French Applied Language Courses

Visit the University of Galway's Courses Page for information on how to apply, entry requirements and assessment. 

French is taught in the School of Business & Economics at the University of Galway as part of the B.Comm. (International) programme.  Students spend year three on an ERASMUS+ exchange in a specialist business school or University in France.

Class sizes are small allowing for a very high level of student-teacher interaction in tutorial size-groups. The number of contact hours per week is 6. Details of modules, assessment and examination arrangements are set out in the course outlines on the School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures (French) website. The language component is an integral part of the degree programme and constitutes a “major” stream specialisation.

Graduates are high achievers and go on to work in all areas of the business world, being particularly successful in obtaining graduate placements in the biggest and most prestigious firms. Many pursue post-graduate studies both in Ireland and in France and some choose to live and work in France or another French-speaking country.

The aim of this applied programme over 4 years is the development of excellent written and oral communication skills, a keen understanding of everyday and working life in a modern French speaking environment and an ability to feel at home and do business through the medium of the French language. Students are strongly encouraged to consider a career which incorporates the language expertise and cultural awareness acquired over the course of the four years.

See below for relevant course outlines:

First Year Commerce with French (2020-21)

Second Year Commerce with French (2020-21)

Final Year Commerce with French (2020-21)

‌Programme Coordinator:

Mr. Ruadhán Cooke
Discipline of French
School of Languages, Literatures & Culture
Room AMB-2019, Top Floor
Arts Millennium Building

Tel:  091 493398

ruadhan.cooke@universityofgalway.ie

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Applied French is offered to Year 2 Science students as a subject option worth 10 credits (module code: FR252). The programme aims to develop students’ language and communication skills in a scientific framework in order to enhance their cultural and professional development.

Why should Science students study French? 

There are several reasons why it is beneficial for students hoping to pursue a career in the scientific field to study French. Firstly, France is a leading figure in the area of Science and Technology.  The French are amongst the world leaders in medical research: the AIDS virus was first isolated by French doctors.  France is also a major world research centre in the field of high energy physics.  France has one of the world’s largest defense industries (i.e. radar technology, exocet missiles).  France is a European leader in aerospace (i.e. Aérospatiale, Arianespace, Airbus) with most commercial satellites put into space on French Ariane rockets. The French are also the world’s third manufacturers of electronics equipment and have one of the most advanced systems of telecommunications.  Fibre optics were, for example, developed in France.  They are leaders in the development of high-speed trains such as the TGV and are leading exporters of nuclear technology.  In addition, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) founded in 1939, controls more than 1100 research laboratories and 10 research institutes.  It employs 11450 researchers and 14180 engineers and support staff.

Employees in companies in the scientific domain are increasingly communicating at international level and increasing participation in joint research projects at European level is also creating a need for proficiency in a second language.  For example, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) project is located near French-speaking Geneva, and the working languages of organisations such as the European Council for Nuclear Research are usually French and English.  Graduates who can work in a multilingual environment are, therefore, in high demand in all sectors of the economy, both in Ireland and abroad.

The course outline for Applied French for Science (FR252) may be downloaded below here:   FR252 (2023-24)

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Applied French is taught to students studying Biotechnology as part of their degree programme.  Students have three hours French per week during which they concentrate on developing their language skills in a framework relevant to their academic and professional needs. 

The principal aim of the Applied French component is to enhance students’ professional development by providing them with the language and communication skills necessary to work or research in a multilingual environment in this sector. 

Why should Biotechnology students study French? 

There are a number of reasons why French is important for students hoping to pursue a career in this sector.  Employees in companies in the area of Biotechnology and Science are increasingly communicating at international level, through conferences, research seminars, mergers and the location of production in various countries.   While English is still dominant as the language of research and publication, increasing participation in joint research projects at European level is creating an increasing need for proficiency in more than one language. Biotechnology is a dynamic industry in France.  OECD figures rank France’s biotechnology sector as second largest in the world with 1359 companies.  Graduates who can work in a multilingual environment are thus in high demand in the Biotechnology sector both in Ireland and abroad.   

First Year Biotech

Second Year Biotech

Third Year Biotech

Course Coordinator

Dr. Ornaith Rodgers, Discipline of French
Room AMB-2021, Top Floor
Arts Millennium Building

Email: ornaith.rodgers@universityofgalway.ie
Tel. 091 49 3800 

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