History and French

History and French is a combination that develops two quite different but complementary ways of engaging with the past and with other cultures. History trains you to read and evaluate evidence critically, to construct arguments about causation and change over time, and to understand the present through a rigorous engagement with what came before it. French develops linguistic fluency and cultural understanding in one of Europe's most significant languages, a language that carries an extraordinary intellectual, literary, and political heritage and that remains central to international institutions, diplomacy, and the world economy.

At the University of York, this four-year programme includes a year spent in a French-speaking country, which is central to the development of genuine linguistic and cultural competence. The experience of living and studying or working abroad is transformative in ways that classroom language learning cannot replicate, and York's excellent international partnerships ensure that the year abroad is well structured and supported. The degree also includes a sandwich placement and work placement opportunities, giving you professional experience alongside your academic studies.

In history you will engage with British, European, and global history across a wide chronological range, developing skills in archival research, historiographical debate, and written argument.

Graduates from history and French programmes work in diplomacy, international business, translation, the civil service, journalism, education, publishing, the charitable sector, and cultural organisations. The combination of historical analytical skill with French fluency is particularly valued in international and European contexts. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in history, French studies, international relations, law, or translation, deepening their expertise for research or professional careers.