Undergraduate
French Studies
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- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
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- Peterborough
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- Paid Co-op Available
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- Fall & Winter & Summer
- Humanities & Social Sciences (Arts)
At a glance:
- Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Campus Peterborough
- Work Experience Paid Co-op Available
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- Study Options Part time/Full time
- OUAC Codes RFR - Peterborough RFO - Peterborough co-op
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
Immerse yourself in the diversity of Francophone Canada through a program distinguished by its study of Québec, Acadian, Franco-Ontarian and Indigenous Francophone culture, cinema, and literature.
Take your French studies further while gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences and stories that shape Francophone communities in Canada and around the world. Small, supportive classes connect you with nationally acclaimed writers, authors, and translators, helping you build advanced language skills while gaining new perspectives on culture, identity, and humanity.
- Put your French into practice through French-language events and student conferences that build confidence and connections.
- Travel to Nantes, France for a one-term fall program, typically during third year, and complete Trent credits while studying French language, literature, thought, civilization and communication.
- Learn in small, supportive classes with nationally acclaimed and award-winning writers, authors, and translators.
- Gain professional experience through paid co-op, with work placements in government, translation, arts and culture, and international development.
Program Possibilites
Specialize your studies in French Studies with a focus on a specific field within your degree
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French Writing
Discover the many advantages of strong French writing skills. Through writing-intensive courses, hands-on workshops, and practical assignments, this specialization will allow you to develop the ability to analyze, research, write, and edit a variety of different forms of French literature. Become proficient at English-to-French translation, and vice-versa – a highly sought after skill in a variety of bilingual workplaces.
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Quebec & Franco-Canadian Studies
From la Nouvelle-France to present-day Québec and French Canada, this immersive specialization explores the history, literature, art, and media of Canadian Francophones. Through this specialization, you will develop your understanding of the social and political dimensions of our country’s second official language and the culture that transcends provincial boundaries, opening yourself up to new professional avenues across the country.
Add an Option to your French Studies degree to explore an additional area of interest
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Languages
As the world becomes increasingly connected, knowing how to communicate in multiple languages can be a valuable asset, opening professional opportunities across the globe. Through this option, students can select a series of engaging courses within a wide variety of languages. Chinese, French, German, Spanish – at Trent you can study them all.
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Linguistics
Embrace your love for communication. This option enables students to focus on courses designed specifically to complement your studies in a language or languages. Following an introductory course in linguistics, students may choose from a variety of courses across a number of departments, including French & Francophone Studies, English Literature, Anthropology, and Ancient Greek & Roman Studies. You can tailor this option to your specific interests in language and linguistics.
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Communications
Further develop your creative and logical thinking, project management, teamwork, problem analysis, and clear and persuasive communication skills. In this option, you’ll also have a chance to participate in the community-based capstone course.
Career experience while you learn
Every French Studies student has a guaranteed route to paid, credited experience before they graduate.
Paid Co-op Available
- Graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of years two and three, and the fall of year four, all as part of your four-year degree.
- Work in government agencies, global businesses, and translation services.
Research Opportunities
- Work with community-based organizations to explore real-world questions and challenges, applying your French language skills and cultural knowledge through collaborative research projects that deliver meaningful community outcomes.
- Conduct research alongside award-winning faculty whose expertise includes Franco-Canadian literature, Quebec studies, translation, Indigenous literature, science fiction, second-language acquisition and French didactics.
Field Schools and Hands-On Courses
- Develop applied French-language skills through French-language events, public readings and student-run conferences.
- Take field courses in Nantes, France and apply your skills and experience abroad.
Study Abroad
- Spend a semester in Nantes, France, immersing yourself in French language, history and culture
- Spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s 50+ international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship. With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
Placements
- Put your learning into practice through hands-on placement experiences in real-world settings, connecting what you learn in the classroom with opportunities to make connections and gain new skills in your field of study.
Internships
- Gain professional experience through paid internship opportunities in government, arts and culture, community engagement, hospitality and tourism, and international development.
- Access opportunities through the Ontario Internship Program, Young Canada Works in English and French, Odyssey Language Assistant Program, Career Edge, International Experience Canada and the Student Guide Program in France.
Career Paths
- Cultural Affairs Coordinator
- Immigration Officer
- Interpreter
- Linguist
- Marketing Consultant
In Their Own Words
In our French Studies programs, students learn how language shapes how we see the world.
Dr. Sylvie Bérard
Chair of the French & Francophone Studies
Admissions
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 70-75% | 80-85% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition
Base Tuition Fee
$6,240.85
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary Fees (non-tuition costs supporting student services, such as athletics, campus safety, college fees, etc.)
$2,122.22
Total:
$ 8,363.07
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Scholarships
If you’re a top scholar with an average of 80% or higher, you qualify to automatically receive an entrance scholarship to Trent. Scholars with 95% or higher? You earn free first-year tuition – no application required.
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $18,241 | $6,241 first year Full Tuition + $4,000 x 3 years |
| 90-94.9% | $12,000 | $3,000 x 4 years |
| 85-89.9% | $8,000 | $2,000 x 4 years |
| 80-84.9% | $6,000 | $1,500 x 4 years |
* Available to Domestic students only. Based on 2026/27 tuition for a general arts and science program
Explore additional funding for domestic and international students
- Bews Scholarship
- Consul General’s Prizes in French