Facts & figures
Modern Languages
- #1 in Sydney
- Top 30 in the world
- 2020 QS World University Rankings
Facts & figures
Since our inception in 1853, we have a long tradition of teaching and researching French and Francophone studies. We provide three pathways to a French and Francophone major: introductory, intermediate and advanced. We provide students with a deep understanding of the literature, culture and history of the French and Francophone worlds, while developing their fluency in French.
We are a vibrant community of researchers, teaching staff and students with academic expertise in the fields of modern and contemporary literature, cinema, art, theory, linguistics and translation.
Experience the rich history and cultural diversity of the official language of 29 countries (la Francophonie), spoken by more than 300 million people worldwide.
*Available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees.
Our researchers focus on a wide range of research areas, including:
Learn more: Languages and cultures research
Our exchange programs provide life-changing experiences in France, Switzerland and Canada where students exercise their language skills and develop an understanding of cultural intricacies first hand.
Learn more: Study abroad and student exchange
Enquiries:
Language level coordinators:
We hold regular seminars and events that seek to engage with the French-speaking community at large, and to provide a platform for new and exciting research in French and Francophone studies.
See our school's calendar for a full listing of upcoming events.
UPDATE: Some of our events are transitioning to online delivery and will be advertised accordingly. Let us know what event you're interested in via our online form, and we'll update you as the situation changes. Learn more about the University’s COVID-19 advice.
Each semester, we hold monthly research seminar events with presenters from our department including research staff, students and associates, as well as other disciplines within the University of Sydney and external institutions from Australia and beyond.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
When: Wednesdays, 12 or 1pm
Check our event calendar for upcoming French Connections seminars.
The Sonia Marks Memorial fund was set up in 1985 to commemorate the life and achievements of Sonia Marks, whose untimely death deprived the University of a much-appreciated teacher and colleague. Each year the fund provides prizes for students from the introductory language stream and a memorial lecture on French and Francophone Studies.
2019: Teaching ‘French’ in Brexit Britain
2012: Learning from Teaching
Please check the SLC Events website for our next Sonia Marks Memorial Lecture.
The third international congress of the World Literature Association on 'World Literatures and the Global South' was proudly hosted by the School of Languages and Cultures at the University of Sydney from 23–25 August 2019.
Co-convened with the Peking University Australian Studies Centre and the World Literature Association, this international conference engaged with literary production on and from the Global South in their own languages as well as in translation.
Study information, prizes, scholarships and opportunities