French Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The MPhil/PhD in French at Birkbeck, University of London, is designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding of French language and literature through rigorous research. Birkbeck is renowned for its commitment to research excellence, as evidenced by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, which rated 83% of its research as world-leading or internationally excellent. This programme not only offers a strong academic foundation but also provides a vibrant community of scholars and researchers in the field of French studies.

Why French at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck stands out due to its multidisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish studies. This diverse academic environment fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing students to engage with a wide range of perspectives. The university's strong research culture is supported by facilities that encourage scholarly interaction, including seminars and workshops tailored to enhance research skills.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

For the French MPhil/PhD programme, the tuition fees are as follows:

• National students: £5,006 per year
• International students: £15,570 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The MPhil/PhD programme in French encompasses a wide range of topics, allowing students to explore various aspects of French language and literature. Areas of supervision include:

• Renaissance literature
• Classicism
• The Enlightenment
• Literature from the eighteenth to the twenty-first century
• Travel literature
• The fantastic in literature
• Literature and visual arts
• Literary criticism
• Gender studies
• History of French thought
• Contemporary literature
• French linguistics
• Bilingualism
• French cinema
• Colonial and contemporary French history

Careers with French

Graduates of the MPhil/PhD in French from Birkbeck can pursue various career paths in academia, research, and cultural institutions. Alumni have found positions in universities, research organisations, and cultural institutions, contributing significantly to the fields of French studies and beyond. The skills acquired during the programme, such as critical thinking, research proficiency, and effective communication, prepare graduates for roles in education, publishing, and cultural management.