The French Department is committed to fostering research in the language, literature and culture of France and Francophone areas, and in contemporary French history and society. We have particular strengths in the early modern period, the visual arts, music, French culture in developing countries, 19th- and 20th-century Literature, and critical theory. We collaborate extensively with other departments especially in the fields of Medieval Studies, Visual and Literary Cultures, Comparative Literature, and Conflict and Culture.

The Department welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue tailor-made research to Masters or doctoral level. Research training is primarily geared to each project, but postgraduates also participate in Arts Faculty training programmes on research and writing skills and, where appropriate, on critical theory. All postgraduates are integrated into a vigorous programme of research seminars, and also into the research activities of the Department, the School of Modern Languages and the Faculty.