiako Djomatchoua ,   Sports et Routes Migratoires : entre Imaginaires (Post) Coloniaux et Experiences Individuelles dans Fais peter les basses, Bruno! et Le Chemin de L' Amerique de Baru (Mark McKinney, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at Princeton University.

Madelyn Neal,   Feminist Reclamations of the Patriarchal Representation of Linear Time in Film and Literature (Audrey Wasser, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at New York University.

Justine Ruyer,   Voyeurisme et obsession : de la femme-objet et de sa reduction au silence dans La Jalousie'Alain Robbe-Grillet et Le Ravissement de Lol V. Stein de Marguerite Duras (Audrey Wasser, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at Cornell University.

Pierre Borlée,  Desenchantement et deuxieme chance: La France contemporaine dans Soumission de Michel Houellebecq (Audrey Wasser, advisor). French teacher in Belgium.

Katherine Coverdale,  An Exploration of Identity in Claire Denis' and Mati Diop's (Post)Colonial Africa (Elisabeth Hodges, Advisor). French teacher at a private middle school in Fort Meyers. 

Clément Dubuisson,  Reading Reiser in the 21st Century (Mark McKinney, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at Tulane University

Caroline Miller,  The Dual Power of Language: Theories of Maurice Blanchot in Practice (Audrey Wasser, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in Chemistry at Colorado School of Mines.

Franklin Dargo,  The Dynamics of Loss: Representations of Sororal, Maternal, and Feminine Loss in the Works of Nerval, Chateaubriand, and Baudelaire (Jonathan Strauss, advisor). Manager and Board Member at Frankie D’s, Muncie, Indiana.

Sarah Agou,  Women (as) Subjects: Luce Irigaray and the Question of Limits  (Andrea Righi, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at University of Oregon

Lyna Ami Ali,  Le Cinéma de banlieu : Un Regard novateur et aventureux sur un terriotoire difficilement identifiable  (Mark McKinney, advisor).  MA, English Literature, Civilization and Linguistics, La Sorbonne (Paris IV). Graduate student (PhD) in French at Emory University.

Abigail Culpepper,  Towards an Ethic of the Lyric: Taking on the Other in “La Mort de Cleopatre” by Marie Krysinska  (Jonathan Strauss, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at Brown University

Abigail Goldman,  Representations of Migration in Ousmane Sembene's La Noire De..., Alain Mabanckou's Bleu, Blanc, Rouge and Mweze Ngangura's Pieces d'Identites  (Mark McKinney, advisor). Graduate student (MsC) at the London School of Economics and Political Science

Caroline Godard,  ' Une sorte de vaste sensation collective': Story and Experience in the work of Marcel Proust, Walter Benjamin, and Annie Ernaux  (Audrey Wasser, advisor).  MA in Modern Languages at St Antony’s College, University of Oxford (UK). Graduate student (PhD) in French at University of California, Berkeley.

Anne Sophie Brian,  LA LITTÉRATURE FRANCO-MAGHREBINE EN RECHERCHE D'UNE IDENTITE FRANCAISE  (Mark McKinney, advisor). Graduate student in Anglo-American Studies at the Université de Bourgogne. 

Majeed Masnoon,  Environmental Consciousness in Joachim du Bellay's Divers jeux rustiques and 'Au fleuve de Loire'  (Elisabeth Hodges, advisor). 

Logan Smith,  MONUMENTS IN THE MAKING: CAPTURING TRAUMA(S) OF COMMUNAL ABSENCE IN THE POST-PLANTATION FICTION OF MARYSE CONDÉ AND WILLIAM FAULKNER  (Jonathan Strauss, advisor). 

Jessie Motts,  Listening Beyond the Image : Toward a Trans-Sensory Cinema  (Elisabeth Hodges, advisor). Documentary filmmaker based in NYC

Emile Levesque-Jalbert,  L’Autre de l’un : L’Experience de la négativité dans les récits de Maurice Blanchot  (Jonathan Strauss, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in Romance Languages and Literatures at Harvard University

Mehdi Dastergi Izadi,  7 de Tristan Garcia: pour une poétique spéculative   (Anna Klosowska, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in Romance Languages and Literatures at Harvard University

Clémentine Bernaudat-Hanin,  « Elle partit, s’enfonçant dans la pluie dine comme un voile » : Esthetique de la prostitution féminine dans la littérature du XIXe siècle  (Audrey Wasser, advisor)

Gwen Miranda-Caniceiro,  Ecrire pour témoigner: La vérité historique dans les témoignages de la second guerre mondiale  (Jonathan Strauss, advisor). French teacher at a private high school

Jacob Raterman ,  (Mi)lieux critiques: Hybridité et hétérotopie dans La Curée et Au Bonheur des dames  (Jonathan Strauss, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at the University of California, Berkeley

Elham Dehghanipour,  La relation entre le mouvement et l'écriture chez Assia Djebar via Ces voix qui m'assiègent...., En marge de ma francophonie, Loin de Médine, L'amour, la fantasia, Vaste est la prison     (Mark McKinney, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at the SUNY, Buffalo

Jonathan Devine,  Childhood Fantasy and the Look in Alain Berliner's Ma vie en rose and François Ozon's Ricky  (Elisabeth Hodges, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French/Film Studies at the University of Pittsburgh

Emeline Diolot,  Répétition et reconstruction de soi dans l'œuvre autofictive de Camille Laurens  (Mark McKinney, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French and Italian at University of California, Davis

Tamara Tasevska,  Intimate Spaces in François Ozon's Swimming Pool  (Elisabeth Hodges, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at Northwestern University

Anne-Sophie Dubosson,  Sublimation et négation du corps féminin surréaliste dans l'œuvre de Man Ray, Joyce Mansour et Gisèle Prassinos  (Elisabeth Hodges, advisor). Graduate Students (PhD) in French at Vanderbilt University

Sophie Chopin,  Régimes d’ínteraction entre littérature et médecine dans l'œuvre de Louis Ferdinand Céline Voyage au bout de la nuit  (Jonathan Strauss, advisor). Graduate student (PhD) in French at Princeton University

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Study Postgraduate

French studies (ma by research) (2025 entry).

Course code

6 October 2025

Full-time: 1 year; Part-time: 2 years

Qualification

MA by Research

Modern Languages and Cultures

University of Warwick

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Find out more about our French Studies research Master's degree at Warwick

Study MA by Research in French and Francophone Studies at Warwick's School of Modern Languages and Cultures. Explore an area of French or francophone culture and thought with guidance from internationally-leading experts.

Course overview

Research and write a 40,000-word Dissertation on a topic of your choice under the supervision of one or more of our internationally-leading experts. The course is suitable for students who already have considerable research skills and a clear idea of their own particular area of interest for further research.

Before you arrive, you will be matched to one or more of our expert supervisors. During the course, you will meet with them frequently for guidance on the conceptualisation, research and writing of your Dissertation. This will include reading and discussion of draft material.

You will also be expected to participate in the research culture of the School, for example by attending research seminars.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is one of the UK's leading sites of research in French, German, Hispanic, Italian and Translation and Transcultural Studies, and our expertise ranges from the Early Modern period to the present. 82% of our research outputs and 100% of our research environment in the REF2021 exercise were judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent. We welcome applications from prospective PGR students wishing to work in the following areas:

• The literary and visual culture of any of our four principal language areas, including post-colonial areas and perspectives
• The history, politics, theory or philosophy of our four principal language areas
• The study and practice of translation between English and any one of French, German, Spanish, Portugese, Italian, Chinese and Arabic
• Translation technologies

Please note that we do not accept proposals from students wishing to work on second language acquisition or language learning.

Full details of our research interests Link opens in a new window  are listed on the School of Modern Languages and Cultures website.

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

Explore our School of Modern Languages and Cultures Research Directory where you will be able to filter by your chronological, geographical, linguistic and disciplinary interests.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor .

Research proposals

It is up to applicants to identify an area of possible study which interests them and which is achievable within three full-time or five part-time years of MPhil/PhD study (or one full-time / two-part-time years of study for the MA by research).

Students should submit a statement of around 500 words outlining their proposed area of study. This should situate a topic within a particular thematic or chronological area, and should make specific references to authors, texts, events, regions, intellectual configurations, or cultural practices(whichever are most relevant).

We recognise, of course, that all projects change and evolve during the actual processes of researching and writing up, and that it is difficult to define a project in advance of carrying it out. However, it is very important, when assessing applications, for us to have a clear idea of your project, not least to enable us to ensure that a suitable supervisor is available.

See our tips on writing a PhD proposal Link opens in a new window .

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

• Core text books
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Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support.

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Modern Languages and Cultures at Warwick

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is a close-knit community with an excellent reputation for innovative teaching and world-leading research. The School comprises five major sections – French, German, Italian, Hispanic Studies (all broadly conceived) and Translation and Transcultural Studies – and a Language Centre offering linguistic training in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

Get to know us a bit better by exploring our department website Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Modern Languages and Cultures (MA)
• Translation and Cultures (MA)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• MPhil/PhD in French Studies
• MPhil/PhD in German Studies
• MPhil/PhD in Hispanic Studies
• MPhil/PhD in Italian
• MPhil/PhD Translation and Transcultural Studies
• MA by Research in French and Francophone Studies
• MA by Research in German Studies
• MA by Research in Hispanic Studies
• MA by Research in Italian

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2025 will open on 2 October 2024.

For research courses that start in September and October 2025 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2025. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

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Access Theses.fr

Thèses.fr is the search engine for French doctoral theses set up by ABES in 2011. This unique tool is supplied by the thesis-supporting institutions. It lists theses in preparation for the last 10 years in all disciplines and all institutions, as well as all theses defended since 1985.

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Latest news:, besançon summer program featured in college of the liberal arts article.

November 3, 2023

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(re)-envisioning francophonies: toward creative directions, practices and methods, m.a. degree program in french and francophone studies, program description.

The purpose of the M.A. program in French and Francophone is to improve students’ understanding of French language, literature, and culture beyond the levels of competency expected of undergraduate majors. To realize these goals, further study of French and Francophone language, literature, and culture is necessary. 

Statement of Goals

The M.A. degree program in French and Francophone Studies is designed to provide an introduction to advanced study in the French and Francophone language, literature and culture.  The core of the program in French and Francophone literature and culture may serve as the foundation for continued study at the Ph.D. level.

The goals of the M.A. program in French and Francophone Studies are:

• To teach students to read literary and cultural texts with critical appreciation and to articulate their understanding of the texts.
• To introduce students to the theoretical issues in the study of literature and culture, as well as in additional fields in French and Francophone studies, such as linguistics.
• To develop students’ analytical, critical, and methodological skills.
• To enhance students’ oral and written communication skills in the French.

Once admitted to a degree program, a student is assigned a faculty member for advising. The advisor’s role is to assist the student in further clarifying interests and in developing a program of study. It is the responsibility of the advisor to help the student develop an academic plan and to serve as a guide in the successful completion of all requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to verify Graduate School policies and procedures pertaining to his or her particular degree program.

Students are urged to consult with their advisors at least two times per semester and more often as needed.

Degree Requirements

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements stated in the  DEGREE REQUIREMENTS  section of the  Graduate Bulletin .

Candidates for the master’s degree in French and Francophone Studies must complete a minimum of 33 credits at the 400, 500, 600, or 800 level, either 33 credits plus a master’s paper or 27 credits plus 6 credits for a thesis. A reading knowledge of a second foreign language plus oral and written examinations are also required. Most students select the first option.

All candidates take FR 571 French Literacy Theory and Criticism (3), FR 502 Introduction to French Linguistics (3), FR 580 Approaches to French Civilization (3), FR 581 Theory and Techniques of Teaching French (1-6), FR 501A Pro-Seminar in French Studies I (1.5), and FR 501B Pro-Seminar in French Studies II (1.5). In addition to the six required courses designated here, all candidates take 6 3-credit courses in French and Francophone Studies. The M.A. degree (or equivalent) is normally a prerequisite to doctoral candidacy.

All students are required to take the Pro-Seminars in French Studies, FR 501A and FR 501B, within the first two years of entering the program whether at the M.A. or the Ph.D. level.  Doctoral students who are preparing for the job market are required to take the Pro-Seminar a second time.

Reading Proficiency in a Second Foreign Language

M.A. students must complete the foreign language requirement before or sometime during the same semester in which they receive the degree. Reading proficiency in a second foreign language (besides English and French), either classical or modern, is required. Proficiency may be demonstrated by undergraduate courses equivalent to an intermediate or twelfth-credit level course with grades of B or better (e.g., Spanish 1, 2, 3), by passing a reading course or passing a reading exam administered by the department offering the language, or by passing an ETS Reading Exam.

Note: If a student wishes to count a language that is not offered at Penn State, it is the responsibility of the student to find a faculty member at another institution to certify proficiency. Students should consult their advisors or the department head to identify specific institutions or faculty.

Master’s Examination

M.A. examinations are usually administered during the last two weeks of January of every year. The language of the M.A. examination, both for the written and oral segments, is French.

The examination for the M.A. in French and Francophone Studies consists of the following parts:

• Written Examination

Knowledge of the works on the Department of French and Francophone Studies MA Reading List is presupposed. The following items may be used during the exam: a) word processor, b) one dictionary (English/French or French/French), c) the M.A. Reading List.

The written examination consists of two parts taken within the same week:

A.   Analysis. Candidates write in French on one of three texts or objects taken from works on the M.A. Reading List (up to 4 hours).

B.   Interpretation. Candidates write in French on one of three questions, illustrating their answers with examples from works on the M.A. Reading List and from course-related or independent readings in metropolitan and non-metropolitan literature and culture (up to 4 hours).

• Oral Examination

The one-hour oral examination is given 1-2 weeks following the written exam. A three-member faculty committee is selected by the candidate in consultation with the academic advisor. The oral examination is a follow-up to the written examination and may touch on any topic areas covered by the written exams (M.A. reading list).

• Evaluation of the Examination

A.   Written Exam

All of the graduate faculty available at the time of the examination evaluate the written exam (each candidate is assigned a letter code for evaluation purposes). Each reader forwards an evaluation report to the Department.

B.   Oral Exam

A committee of three graduate faculty members (selected by the student, in consultation with his or her advisor) conducts the oral examination in French and provides evaluations to the committee of the whole.

C.   Results of the Written and Oral Exam

The evaluation of the results of the written and oral exams takes place at a meeting of the graduate faculty, with three possible results: (1) Pass, with recommendation to continue on to the Ph.D.; (2) Pass, terminal M.A.; (3) Fail.

In the event of a failing evaluation, the graduate faculty may recommend that the student retake the segments of the exam that were deemed to be unsatisfactory. The Examination Committee will specify the conditions (e.g., further course work, improvement in written/analytical skills, minimum time that must elapse, etc.) under which reexamination is to take place. Exams may be retaken only once; if at all possible, the student’s exam committee will remain the same. For students planning to continue their studies, the Committee recommends affirmatively or negatively to let the student continue in the Ph.D. program.

The Advisor communicates orally and in writing the results of the examination to the candidate.

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Dissertations

A sampling of dissertations.

• Paule Carbonnel, "To the End(s) of the Earth with Jules Verne (and Beyond): Explorations of Limitedness in Nineteenth-Century France” (2024)
• Lauriane Guihard,  "'Peut-on encore entendre de toi, troupe, quelque voix?' Le Chœur Tragique au XVIe siècle, ou la Renaissance d'un Medium Antique" (2024)
• Nicole Ferrari,  "Skepticism, the Human, and Republics in Alessandro Manzoni's I Promessi Sposi and Victor Hugo's Les Misérables" (2023)
• Marcus Dominick,  " Science, the Self, and Skepticism: Posthuman Fictions of Post-1960s France" (2023)
• Tristan Zhang, " From Fantaisie to Histoire: Applying an 'Alsatian Lesson' to China" (2023)
• Fariba Kanga,  "The Construction of the Enemy in French Reformation Martyr Narratives, 1554-1616" (2023)
• Sophie Dolto,  "'Il faudrait cesser d'écrire des romans' : Jean-Patrick Manchette et la politique" (2023)

Hanna  Laruelle,  " Rictus Grin: Poetics of Cruel Humor in Screen Adaptations of "L'homme qui rit" (2022)

Nathalie  Lacarrière ,  " Compilation, Reception, and Authority: Anthologizing Christine de Pizan's Enseignemens moraux in the Middle Ages and Renaissance " (2022)

Jared Miller, "Romance A uctoritas  in  Le Livre du Cuer d'Amours espris  and  Jehan de Saintré " (2022)

Trask Roberts, "Writing and Wronging: Prerogatives of the Self-Translator" (2022)

Fiona Moreno, "The Making of a Distinguished Reader: Francophone Stories of Literary Initiation" (2020)

• Andrea Lloyd, "Writing Verdicts: French and Francophone Narratives of Race and Racism" (2019) 
• Sterling Kouri, "Reading Houellebecq and his Fictions" (2018)
• Marla Epp, "Les chercheurs d'histoire: The Historical Investigator in the Contemporary French Novel." (2018)
• Romain Delaville, “Face Value: Physiognomy, Portraiture, and the Making of Subjectivity in Francophone Literature and Visual Culture" (2017)
• Melissa DunLany, "The Aesthetics of Waste: Michel Tournier, Agnes Varda, Sabine Macher"  (2017)
• Ben Baker, "Uncertain Boundaries: Dispositive Techniques in Prevost's Novels" (2016)
• Adam Cutchin, "The Mysteres of Paris and Montreal: Crime, National Identity, and the City in Nineteenth-Century Urban Mysteries and the Popular Press" (2016)
• Arabella Hobbs, "Calvary or Catastrophe? French Catholicism's First World War" (2016)
• Samuel Martin , "The Dilation of the Poem (Philippe Jaccottet)"  (2016)
• Lisa Bromberg, "Geographies of Exile and the Making of French Nationhood in the Nineteenth Century" (2016)
• George MacLeod, "Approaching the Witness: Narratives of Trauma in Sub-Saharan African Literature and Film" (2015)
• Caroline Grubbs, "Cultures of Time in Fin-de-siecle France: The Popular Literature and Graphic Art of Albert Robida (1848-1926)" (2014)
• Charlotte Ritzmann, "Fictions of Identity in the 13th century: The Example of the Lancelot proper" (2014)
• Anne Bornschein, "Heirs of the Round Table: French Arthurian fiction from 1977 to the present" (2013)
• Lucas Hollister, "Problematic returns: On the romanesque in contemporary French literature" (2013)
• Kathleen Kasten, "Writing luxury: Mirrors, silk, lace, and writing desks in French literature, 1660--1715" (2013)
• Matthew Pagett, "Money plays: Performing currency in seventeenth-century French comedy" (2013)
• Sara Phenix, "Designing women: Fashion, fiction, and femininity in Second Empire France" (2013)
• Ekaterina Alexandrova, "Outlandish fictions: The eighteenth-century French novel and marriage on women's terms" (2012)
• Ian McConnon, "Substance and providence in the Old French theological romance" (2012)
• Lucy Swanson, "Bringing out the undead: Reinventing the zombie in contemporary fiction of the Francophone Caribbean" (2012)

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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Literatures, Cultures, and Languages

• Back to French & Francophone Studies
• Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, and Graduate Support

Through the exploration of more specialized topics such as Travel Literature, Fantasy and Science Fiction, Film and Film Theory, Poetry and Architecture, Mass Culture and Media, Animals and Animality, students confront issues of genre, aesthetics, dissemination, identity, and audience, and the ways in which these are related to and reflect particular cultural and historical moments.

Core seminars are taught in French while students also have access to a number of interdisciplinary seminars taught in English.

Some recent seminar topics include Discourses of Witchcraft in French Medieval Literature; Money and Culture; Ecopoetics and Ecocriticism; Humanimals in Literature and Cinema; Postcolonial Literature, Power and Sexuality; Fashion, the Body, and Material Culture; Travelers and Libertines in the French Enlightenment; The Middle Ages at the movies; Contact Linguistics and Literary Translation.

Admission is competitive, and qualifying graduate students are financially supported by teaching or research assistantships.

The Department’s core strengths include Medieval Studies, Film and Film History, Literary and Cultural Theory, Digital Culture and Media Studies, Post-Colonial Studies, Studies of the Mediterranean World, Islamic Cultures, Caribbean Studies, Border and Migration Studies, Critical Race Studies, and Judaic Studies.  We encourage all of our students to pursue graduate certificates in fields that will enable them to extend their teaching and/or research profiles.  Graduate certificates are available in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Human Rights, Digital Culture & Media Studies, Cognitive Science, and Translation.

• Anne Berthelot : Education: École Normale Supérieure; Agrégation des Lettres (Classiques: Latin et Grec); Doctorat ès Lettres, University of Paris IV-Sorbonne. Areas of Expertise: Old French and Occitan–Anglo-Norman (the medieval francophonie); Medieval Literature (Ancien Français, Middle English, Mittel Hoch Deutsch); Arthurian Studies; Fantasy in Literature; The History of Magic; Québécois Literature.
• Roger Célestin : Education: Ph.D. Graduate Center, CUNY; D.E.A. Sorbonne, University of Paris IV; Diplôme de l’Institut, Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris. Areas of Expertise: 20th Century French Literature and Culture, the French Enlightenment, Theory and Criticism, Travel Literature, Film
• Ally Ladha : Education: Ph.D. Princeton University, B.A. Yale University. Areas of Expertise: Philosophy and literature; literary theory; postcolonial studies; poetry (19th and 20th century French, francophone African, American, British); Islamic studies (pre-Islamic poetry; Quranic studies; art and aesthetics; Islamic legal and political theory; African Islam).
• Florence Marsal :  Education: Ph.D. UConn. Areas of expertise: French Contemporary Literature, French Arthurian Literature in the Middle Ages and in the 20 th and 21 st century, Oulipo, Autobiography, Poetry.
• Valérie Saugéra : Education: Ph.D. French Linguistics. Areas of Expertise: Contact Linguistics, Lexical Borrowing, French Anglicisms, Neology, Lexicography, Language Pedagogy
• Jennifer Terni : Education: Ph.D. Duke University. Areas of expertise: 19th Century French Literature and Culture; Realisms; Popular Theatre and Popular Genres; Information and Virtuality; Material and Mass Culture; Media and Visual Culture; Cultural History.

Doctoral Degree

Students must complete 48 credits (24 beyond the Master’s) including the 6 credits in literary theory and critical methodology taken and a course in research methods and scholarship and professionalization to be taken in the 3 rd or 5 th semester. (If a student has already completed the course in theory and methodology, he or she may take additional courses in comparative cultures and literatures). Courses involving cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives, and francophone literature are part of the curriculum. Students must also pass a proficiency exam in a foreign language other than French . The proficiency exam may be replaced by a grade of B or above in a foreign literature. For students specializing in the medieval or early modern period, a grade of B or above in an approved course in Latin is also required. All students must pass general qualifying exams and write a doctoral thesis.

Master’s Degree

Students are expected to complete 24 credits in French, one and a half to two years of full-time study. M.A. students must take a 3-credit Literary Theory course and a 3-credit Methods and Approaches to Second Language Acquisition course, preferably during their first year in the program. The rest of their plan of study must be designed in consultation with M.A. advisory committee, chosen by faculty in consultation with the student.

Master’s degrees may be earned under either of two plans, as laid out by the graduate school ( http://grad.uconn.edu/current-students/masters-degree-program/ ) and as determined by the advisory committee. Either Plan A requires not fewer than 15 credits of advanced coursework and not fewer than 9 additional credits of Master’s Thesis Research (GRAD 5950 or GRAD 5960), the writing of a thesis and a defense. Plan B requires not fewer than 24 credits of advanced coursework and a final examination, but no thesis.

In either case, the advisory committees may require more than the minimum number of credits. Specific characteristics of the thesis or the exam will also be determined by the advisory committee.

French, Master's, 2 years

• Tuition For non eu/eea citizens
• Years 2 Years
• Grade requirements Minimum C
• Language French
• Start Autumn

Main content

What will you learn.

The Master’s programme aims to give you a high level of knowledge of French literature, culture and language, including oral and written use of modern French. In the supervised Master’s thesis, you work independently on in-depth research and analysis of a problem within French linguistics or literature. The assignment may have a cultural perspective, or come from French linguistics or literature. The Master’s programme also aims for you to take an active part in research projects at the Department of Foreign Languages, so that you develop a critical and independent attitude to problems and methods within the scientific branches of the subject. 

Through the Master’s degree 

You gain extensive knowledge of French and/or Francophone literature and French linguistics 

You work independently and on long-term problem solving, based on academic knowledge 

You can independently develop you own competences and specialisation 

Student life 

As a Master’s student, you get your own desk in the reading room. You meet people who are interested in related study topics and get the chance to practice French with native speakers. Both administrative and academic staff welcome your questions. 

To influence the development of your study programme, you can act as a student representative on the programme committee, or you can arrange various meetings as part of the student council. 

There are six hours of lectures each week, as well as additional seminars. You spend most of your time on independent reading and research, as well as working on the Master’s thesis. We teach and use literature in French. 

You must be able to work independently, but you can always talk to other students, your supervisor and other staff if you need support. 

In the second year of the programme you write your Master’s thesis. You get individual guidance during the research and writing process. 

With high-level knowledge of French language and literature, you can work in: 

International organisations 

Art and education 

Demand for French language skills is increasing. The number of French speakers worldwide is expected to multiply manifold during the 21st century. 

A Master’s degree in French guarantees a certain level of experience in independent research. A Master’s degree implies extensive training in interpreting and producing texts. The study of foreign languages contributes to the development of greater capacity for intercultural communication. 

All these skills can be transferred to and be useful in many professional and social environments. 

Admission requirements and how to apply 

Application deadline: 15 April 

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA  (4 January)
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA  (1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway  (15 April)

You will also have to meet  the programme specific entry requirements .

All applicants with citizenship from outside the EU/EEA must pay tuition fees .

Study structure 

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn.   

The courses can be divided into three parts: two basic courses worth 30 ECTS, two specialised courses worth 30 ECTS, and a Master’s thesis worth 60 ECTS. 

Semester 1 

FRAN312 /French Literature, H (15 ECTS., in cooperation with NTNU) 

FRAN307 /Linguistic Seminar, H (15 ECTS) 

Semester 2 

FRAN308 /Literary Seminar, V (15 ECTS) 

FRAN313 /French Linguistics V (15 ECTS, in cooperation with NTNU) 

Semester  3 and 4   

FRAN350  /Master’s Thesis  (60 ECTS) 

Full list of courses in this study programme   

You define and plan your project with help and assistance from your supervisor. In the Master’s thesis you may choose to specialise in language or literature, but it is also possible to combine literary, linguistic and cultural perspectives. 

Study period abroad 

You can spend the second or third semester at a partner university abroad. We recommend France or Canada. 

Further studies 

You can continue in academic research by taking a postgraduate degree (PhD) 

Questions about the study? 

Phone: +47 55 58 93 70 

Mail: [email protected]  

Study plan 

www.uib.no/en/studies/MAHF-FRAN   

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French (MA)

Specialize in literature, linguistics, or francophone culture.

Why choose this program?

Earn your MA in French with courses in the areas of French and francophone literatures and cultures, French and general linguistics, and second-language studies.

Graduates can pursue teaching careers in high schools and colleges, the private sector including travel and hospitality, federal and provincial administration, and roles where bilingualism is a must.

Possible careers include:

Private Sector 

Tourism, Travel and Hospitality

Administration 

Admission requirements

You'll need to meet the  Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements  as well as any program-specific admissions requirements before you can apply.

Financial information

At Dalhousie, we want our students to focus on their studies, rather than worry about their personal finances. We offer competitive tuition rates and funding programs to support graduate students in almost all of our degree programs.

Program options

Thesis : Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis.  

Course-based : Build your skills and knowledge in a course-based program.

Standard program duration:

16 months or longer

Enrolment options:

Delivery format:.

All graduate programs at Dalhousie are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and the  Faculty of Graduate Studies .

Contact an admissions advisor

GRADUATE COORDINATOR

Kenneth Harvie

Email: [email protected]

I'm ready to apply!

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this page, in the event of a discrepancy,  Dalhousie's Academic Calendars  are the official reference.

• Major in French Language, Literatures and Cultures
• Honours in French Language, Literatures and Cultures
• Minor in French Language, Literatures and Cultures
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Master’s Program

• PhD Program
• Mater’s Program
• Publications
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• Internal (AIR)

Gain broad knowledge of French literature or linguistics through our Master of Arts (MA) degree program in French at UBC Vancouver.

Degree Requirements

The MA in French degree program offers two options. The minimum credit requirement for either option is 30.

Option 1: Course-based MA

• This option requires 30 credits of coursework, up to 3 of which may be drawn from 400-level undergraduate courses in literature or linguistics given in French.

Option 2: MA with Thesis

• This option requires 24 credits of coursework numbered 500 and above in literature or linguistics given in French.
• French 599 (6) a Master’s Thesis written in either French or English. The length of the MA thesis should be approximately 80 pages including the bibliography.
• A one-and-a-half hour oral thesis defence normally conducted in the target language.

MA candidates may specialize in literature or linguistics, or propose a research program combining both fields.

Candidates who are primarily interested in Linguistics may write a thesis on an aspect of French Linguistics. After consulting with the Graduate Advisor, they may also be permitted to supplement the Linguistics courses offered in the Department itself by taking courses elsewhere at UBC (in the Department of Linguistics or the Faculty of Education, for example), or at other universities under the Western Deans’ Agreement . Students specializing in this in French linguistics will be required to take some courses in French literature to complete their Master’s program.

When the language skills of a graduate student do not meet the expected standards of the Department during the first year of the program, this student, at the discretion of the Graduate Advisor, will have to take the appropriate undergraduate course(s) and obtain a minimum mark of 80%, in addition to the program’s course requirements.

Program Overview

Students must form their supervisory committee by the end of the first year and submit the Supervisory Committee Approval Form for approval by the Graduate Advisor no later than March 31st (if your graduate program started in September) or July 31st (if your graduate program started in January).

MA Thesis Proposal

The MA Thesis Proposal must be approved no later than the first month of the second year in the program (September, if your graduate program started in September; January, if your graduate program started in January).

MA Thesis Submission

Students must submit the thesis to their committee a minimum of four weeks prior to the Oral Defence. The thesis supervisor informs the Graduate Advisor when the committee has accepted the thesis and considers it ready to be defended. The Graduate Program Assistant organizes the Oral Defence.

Oral Defence

The Oral Defence requires students defend their theses before they can graduate.

Final MA Thesis Submission

The final copy of the MA thesis after the oral defence should be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

Annual Progress Report

An Annual Progress Report must be submitted by March 1st for every year that the student is enrolled in the program.

Time for Completion of Program

The maximum time permitted for the completion of a Master’s program is five years. In certain circumstances, it is possible to complete the MA in a twelve-month period. The maximum period of financial support for full-time study in the MA program is two years. The program is available to students on either a full-time or a part-time basis. There is no formal residence requirement.

Welcome to the Graduate Program in French and Francophone Studies!

Set yourself apart by deepening your knowledge of the French language and cultures through a multi-disciplinary approach that brings together literature and linguistics, and encompasses several areas of specialization, including creative writing, applied linguistics, gender studies, and psycholinguistics. Go beyond traditional limits of specialization and create new possibilities of study.  

The Masters and Doctoral programs in French Studies are combined. Courses are offered at Glendon campus in mid-town Toronto and at our Keele campus, located north of the city. 

Learn about program details

Quick Links

Skills you’ll learn, hands-on experiences, admission requirements, program requirements, student supports & resources, meet your professors.

• News & Events
• Challenge and apply plural theoretical perspectives 
• Acquire in depth insight into the knowledge of varieties of French and literatures of the Francophone world 
• Learn to connect the study of French with other disciplines such as translation, law, history, philosophy, sociology, psychology, cognitive science, and public affairs 
• Investigate current issues raised by major cultural, artistic, societal, political and linguistic movements that have contributed to the state of the French-speaking world today  

As a Master in French Studies graduate, you are well-equipped to become a leader and changemaker. Here are a few examples of possible career paths:  

• Teaching 
• Cultural journalism 
• Editing and publishing 
• Copywriting and professional writing 
• Public Relations 
• Apply the concepts and theories you’re studying to real world challenges. Engage in guided practical experiences in the classroom, workplace, community and abroad. These are some opportunities for French Studies graduate students. 
• Join internationally known research centres to master skills in corpus analysis, in the edition of manuscript and the development of databases, bibliographies and e-journals at the Centre de documentation sur le Maghreb littéraire at the Keele campus, and on the Glendon campus, Le centre de recherche sur le contact linguistique , Le groupe de recherche en Études francophones and the Groupe de recherche sur la traduction et les échanges culturels

The following admission requirements are subject to the approval of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Leadership and Academic Planning Committee and the University Senate.

All students must hold an Honors Bachelor, with a minimum overall average of B-. Their knowledge of French both orally and in writing must be almost native and they must also be proficient in English.

Students who hold an Honors Bachelor in French and whose curriculum essentially corresponds to the courses offered in the Departments of French Studies in Canada can be admitted directly to the program.

Candidates with a specialized Bachelor in a field other than French must take a certain number of courses as part of a preparatory program. A minimum average of B is required for admission to a master’s degree.

The candidates concerned must provide the following pieces of information:

• A cover letter written in French (approximately one and a half pages)
• A copy of written work completed as part of an undergraduate course in literature or linguistics

The following admission requirements are subject to approval by the Faculty of Graduate Studies Leadership and Academic Planning Committee and the University Senate.

All students must have a minimum overall average of B at the Master’s level.

Applicants concerned must provide the following pieces of information:

• A copy of a research work or a chapter of the thesis defended at the master’s level. (30 pages maximum)
• A certificate of the Viva for the Masters thesis or research project.

Students obtain the master’s degree by choosing one of the following three options:

OPTION 1: 4 COURSES + THESIS

Four courses successfully completed, and a thesis written under the supervision of a professor and formally defended in front of a jury. Theses are original contributions of approximately 100 pages in length and constitute an important contribution to the development of knowledge in the fields of linguistics or in those of literature.

OPTION 2: 6 COURSES + RESEARCH PAPER

Six courses successfully completed, and a research paper validated during an oral exam. The presentation is followed by a discussion with a jury of two people. Research work, which is shorter than dissertations, is not the subject of a formal defense. They are evaluated on the basis of a written work of approximately 60 pages.

OPTION 3: 8 COURSES

Eight courses successfully completed, with the research component distributed in each of these courses in the form of individual assignments.

To successfully complete the doctoral degree students must:

• Complete five courses of 3.0 credits over a maximum of 5 terms
• Pass their comprehensive exams (oral and written part)
• Write and defend their dissertation in front of a jury.

Theses are original contributions of a minimum length of 200 pages and are an important contribution to the development of knowledge in the fields of linguistics or in those of literature.

Duration – Master’s program

The average duration of the Master’s program is five semesters, the equivalent of a year and a half of uninterrupted study in the program.

Part-time students usually take one course per semester for an average duration of 8 semesters, which is the approximate equivalent of two and a half years of uninterrupted study in the program.

Duration – PhD program

The average duration of the PhD program is twelve sessions, i.e. the equivalent of four years of study interrupted in the program.

Part-time students must usually take one course per semester to maintain their enrollment in the program.

Glendon Campus prides itself on being a supportive community that goes the extra mile to ensure you get the help you need. See some of the resources French Studies graduate students use the most. 

You’ll learn from and get to know approachable professors, who are prominent members of the international translation studies community and actively working and researching in the field. 

Linguistics

Aimé Avolonto

York Hall 228 416-736-2100 x 88464 [email protected]

Jerzy Kowal

York Hall 124 416-736-2100 x 88333 [email protected]

Catherine Lamaison

York Hall 127 416-736-2100 x 88227 [email protected]

Marilyn Lambert-Drache

McLaughlin College, 227 (Keele) 416-736-5086 [email protected]

Muriel Péguret

York Hall C136 416-736-2100 x 88242 [email protected]

Marie-Elaine Lebel

York Hall C130 416-736-2100 x 88143 [email protected]

Aurélie Takam Taguemne

York Hall 259 416-736-2100 x 88328 [email protected]

Usha Viswanathan

York Hall 229 416-736-2100 x 88224 [email protected]

Dominique Scheffel-Dunand

York Hall 138 416-736-2100 x 88596 [email protected]

Marie-Christine Aubin

York Hall C233 416-736-2100 x 88306 [email protected]

Ibrahim Badr

Ross Building, N735 (Keele Campus) [email protected]

Guillaume Bernardi

York Hall A189 416-736-2100 x 88289 [email protected]

Marie-Hélène Larochelle

York Hall 263 416-736-2100 x 88218 [email protected]

Swann Paradis

York Hall 231 416-736-2100 x 88236 [email protected]

Marie-Christine Pioffet

York Hall 230 416-736-2100 x 66804 [email protected]

Janusz Przychodzen

Ross Building, N705 (Keele Campus) 416-736-2100 x 77069 [email protected]

Sylvie Rosienski-Pellerin

York Hall C129 416-736-2100 x 88447 [email protected]

Yvette Szmidt

York Hall 216 416-736-2100 x 88214 [email protected]

Jean-Pierre Thomas

York Hall 237 416-736-2100 x 88220 [email protected]

Lélia Young

Ross Building, N719 (Keele Campus) 416-736-2100 x 77066 [email protected]

News & Events Colloque Étudiant.e.s – Études françaises et francophones Événement hybride https://yorku.zoom.us/j/92067423569

Pleins feux sur la recherche des étudiant.e.s   des programmes de deuxième et troisième cycles Études françaises et francophones

Le samedi 29 avril 2023 9 h 30 – 17 h Salle YH 172 — Collège Glendon Organisé par Christine Besnard   avec la collaboration de Sylvie Rosienski-Pellerin (Directrice des programmes de 2 e  et 3 e  cycles)

Vous êtes invité.e.s à venir partager la passion, les intérêts et la curiosité de nos étudiant.e.s !

See all News

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Course - master's thesis in french - fra3900, course-details-portlet, fra3900 - master's thesis in french, examination arrangement.

Examination arrangement: Master's thesis with oral defense Grade: Letter grades

Course content

An academic exploration of approximately 30 000 words of a linguistic or literary topic, a topic in cultural history or an interdisciplinary topic. The thesis must be written in French. All students must write an abstract of the thesis of approx. 1/2 - 1 page. The abstract will be written in both French and Norwegian and be placed first in the document, before the table of contents.

Learning outcome

Candidates who have passed this course

- possess specialized knowledge of a chosen topic within French linguistics, literary studies and/or cultural history

- know how to make use of scientific methods and are able to apply theoretical approaches in formulating and investigating research questions

- can complete an independent research project in linguistics, literary studies, cultural history or within an interdisciplinary topic

- are able to express themselves in academic French, both in speaking and in writing

General competence

- are able to work with a large quantity of texts, and to summarize and synthesize them

- have a critical approach to the research material and are able to structure and articulate ideas in a clear and insightful manner

- have advanced analytical skills and abilities for critical reflection

Learning methods and activities

Independent work, in combination with personal guidance. Please see link for the numbers of hours of supervision eligible for your master's thesis https://innsida.ntnu.no/wiki/-/wiki/Norsk/Masteravtale+HF

Further on evaluation

The master's thesis must be written in French. The final assessment of the thesis is adjusted through an oral defense in French of about 30-40 minutes. The oral examination will be cancelled if the thesis has been failed by the examiners.

It is not possible for students who have been awarded a passing grade for the master's thesis in French to have a new master's thesis in French assessed (cf. the academic regulations for NTNU, §5-9).

Students whose master's thesis has been assessed as a Fail (F) may apply to the department to submit a new thesis (cf. the additional academic regulations of the Faculty of Humanities).

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required: French (MFRAN) - some programmes

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the master's programme in French.

Credit reductions

Version: 1 Credits:  60.0 SP Study level: Second degree level

Term no.: 1 Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2024

Term no.: 2 Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2024

Term no.: 2 Teaching semester:  SPRING 2025

Term no.: 1 Teaching semester:  SPRING 2025

Language of instruction: French

Location: Trondheim

• French Language
• French Literature
• French Cultural Studies
• French Linguistics

Department with academic responsibility Department of Language and Literature

Examination

Examination arrangement: master's thesis with oral defense.

Submission 2024-11-15

• * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

More on examinations at NTNU

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Research supervisors

Tuition and funding, admission requirements, application process.

April 15 is the deadline to apply for September admission and to be considered for funding. Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the department. There are no January admission intakes.

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultural Studies provides graduate training towards a master’s degree (project or thesis-based) in French literature, translation or language studies. Areas of strength include theory and criticism, French (seventeenth to twentieth centuries), Québécois and Francophone literatures, women’s writing and gender studies, the cinema of France, Québec and North Africa, as well as translation and language studies. 

Our courses cover a variety of topics of interest to Canadian, U.S. and international students and focus on research areas that French professors at the University of Saskatchewan are pursuing.

It is not necessary to find a potential supervisor before you begin an application. The list below though may be helpful to learn about the research interests of our faculty. Supervisors are not decided until a student's first year in the program.

Romain Chareyron

Assistant professor of french, undergraduate chair.

[email protected] Faculty website

Areas of specialization

Contemporary French and Francophone cinema; Disability studies; Film genres; Gender and sexuality; Youth in film

Research interests:

• Contemporary French and Francophone cinema
• Youth in film
• The body in film
• Disability studies
• Film genres

Marie-Diane Clarke

Department head, professor, member of faculty.

[email protected] Faculty website

francophone; fransaskois; french; literature; theatre

• French language
• French language in theatre
• French literature
• Saskatchewan Francophone literature

Helena Da Silva

Professor in french studies.

[email protected] Faculty website

Quebec; francophone; french; literature; writing

• Qubcois literature
• Literary theory
• Contemporary writing
• Writing in the feminine

Tania Duclos

[email protected] Faculty website

• Littérature française du 19e siècle
• Intertextualité
• Figure de l'androgyne
• Littérature acadienne
• Génétique textuelle

Stella Spriet

Associate professor, section head-french studies, grad chair.

[email protected] Faculty website

17th Century; 20th Century; Daniel Mesguich; Jean Loret; french; french theatre; literature; poetry; theatre

• 17th Century French theatre
• 20th Century French theatre
• The works of director Daniel Mesguich

Julio Torres-Recinos

[email protected] Faculty website

Bryce Echenique; Central America; Peru; Spanish; literature

• Central American literature
• Testimonial literature
• Contemporary Peruvian narrative
• Bryce Echenique

Anne-Marie Wheeler

Associate professor.

[email protected] Faculty website

French; Quebec; culture; feminism; gender; translation

• Translation studies
• Feminist theory and gender studies
• Cultural studies
• Quebecois literature

All new M.A. students are automatically considered for financial aid in the form of fellowships or teaching assistantships awarded by the Department or by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. No separate application is necessary. University Graduate Scholarships and Graduate Teaching Fellowships are available for a maximum of 24 months of total support for each M.A. student.

Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.

• Scholarships

Thesis or project-based master's program

Graduate students in a thesis or project-based program pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program.

Student fees

In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.

Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website .

Master of Arts

• Language Proficiency Requirements : Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
• A completed on-line application, the application fee and all supporting application documents
• a cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g. 60 credit units)
• A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study

Submit an online application

Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.

During the application, you'll be asked for:

• Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
• For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
• Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions

The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.

At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received .

• Begin an application
• Detailed application instructions

Submit required documents

Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.

Transcripts

Preliminary Statement of Marks

• Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you  check your application status .
• The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
• All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
• Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you  check your application status .

Uploading documents

Post-secondary Transcripts

If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.

College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place  Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9

• Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
• Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
• If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.

Proof of English language proficiency (if required)

Proof of English language proficiency  may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.

For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:

• It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
• Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
• Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.

If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.

College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9

Submit additional documents

In addition to the above official documents, please  upload the following documents:

• A statement/letter of intent (one to two pages) in French stipulating research interests and identifying a proposed thesis topic or area of research
• A writing sample of your undergraduate academic work in French such as an essay or similar document in your area of research interest of five to eight pages
• A curriculum vitae or resume
• After you've applied

Graduate Admissions Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultural Studies Campus Drive - Room 518 Arts University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A5

Graduate Chair Stella Spriet Email: [email protected]

Application Admin Support Anna McKenzie Email: [email protected]

Program Admin Support Nadine Penner Email: [email protected]

• Department of Languages, Literature & Cultural Studies Learn more about the academic unit offering this program
• Program and Course Catalogue To view official admission and program requirements

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