Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Arts in French

The Bachelor of Arts in French is a four-year degree programme that trains individuals well-grounded in French language, linguistics and literature. The curriculum covers French language proficiency, French linguistics, French literature, oral expression, written expression, translation, interpretation, Francophone studies, French culture and civilisation, research methods, and IT integration. Students develop competencies in French language proficiency, translation, interpretation, literary analysis, linguistic analysis, cross-cultural communication, and research methods.

The programme includes practical language sessions, literature seminars, translation workshops, and oral communication exercises. Graduates pursue careers as translators, interpreters, diplomats, French teachers, journalists, hospitality professionals, international organisation staff, and researchers. They find employment in embassies, international organisations, NGOs, hotels, media houses, educational institutions, and multinational companies.

The programme is offered at the University of Nairobi (as French Studies within the BA degree), Maseno University (as BA French with IT), and Kenyatta University. UoN charges KSH 144,000 per year for BA programmes. Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with a minimum of C+ in French, though applicants without prior French may be admitted to intensive beginner courses at some institutions. Skills RequiredFrench language proficiencyTranslation and interpretationFrench literary analysisLinguistic analysisCross-cultural communicationAcademic writing in FrenchOral communication in FrenchResearch methodsKey SubjectsFrench LanguageFrench LinguisticsFrench LiteratureOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionTranslationFrancophone StudiesFrench Culture and CivilisationResearch MethodsIT IntegrationCertificationsDELF/DALF (French Language Proficiency)Teachers Service Commission (TSC) RegistrationSpecializationsFrench Language and LinguisticsAdvanced study of French language structure, phonetics, syntax, semantics, and applied linguistics.

French LiteratureStudy of French and Francophone literature, including poetry, prose, drama, and literary criticism.

Translation and InterpretationProfessional translation and interpretation between French and English for diplomatic, business, and academic contexts.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 242,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

French Language
French Linguistics
French Literature
Oral Expression
Written Expression
Translation
Francophone Studies
French Culture and Civilisation
Research Methods
IT Integration

Modules

12 in the programme

French Language I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundation French language skills including grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing for beginners and intermediate learners.
Introduction to French Linguistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to the structure of French language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax.
Oral Expression in French
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Development of spoken French skills through conversation practice, pronunciation drills, and oral presentations.
Introduction to French Literature
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduction to French literary traditions, including major authors, genres, and literary analysis techniques.
French Language II
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Intermediate French language skills, building on first-year foundations with more complex grammar and expression.
French Culture and Civilisation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of French and Francophone cultures, including history, institutions, arts, and social customs.
Translation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Techniques of translation between French and English, covering literary, technical, and professional texts.
Francophone Studies
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of Francophone cultures and societies in Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, including postcolonial perspectives.
Industrial Attachment
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Practical attachment in an organisation requiring French language skills, such as an embassy, NGO, or international company.
French Literature
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced study of French and Francophone literature, including critical theory and literary analysis.
Research Methods in French Studies
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods for French language and literature studies, preparing students for their final-year research project.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a topic in French language, literature, linguistics, or Francophone studies.

Specialisations

French Language and Linguistics
Advanced study of French language structure, phonetics, syntax, semantics, and applied linguistics. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
French Literature
Study of French and Francophone literature, including poetry, prose, drama, and literary criticism. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Translation and Interpretation
Professional translation and interpretation between French and English for diplomatic, business, and academic contexts.
Francophone Studies
Study of Francophone cultures, civilisations, and societies across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean.
French for Professional Communication
Application of French language skills in business, diplomacy, hospitality, and international relations contexts.

A day as a student

A typical day combines language practice with literary and linguistic study. Morning sessions cover French grammar, phonetics, or linguistics, while afternoons focus on oral expression, literature seminars, or translation workshops. Students engage in conversation practice, listen to French media, and analyse Francophone texts. Cultural activities at Alliance Française complement university-based learning. The industrial attachment provides real-world experience using French in professional settings.

The trade offs

In its favour

French is an official language of the EAC, AU, and UN, creating strong demand for bilingual professionals in Kenya.
Programme offers diverse career paths beyond teaching, including diplomacy, translation, international organisations, and hospitality.
East African regional integration with Francophone members increases the value of French language skills.
Exchange programmes with French universities and cultural institutions enhance learning and career prospects.

Against it

French is not widely spoken in Kenya, limiting immediate local practice opportunities outside academic settings.
Formal employment requiring French is concentrated in specific sectors like diplomacy and international organisations.
Maintaining proficiency requires continuous practice and engagement with Francophone media and communities.
Some institutions require prior KCSE French, creating a barrier for students without secondary school French.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public184k to 189k

184k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private243k to 243k

243k at Daystar University243k at Daystar University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU BA French 183,600/yr (mawese); UoN BA 189,004/yr (KUCCPS); Daystar BA French 242,800/yr (newsblaze)

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Some institutions offer exchange programmes with French universities.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Internal Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
French Embassy Scholarship Programmes
Scholarship
Kenyan students pursuing French-language or France-related studies
French Government Scholarships
International scholarship
Kenyan students demonstrating academic excellence in French studies, for exchange programmes or postgraduate study in France.
University Internal Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KACE with two principal passes; OR a Diploma in French, Education, or a related field from a recognised institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the University Senate. Some institutions offer beginner French for applicants without KCSE French.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, oral examinations, translation exercises, and literature essays during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written and oral examinations covering language proficiency, literature, and linguistics.
Industrial Attachment Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of industrial attachment performance in a French-language workplace, including supervisor evaluation and report.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project on a topic in French studies, assessed by faculty.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Translator
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000
Translates written documents between French and English for organisations, businesses, and government agencies.
Interpreter
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provides simultaneous or consecutive interpretation at conferences, meetings, and diplomatic events.
French Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 80,000
Teaches French at secondary or tertiary level, requiring additional teaching qualification.
Diplomatic Service Officer
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000
Works in foreign service requiring French proficiency for postings in Francophone countries.
International Organisation Staff
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Works in international organisations like the UN, AU, or NGOs requiring bilingual French-English skills.
Hospitality Professional
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 90,000
Works in hotels, tourism, and hospitality serving Francophone guests and managing international relations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as translators, interpreters, diplomats, French teachers, and international organisation staff. Demand is moderate with growing opportunities in East African regional integration.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Antidote
Language software
French language reference software for grammar, spelling, and style correction.
Trados Studio
Translation software
Professional translation memory software used by professional translators.
Microsoft Office
ProductivityPrimary
Standard productivity suite with French language support for academic and professional work.
Anki
Language learning
Spaced repetition flashcard software for vocabulary building and language learning.
TV5MONDE
Media resource
Francophone television network providing authentic French media for listening practice and cultural immersion.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

French is not useful in Kenya.
French is an official language of the East African Community, African Union, and UN, creating demand for French-literate professionals in diplomacy, business, and international organisations.
You need prior French knowledge to enrol.
Some institutions offer intensive beginner courses for students without KCSE French, allowing admission through alternative pathways.
A French degree only leads to teaching.
Graduates pursue careers in translation, diplomacy, international organisations, hospitality, journalism, and multinational business.
French is too difficult to learn at university level.
The programme is structured progressively, starting with fundamentals and building to advanced proficiency over four years of structured instruction.