Postgraduate Study in French
Study Languages: make the world your place.
In our world of global travel and communication, language graduates are in short supply. French has traditionally been the language of international relations between countries which speak different languages, and it still represents a major link within the organisation of the European Union.
With an understanding of French, you have an extra advantage in business, tourism or any organisation with an international marketing strategy.
The cultural heritage of France has been a strong influence in the development of the political history, literature, philosophy, arts, architecture and music of the modern world. Your French studies at Otago will give you insights and perspective on the world beyond New Zealand.
Why study French?
French is a major international language. It is the first language of many people living in several European and African nations and Canada. It is an official language of Pacific territories within three hours flying time from New Zealand. With an understanding of French, you have an extra advantage in business, tourism or any organisation with an international marketing strategy.You will be sought after in such areas as Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tourism and Treasury. You may be involved in furthering New Zealand's interests overseas and there will be plenty of opportunities for travel. You may even find yourself interpreting at international conferences, translating books or subtitling films.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying French as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
Contacts
Languages and Cultures programme
School of Arts
Email languages@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/french
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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