This module takes you to an intermediate level of linguistic competence in French, equivalent to the B1 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You'll develop your confidence in listening, reading, writing, speaking and interacting in French, as well as your knowledge and understanding of French-speaking societies and cultures. In addition, you'll expand your academic, digital and employability skills in French contexts. Study materials include books and activities on the module website, which features authentic resources that support both independent and collaborative learning, offering a flexible way to progress in real-world French.
What you will study
This module is based around six themes: Geography; Celebrations, Customs and traditions; Education and employment; Leisure and culture; Contemporary society; and History. Through each theme, you will gradually develop your French knowledge and skills by:
familiarising yourself with core vocabulary and grammar
learning about and reflecting on language, culture and intercultural communication skills
studying with audio recordings and videos featuring speakers of French and their lives and environments
engaging in a wide variety of speaking and interactive activities
practising direct translation to support your language learning
working independently and in collaboration with others
reviewing and monitoring your progress using checklists, and reflective questions.
The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts.
Entry requirements
This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
You require a working knowledge of French to study this module, equivalent to A2 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for languages. It is ideal if you have successfully completed Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102) or if you have reached a similar linguistic standard. You do not need a formal qualification in the language, but may have acquired your knowledge in adult education classes, time spent in French-speaking countries, regular contact with French-speaking people or other sources. You should be able to understand basic written and spoken materials and to hold a basic conversation in French in everyday situations such as talking about yourself; your family and where you are from; booking a hotel; or asking for directions.
To help decide if you have sufficient French to take this module with confidence, use our self-assessment quiz.
Preparatory work
Before the module begins, we suggest that you continue to use your French in any way you can. You could do this by reading a French newspaper, using online resources, or watching some films in French. Anything you can do to keep practising your French will be helpful. Preparatory materials which help to revise the content of the previous module are available to students once they have registered with the University.
In addition, if you have studied the previous level 1 module, you can also revisit some of the activities and watch and listen to the audio materials from your materials. If you haven't studied this module, you can practise with these free online materials from OpenLearn by selecting French, Level 1.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
The TMAs test your writing and speaking skills. The final TMA is an interactive speaking assignment, which will be conducted online by your tutor. In addition, the study planner includes 4 formative CMAs (Computer-Marked Assignments), designed to help you practise your reading and listening skills.
What's included
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
a module guide
a week-by-week study planner
interactive reading, writing, listening and speaking activities, including audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
access to forums where you can interact with your tutor and fellow students
online tutorial access.
You'll also be provided with three printed module books, each covering two blocks of study. The content of these books is available online, and the audio and video files needed can be downloaded from the website.
You will need
We recommend that you purchase a good bilingual dictionary. We will provide you with details of the latest editions of those that we consider will be most suitable, prior to you starting this module.
You’ll be asked to watch one French-language film that you’ll need to source yourself. The titles of the films you can choose from will be provided when you begin the module.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L112 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2030.