As a student of French at McMaster, you’ll be immersing yourself in one of Canada’s official languages, and one of the most widespread languages in the world, spoken by millions in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, North America and Asia. With our concentration on “Francophonie et Diversité” (the Francophone World and Diversity), you’ll also be introduced to the rich literary and cultural traditions of French-speaking communities.

The language of instruction and communication in the Department is French, which will enable you to increase your fluency. Each year, we welcome language assistants from France who help our students to hone their skills. Students will also have the opportunity to spend their third year of the program on exchange at a university in France or Quebec.

In addition to language instruction, we offer French courses in the following areas: 

• Franco-European Literatures and Cultures
• Québécois, Indigenous and Franco-Canadian Literatures and Cultures
• Franco-African and Caribbean Literatures and Cultures
• Translation

Most students preparing a French degree have already studied French before coming to McMaster. However, it is possible to enter the program through intensive beginners’ classes FR 1Z06 and FR 2Z06. 

The Department reserves the right to place students in the course that is most appropriately suited to their abilities.

Students wishing to enter into a French major will apply at the end of their first year. Application for Admission to Level II will occur in mid-March on the Mosaic student information system. Visit the ‘Choosing Your Program’ guide for more information.