- UCAS course code
- NR11
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
BA Modern Language and Business & Management (French)
- Typical A-level offer: ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer: BBC
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: BBC
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 34 points overall with 6,5,5 at HL
Overview
Course overview
- Gain advanced linguistic skills, cultural understanding and business knowledge in French.
- Take dedicated business language classes to gain international management skills.
- Spend Year 3 studying in a French-speaking country.
- Study management units covering economics, finance, accounting, technology, business and entrepreneurship, taught by specialists from Alliance Manchester Business School and our Economics department.
- Study at a university ranked in the UK top 10 for Modern Languages and Business and Management (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Open days
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 3211
- Facsimile
- +44 (0)161 275 3031
- ug.languages@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
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Entry requirements
A-level
Grades ABB plus GCSE in Maths grade B/6.
Contextual offer
Grades BBB plus GCSE in Maths grade B/6 for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria. For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
AS-level
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.
Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.
Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics.GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see accepted entry qualifications from your country .
Scottish requirements
We normally require gradesAABBB in Scottish Highers.In addition, one Scottish Advanced Higher isnormally required at Grade B. Where a pre-requisite subject is required at A-level, then this Advanced Higher should be in that subject.
We also need a minimumachievement of Grade B at SCQF National 5, in both Maths and a Language.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalentto be included within this.
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in theA Levelentry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate.
Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
We normally require 77% to include a minimum of 7.5 in Maths.
AQA Baccalaureate
The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieveABB in academic subjects and gradeA in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and gradeA in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.
Pleaseread this in conjunction with ourA-level requirements,noting any pre-requisite subjects.
For all other foundation programmes, please seethis list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in maths.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: we consider the National Extended Diploma for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, Merit,in ahumanities-related subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalDiploma: we consider the NationalDiploma for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalDiploma with grades Distinction, Distinction,plus one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma : we consider the NationalFoundation Diploma for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalFoundation Diploma witha Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade B in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics, PLUSan EPQ or AS at GradeB.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate : we consider the National ExtendedCertificate for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full NationalExtended Certificatewitha Distinction grade, PLUStwo A-levels at Grades BB (one of these A-levels should be in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics).
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate.The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in maths.
CambridgeLevel 3Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
CambridgeLevel 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Merit, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics .
CambridgeLevel 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade B an essay-based subject such as English or History, PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB in an essay-based subject such as English or History.
The University of Manchester will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in the pre-requisite subject required for A-levels.
Applicants to Languages programmes are also required to have a minimum of GCSE grade B/6 in a modern language or in English Language.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, M2, M2 in the Pre-U and ABB at A level in three distinct subjects.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview.
A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make.
However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics.
Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.
You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.
We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.
If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.
Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Further information for mature students can be found on our How to apply page.
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.
The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language gradeC/4 or;
- IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.
Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found on our English Language requirements page.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years.
Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £26,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We offer dedicated financial support packages of up to £2,000 for residence abroad students, based on their household income.
You will be automatically assessed for the award based on your Student Finance financial assessment - you just need to make sure you apply for a financial assessment the academic year in which your residence abroad will take place.
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating circumstances may be personal or family illness, other family circumstances, change of teachers during a course, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school or college.
We recommend that information on mitigating circumstances that have affected or are likely to affect your academic performance should be included in the referee's report.
We cannot usually take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting School.
If you encounter mitigating circumstances after you have submitted your application, please inform the admissions staff in the School to which you applied as soon as possible.
Where mitigating circumstances have already been taken into account, for example by the relevant Exam Board, we will not be able to make further allowances.
How your application is considered
Applications are considered on the basis of an assessment of past and predicted academic achievements, the academic reference and personal statement.
Returning to education
We welcome applicants who are looking to return to study and value their contribution to the departmental culture and social life.
Access courses are acceptable as an entry route to this course - please contact the UG Admissions Team.
Deferrals
Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.
Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum.
Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL are only valid for two years from the test date.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again.
Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.
We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements.
In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.
Course details
Course description
The BA Modern Language and Business and Management (French) course gives you a thorough grounding in the language and culture of the French world, as well as the principles of business and management and their application in global workplaces.
Language study offers more than just language fluency. You will explore diverse aspects of the culture, society, history, politics and literature of French-speaking countries, helping you to develop intercultural awareness and communication skills - both highly valued by employers.
You can vary the focus on either Business and Management or French Studies from year to year after Year 1 to tailor your degree to your interests.
You will benefit from excellent teaching, student support, cutting-edge facilities, and the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Manchester itself, Western Europe's most multilingual city.
Studying abroad at partner universities and in professional environments in the French-speaking world gives you an unforgettable and invaluable experience.
The course unit details listed below are those you may choose to study as part of this programme and are referred to as optional units. These are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this programme.
Although language units may show here as optional, they are a mandatory part of your modern languages degree and you will take the units relevant to your level of language in each year of study.
It is compulsory to study language at all levels of your modern languages degree.
Special features
Develop your leadership skills
Get the edge in today's globalised business environment on the Manchester Leadership Programme , which includes local volunteering and guest visits from international business managers.
Residence abroad
You can study and/or work for up to a year in a country relevant to your chosen language(s) to improve your language skills in a native-speaker environment.
Collaborations and partnerships
We have links with language and cultural institutions across the city, including:
- Confucius Institute - a hub for Chinese culture.
- Instituto Cervantes - a centre for Spanish culture.
- HOME - international and contemporary art, theatre and film.
- Alliance Française - home of French language and culture.
Societies
Join the Francophone Society and benefit from French classes, discussion groups, cheese and wine nights, film screenings, themed socials and a yearly trip to Paris.
There are over 30 international and language-related student societies offering cultural activities and experiences.
Teaching and learning
You will learn through formal lectures, seminars and tutorials, spending 12 hours a week in formal study sessions.
For every hour of university study, you will need to complete a further 2 to 3 hours of independent study.
This could be spent reading, producing written work, revising for examinations or working in the University's Language Centre.
Language learning
You will be trained in modern spoken and written French by following a high-level core language course.
From Year 1, you will discover how the language really works by learning about its morphology, syntax, phonology and phonetics.
You will develop your French language skills by working with oral and written French texts and engaging in discussions in French. Most of this language instruction takes place in French and is predominantly taught by native speakers.
Independent, monitored self-study will reinforce your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed through:
- written and oral examinations;
- presentations;
- coursework (including web-based and library research, linguistic fieldwork and data collection);
- a dissertation based on a research topic of your choice.
Course content for year 1
Your time will be divided equally between your language and culture and business and management studies.
Core units introduce finance, management, microeconomics and macroeconomics, and develop transferable skills. You choose two further options across management, finance and economics units.
Year 1 equips you with skills such as linguistic expertise, the ability to read and analyse material, presentation, group work and independent language learning.
Course units are broad-based at this level and cover a range of topics from the medieval period to aspects of contemporary French and Francophone culture.
You will take only the language units relevant to your level of language in each year of study.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Fundamentals of Management | BMAN10011 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Mandatory |
Microeconomics 1 | ECON10221 | 10 | Mandatory |
Macroeconomics 1 | ECON10252 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Technological Change | BMAN10252 | 10 | Optional |
Business Economics | BMAN10612 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Financial Reporting B | BMAN10621B | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Management Accounting | BMAN10632 | 10 | Optional |
An Introduction to Development Studies | ECON10002 | 10 | Optional |
Introductory Mathematics | ECON10061 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
You continue with an even distribution between business and management and French studies.
Alongside one core unit, you tailor your business studies by choosing from a range of options.
You have the chance to study Leadership in Action with national leaders as part of the Manchester Leadership Programme. You can also put your learning into practice with local charities and social enterprises by participating in the Manchester Enterprise Challenge.
Year 2's core language course prepares you for the linguistic challenges of your year abroad, including dedicated sessions on writing CVs and cover letters for job applications in French.
The other Year 2 course units fall under literature, history and popular culture, and linguistics and translation, including:
- French art;
- modern French literature;
- French linguistics;
- colonisation;
- translating novels and bande-dessinée (comics);
- cinema.
All of these include a research component that encourages you to develop your skills of analysis and information-gathering, working independently or in a group.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Firms and Management in Comparative Perspective | BMAN22000 | 20 | Mandatory |
Work Psychology for Career Success | BMAN20022 | 10 | Optional |
Investment Analysis | BMAN20072 | 10 | Optional |
Introduction to Corporate Finance and Financial Instruments | BMAN20242 | 10 | Optional |
Technology, Strategy and Innovation | BMAN20792 | 10 | Optional |
New Product Development and Innovation | BMAN20821 | 10 | Optional |
Marketing | BMAN20832 | 10 | Optional |
Global Contexts of Business and Management | BMAN21012 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Reporting and Accountability | BMAN21020A | 20 | Optional |
Intermediate Management Accounting | BMAN21040A | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Year 3 is spent abroad in approved study or work in a French-speaking country.
Course content for year 4
There is a broad range of specialised units available in business, management, accounting and finance, economics and entrepreneurship.
You can take up to two-thirds of your units in either business and management or language and cultural studies.
You will continue your core language course and choose additional more specialised units, building on Year 2 study.
Language study is centred on essay-writing, translation and oral work involving discussion of texts, debates and presentations.
Year 4 course units cover topics closely related to the research interests of staff. As part of your final-year work, you can write a dissertation on a theme of your choice related to one of your course units.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
French Language 6 | FREN51060 | 20 | Mandatory |
Management of Knowledge and Innovation | BMAN30010 | 20 | Optional |
Marketing | BMAN30021 | 10 | Optional |
Strategy | BMAN30022 | 10 | Optional |
Human Resource Management | BMAN30042 | 10 | Optional |
Share Prices and Accounting Information | BMAN30071 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Derivatives | BMAN30091 | 10 | Optional |
Advanced Corporate Finance | BMAN30111A | 20 | Optional |
Corporate Governance in Context | BMAN30211 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Engineering | BMAN30242 | 10 | Optional |
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Facilities
The University Language Centre is home to language resources, including a new interpreting suite and purpose-built recording rooms.
The Centre also offers multilingual word processing, language learning software, off-air recording and AV duplication, multilingual terrestrial and satellite TV, and extensive support and advice for learners.
Learn more on the Facilities page.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.
At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .
Examples of jobs recent management graduates have gone onto include audit graduate, HR graduate analyst, internet consultant and management trainee.
A wide range of companies employ our management graduates, including Balfour Beatty, Deutsche Bank, KPMG, Microsoft and Tesco.
Management graduates have also gone onto further study in business, economics, enterprise and branding at institutions across the UK and internationally, including London Business School, the University of Jiao Tong and the University of Lausanne.
A degree in Modern Languages and Cultures paves the way for a broad range of careers.
You will develop intercultural awareness and enhanced communication skills - both highly valued by employers.
You will also acquire transferable expertise at the very heart of language learning, including enhanced powers of perception and interpretation and advanced decision-making and multitasking skills.
You will develop independence and self-confidence during your residence abroad, and your intercultural communication skills will make you a strong contender for media, journalism and PR roles.
Many of our graduates go straight into business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking or communications.
Others pursue postgraduate study or further vocational training to become accountants, lawyers, teachers (both in the UK and overseas) or to enter the Civil Service.
The University of Manchester is the second most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2024).
Employers who have taken on graduates of our French courses in the past include KPMG, Deloitte, L'Oréal, BT, Louis Vuitton, Rothschild, Hilton Hotels, British Council, Teach First, Barclays, and the BBC.