Course Overview
- NEXT INTAKE: September 2016
- MODE OF DELIVERY: One evening class per week (Galway and Ennis)
The Diploma course consists of evening lectures in Galway or Ennis over two academic years. The academic year consists of two semesters of 12 weeks. Each lecture night is a three-hour session (6.30pm–9.30pm), giving a total of 72 teaching hours over the academic year. Each three-hour session is divided between formal language tuition, grammar, comprehension, civilisation and oral skills. The native teachers use the communicative method of modern language instruction. The relevant points of grammar are gradually introduced to the students and they are shown how these are applied to written and oral structures. By the end of each week/term/year, students are able to converse and comprehend a variety of topics and situations that are normally encountered in everyday situations in a contemporary Francophone environment. Students study major issues in the contemporary French-speaking world, such as current affairs, education, culture and politics.
Who is the programme designed for?
The Diploma in French is designed for students with an interest in French. They will acquire an excellent level of communication skills in the language (oral and written) through a variety of practical language exercises. Great emphasis is placed on continuous assessment and feedback to students.
The course is offered at three levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Surveys indicate that employers value language skills among their workforce, placing a premium on the ability to make contact and communicate with global trade partners and to understand overseas business environments. For those with appropriate French language skills, there are possibilities to work in the following fields: international business, international agencies, the tourism and hospitality industry, and the diplomatic service. There is also the possibility of proceeding to Degree level and beyond in French. Two of our former graduates are now pursuing PhDs in French.
Programme Content - year 1
- French I: Introduction to French Language
- French II: French Language and Comprehension
- Language, Culture and Society in France
Programme Content - year 2
- Improver’s French I
- Improver’s French II
- French Culture/Literature/Language
Who can I contact?
Dr Máire Áine Ní Mhainnín
Department of French
Phone: 091 493397
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.