Course Overview
Discover how language connects people, cultures, and ideas across borders with our A level French course.
A level French is a vibrant and enriching subject that builds language fluency while offering insights into the cultures, politics, and perspectives of French-speaking countries.
French stands out at A level for its powerful blend of practical communication and cultural exploration. Students develop advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills while engaging with topics such as contemporary French society, artistic culture, immigration, politics, and literary texts.
This A level course not only strengthens language proficiency but also builds critical thinking, translation, and analytical skills. With its flexible online delivery, A level French is an ideal foundation for university study or careers in languages, international relations, education, tourism, or diplomacy.
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85% pass rate in 2024
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Interactive course
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1:1 tutor support
A level French at a glance
AQA 7652
- Au revoir Les Enfants, Louis Malle (film)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: Au revoir les enfants: Film Study Guide for AS/A level French, K Harrington, Hodder Education, 2017
- L’Etranger, Albert Camus (novel)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: L’étranger: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level French, H Beaugy, Hodder Education, 2017
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.
Online learning with 1:1 tutor support
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course: AQA A level French, R Hares, C D’Angelo, L Léchelle and J Giles, Hodder Education, 2016
- Au revoir Les Enfants, Louis Malle (film)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: Au revoir les enfants: Film Study Guide for AS/A level French, K Harrington, Hodder Education, 2017
- L’Etranger, Albert Camus (novel)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: L’étranger: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level French, H Beaugy, Hodder Education, 2017
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.
Learn at your own pace
Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments
Exams (three):
- Paper 1: 50% of marks (2 hours 30 minutes)
- Paper 2: 20% of marks (2 hours)
- Oral exam – 30% of marks (21 to 23 minutes, including 5 minutes of preparation).
The oral exam is in two parts:
- Part 1: Discussion of one sub-theme from a choice of four
- Part 2: Presentation of the Individual Research Project (2 minutes of presentation and 9-10 minutes of discussion of the findings of your research.
Non-exam assessment (NEA):
- Coursework: Individual Research Project
Earn up to 56 UCAS points
AQA 7652
Learn at your own pace
Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments
Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course: AQA A level French, R Hares, C D’Angelo, L Léchelle and J Giles, Hodder Education, 2016
Online learning with 1:1 tutor support
Earn up to 56 UCAS points
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
- Au revoir Les Enfants, Louis Malle (film)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: Au revoir les enfants: Film Study Guide for AS/A level French, K Harrington, Hodder Education, 2017
- L’Etranger, Albert Camus (novel)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: L’étranger: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level French, H Beaugy, Hodder Education, 2017
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.
Exams (three):
- Paper 1: 50% of marks (2 hours 30 minutes)
- Paper 2: 20% of marks (2 hours)
- Oral exam – 30% of marks (21 to 23 minutes, including 5 minutes of preparation).
The oral exam is in two parts:
- Part 1: Discussion of one sub-theme from a choice of four
- Part 2: Presentation of the Individual Research Project (2 minutes of presentation and 9-10 minutes of discussion of the findings of your research.
Non-exam assessment (NEA):
- Coursework: Individual Research Project
- Au revoir Les Enfants, Louis Malle (film)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: Au revoir les enfants: Film Study Guide for AS/A level French, K Harrington, Hodder Education, 2017
- L’Etranger, Albert Camus (novel)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: L’étranger: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level French, H Beaugy, Hodder Education, 2017
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.
AQA 7652
- Au revoir Les Enfants, Louis Malle (film)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: Au revoir les enfants: Film Study Guide for AS/A level French, K Harrington, Hodder Education, 2017
- L’Etranger, Albert Camus (novel)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: L’étranger: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level French, H Beaugy, Hodder Education, 2017
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.
Online learning with 1:1 tutor support
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course: AQA A level French, R Hares, C D’Angelo, L Léchelle and J Giles, Hodder Education, 2016
- Au revoir Les Enfants, Louis Malle (film)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: Au revoir les enfants: Film Study Guide for AS/A level French, K Harrington, Hodder Education, 2017
- L’Etranger, Albert Camus (novel)
- Modern Languages Study Guides: L’étranger: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level French, H Beaugy, Hodder Education, 2017
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.
Learn at your own pace
Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments
Exams (three):
- Paper 1: 50% of marks (2 hours 30 minutes)
- Paper 2: 20% of marks (2 hours)
- Oral exam – 30% of marks (21 to 23 minutes, including 5 minutes of preparation).
The oral exam is in two parts:
- Part 1: Discussion of one sub-theme from a choice of four
- Part 2: Presentation of the Individual Research Project (2 minutes of presentation and 9-10 minutes of discussion of the findings of your research.
Non-exam assessment (NEA):
- Coursework: Individual Research Project
Earn up to 56 UCAS points
Why study A level French
Future opportunities
- Studying Modern Foreign Languages or linguistics at university or higher education level.
- Opening up career paths – employment rates for language graduates are one of the highest, compared with other degree subjects.
- You could spend a year in France or in a French-speaking country as a part of your degree.
- Complementing subjects such as Law or Business, at university or higher education level.
- A range of careers including those in education, journalism, editing and publishing, international business, communication and translation through to cultural and tourism, diplomacy, law, media, accountancy, management, teaching or governmental positions.
A level French taster
Want to know more? Our online A level French course opens up a world of new opportunities.
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the A level French course.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £730 |
| Deposit | £73 |
| Amount of credit | £657 |
| Monthly payment | £54.75 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £730 |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
Additional support for under 18s
We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:
Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.
Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
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Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
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