Maynooth University French Studies

FRENCH FOR TEACHING AT POST-PRIMARY LEVEL

Are you a native or proficient speaker of French? Have you completed—or do you plan to complete—a teacher training programme? Would you like to become a French teacher but lack the required French Studies credits for Teaching Council recognition? If so, we may have the right programme for you!

The School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures at Maynooth University offers a flexible suite of French Studies programmes designed for prospective post-primary teachers who need to acquire subject-specific credits to meet the Teaching Council of Ireland’s requirements.

Our three programmes include:

Postgraduate Diploma in French for Teaching at Post-Primary Level (60 ECTS)
Postgraduate Certificate in French for Teaching at Post-Primary Level (30 ECTS)
Professional Certificate in French for Teaching at Post-Primary Level (20 ECTS)

These programmes allow you to build your own pathway by selecting from modules in Translation, Literature, Film, and Teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE). Currently, most classes require attendance in person; we try to offer maximum flexibility for those balancing other professional or personal commitments.

Important Note:
Completion of these programmes does not by itself provide certification to teach in Ireland. To become a recognised teacher, candidates must also hold an appropriate degree recognised by the Teaching Council, such as the Professional Master of Education (PME) or another approved teacher training qualification.

Funding Opportunity:  Eligible candidates may qualify for partial funding through the Post-Primary Languages Initiative (PPLI).
 

M.LITT IN FRENCH STUDIES

A Research Degree Tailored to You
 
The MLitt in French Studies at Maynooth University is a two-year research degree designed for students who want to pursue independent, in-depth study of French and Francophone cultures, literatures, and languages. Ideal for those with a strong undergraduate background in French, the MLitt allows students to develop and complete an original research project while receiving personalised, one-to-one supervision from academic experts in the field.

As part of the programme, students join a vibrant postgraduate research culture, participate in seminars and reading groups, and benefit from a structured plan of academic development. This includes guidance in academic writing, opportunities to present at conferences, and tailored training in research methods and professional skills.

While the focus is on the production of a substantial dissertation, the MLitt is also a space to grow intellectually, collaborate with peers, and gain the analytical, organisational, and communication skills that underpin both academic and non-academic careers. The MLitt is also highly flexible, with no taught classes, making it an ideal option for those looking to deepen their research independently while balancing other professional or personal commitments.
 
Research Areas 

• Our team offers expert supervision in a wide range of areas, including:
• Contemporary French and Francophone literature
• Gender, sexuality, and motherhood studies
• Postcolonial and migration narratives
• Film, visual culture, and media
• 19th–21st century literary studies
• Translation, reception, and literary history
• Medical humanities and memory studies

We welcome both traditional literary research and interdisciplinary approaches that engage with new methodologies and global perspectives.

A Pathway to the Future
 
Graduates of the MLitt in French Studies have gone on to:

• Doctoral study in Ireland and internationally
• Academic publishing, editorial work, and cultural programming
• Teaching and lecturing in universities and secondary schools
• EU institutions, translation and interpretation services, and global business
• Research-based roles in NGOs, education policy, and the arts 
• Whether your goal is further academic research or professional advancement, the MLitt offers an excellent foundation.

MA FRENCH STUDIES (Currently Paused)

Deepen Your Knowledge. Expand Your Horizons.
 
French is a global language spoken on five continents and plays a vital role in international diplomacy, culture, and communication. At Maynooth University, the MA in French Studies offers students the opportunity to explore the richness and diversity of French and Francophone cultures through advanced coursework in language, literature, and visual media.

This one-year taught Master’s degree builds on undergraduate study in French by developing a higher level of linguistic fluency, cultural literacy, and critical thinking. Students engage with a wide range of topics that reflect the research strengths of our staff—including contemporary French and Francophone women’s writing, memory and identity, trauma narratives, French-language cinema, and translation. Modules are interactive and seminar-based, allowing for dynamic discussions and close engagement with texts, film, and critical theory. All classes are conducted in French, fostering an immersive learning environment.

Why choose this MA?

• Study with experienced researchers working in areas such as literary and cultural memory, gender studies, film, and the medical humanities.
• Improve your written and spoken French in a supportive, advanced academic setting.
• Choose from a range of modules to suit your interests and goals.
• Develop transferable skills in critical analysis, intercultural communication, and independent research.

Graduate Outcomes

Our MA graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers in Ireland, France, and beyond. These include:

• Secondary and third-level teaching (following PME or doctoral training)
• Translation and interpretation services in Ireland and the EU
• Cultural organisations and NGOs, particularly in Francophone regions
• Multinational companies, legal and financial services
• PhD programmes in French Studies, Comparative Literature, and related fields 

Wherever a nuanced understanding of French culture and strong language skills are valued, our graduates thrive.
 

PhD IN FRENCH STUDIES

Independent Research. Global Perspectives. Lasting Impact.
 
The PhD in French Studies at Maynooth University offers a unique opportunity to undertake a substantial, original research project in the fields of French and Francophone literature, culture, and language. Designed for highly motivated students with a strong academic background, this four-year structured programme combines independent research with professional development and academic training.
Supervision is offered by experienced staff working across a range of research areas, including memory and trauma studies, contemporary women's writing, postcolonial and migration narratives, gender and queer studies, visual and film cultures, and the medical humanities. The PhD is tailored to each student’s project, interests, and professional goals, with close supervisory support and regular opportunities for feedback and exchange.
As a doctoral student in French at Maynooth, you’ll become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community. You will have access to structured training in research methods, grant writing, publishing, public engagement, and career development, as well as opportunities to present your work at conferences, contribute to symposia, and participate in international academic networks.

Research areas include:

• Contemporary French and Francophone literature
• Gender, sexuality, and motherhood studies
• Trauma, memory, and the afterlives of violence
• Postcolonial and migration narratives
• Film and visual culture
• Medical humanities
• Practice-based research 

Life after the PhD

Graduates of the PhD in French Studies at Maynooth have gone on to diverse and impactful careers. Some have taken up academic posts or postdoctoral fellowships in Ireland and abroad. Others have built successful careers in diplomacy, international organisations, language services, cultural institutions, publishing, and global technology companies.

The degree equips students with advanced analytical, research, writing, and communication skills—key assets in today’s knowledge-driven economy. Whether you continue in academia or apply your expertise in a different sector, a PhD in French Studies provides the intellectual foundation for meaningful, globally engaged work. Prospective students are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to discuss their project ideas before applying.