If you are interested in languages, culture, and international communication, the Bachelor of Arts in French offers you a world of opportunity. The programme is designed to help you achieve proficiency in the French language while gaining deep insight into the history, politics, and cultural life of Francophone countries.
French is not only one of the most widely spoken languages in the world but also an official language of the United Nations, the African Union, and ECOWAS. By studying French, you position yourself for a career that spans diplomacy, translation, education, international business, and cultural relations.
Your training will equip you with the ability to speak, read, and write French fluently, appreciate Francophone literature, and understand the linguistic and cultural links between Africa and the wider world.
Course Overview
The B.A. French programme combines rigorous language training with exposure to Francophone history, literature, and civilisation. You will learn to communicate effectively in French, interpret complex texts, and engage with the culture and ideas that have shaped the French-speaking world.
The curriculum progresses from basic language acquisition to advanced comprehension, oral expression, and written communication. You will study the structure and grammar of the French language, explore literary and cultural works from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean, and gain an understanding of translation and interpretation techniques.
Throughout your studies, you will participate in practical exercises such as language laboratories, debates, presentations, and cultural immersion programmes. These experiences build your fluency and confidence in using French in both professional and social contexts.
By graduation, you will be prepared to use your language skills in international and multicultural environments where French serves as a bridge for diplomacy, education, and global business.
Course Curriculum
The programme’s curriculum follows the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), offering a structured, progressive approach to mastering the language and its cultural contexts.
You will begin with foundational courses designed to introduce you to the French language and its sounds, structure, and usage. These include:
- Elementary French Grammar and Composition
- Spoken French I & II
- Introduction to French Phonetics
- Introduction to Francophone Civilisation
- Communication in English and General Studies
These courses develop your vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational ability, enabling you to express basic ideas accurately and confidently.
At this stage, you will focus on developing greater accuracy and fluency in both oral and written French. Courses include:
- Intermediate French Grammar
- Reading and Comprehension
- French Literature from the 17th to 19th Century
- African Francophone Literature
- Translation: Theory and Practice
- Entrepreneurship and Digital Literacy
You will also be exposed to aspects of French civilisation and history that enhance your understanding of the social and political dynamics of Francophone countries.
Your training becomes more advanced, with emphasis on linguistic analysis, stylistics, and cultural studies. Courses include:
- Advanced Oral French
- Advanced Writing and Composition
- French Syntax and Semantics
- French Phonology and Morphology
- Francophone Literature and Film
- Research Methodology in the Arts
These courses prepare you for independent study and research while sharpening your analytical and interpretive skills.
Your final year focuses on specialisation and professional development. You will take courses such as:
- Advanced Translation and Interpretation
- Language for Diplomacy and International Relations
- French in the Media and Business Communication
- Francophone African Literature and Thought
- Research Project
Your research project allows you to demonstrate your linguistic competence and understanding of French cultural and literary issues through independent investigation under academic supervision.
Entry Requirements
To be admitted into the B.A. French programme, you must satisfy one of the following admission routes:
1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Degree Programme)
- At least five credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including English Language, French, and any other Arts subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- A satisfactory score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), with French as one of the UTME subjects.
2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Degree Programme)
- Five credit passes in relevant subjects at the SSCE or its equivalent, two of which must be at the advanced level.
- A Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), National Diploma (ND), or University Diploma in French or related disciplines with at least a merit or credit grade.
- Candidates with Diplôme Élémentaire or Diplôme Supérieur from Alliance Française may also be considered.
All applicants must satisfy the university’s general admission requirements for undergraduate programmes.
Why study at OOU?
Studying French at Olabisi Onabanjo University allows you to become part of a truly global academic community. The programme is designed to train you not only to speak the language but also to understand the culture, politics, and intellectual traditions of the Francophone world.
You will benefit from:
- Immersive language training that builds fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written French.
- Highly qualified lecturers who are experts in French linguistics, translation, and literature.
- Cultural immersion and study tours through collaboration with Francophone embassies, Alliance Française, and international partners.
- Modern learning facilities, including language laboratories and multimedia resources.
- Interdisciplinary exposure that links French with international relations, diplomacy, and media studies.
- Career-focused education that prepares you for employment in embassies, multinational corporations, and cultural organisations.
At OOU, your study of French extends beyond language; it becomes a bridge to international experience, intercultural competence, and professional advancement.
Research Project
In your final year, you will undertake a research project that demonstrates your ability to apply linguistic, literary, or cultural theories to a specific area of interest in French studies. You will work under close academic supervision to develop a well-researched and well-written dissertation.
Your project may explore topics such as:
- Comparative analysis of African and European Francophone literature
- Linguistic features of French as spoken in West Africa
- Cultural representation and identity in Francophone cinema
- Translation and interpretation studies
Through this project, you will develop independent research skills, critical reasoning, and written communication, attributes that prepare you for advanced studies and professional engagement in language, culture, or diplomacy.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in French, you must satisfy the graduation requirements as prescribed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Academic Requirements
- Complete and pass all prescribed core and elective courses in the programme.
- Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
- Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of not less than 1.00 at the end of the programme.
- Complete and defend your final-year research project.
Grading and Degree Classification
Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:
Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Hons) French, a qualification recognized globally and valued for its emphasis on language mastery, cross-cultural competence, and intellectual versatility.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of B.A. French enjoy a wide range of professional and international career paths due to their language proficiency, analytical ability, and cultural awareness. The training you receive prepares you to function effectively in multilingual and multicultural environments.
You may pursue careers such as:
- Translator or interpreter
- Foreign language teacher or lecturer
- Diplomat or foreign service officer
- Journalist or international correspondent
- Public relations or communications executive
- International business liaison or trade representative
- Tour operator or cultural event coordinator
- NGO or development agency officer
You may find employment in:
- Government ministries and embassies: especially those dealing with foreign affairs, culture, and education
- International organisations: such as the African Union, United Nations, ECOWAS, and UNESCO
- Educational institutions: schools, colleges, and universities across Nigeria and abroad
- Media and cultural organisations: television networks, radio stations, publishing firms, and translation bureaus
- Corporate and diplomatic sectors: multinational companies, tourism boards, and consultancy agencies
Your degree in French equips you with globally relevant communication skills and intercultural sensitivity, giving you a professional edge in diplomacy, business, education, and international relations.
How to Apply?
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Obtain the JAMB application form, choosing Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and French as your desired programme.
- Sit for the UTME with French, English Language, and two other relevant subjects.
- Obtain five credit passes at SSCE or its equivalent, including English Language, French, and any two other Arts subjects, in not more than two sittings.
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the required cut-off mark.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)
- Hold an NCE, ND, or University Diploma in French or a related field with at least a merit or credit grade.
- Possess five credit passes at SSCE or equivalent, including English Language and French.
- Candidates holding a Diplôme Élémentaire or Diplôme Supérieur from Alliance Française may also be considered.
- Complete your application through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal and upload all required documents.
Course Coordinator
The B.A. French programme is managed by a dedicated team of qualified language scholars and cultural experts within the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Arts.
The current programme coordinator is:
Dr [Full Name]
Contact Information:
- Email:
- Phone:
- Office:
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 4 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Faculty = Arts
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus.
- Location = Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
- Scholarship opportunities