Program Overview
The BBA Business Management and French Studies program at Maynooth University combines foundational business knowledge with comprehensive French language proficiency. Students gain a strong understanding of core business principles while achieving high fluency in French, preparing them for successful careers in international business environments where both English and French language skills are highly valued. The program features a flexible curriculum, allowing students to specialize in a business area of their choice, and culminates in a semester abroad or an international internship for invaluable practical experience and cultural immersion.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The BBA Business Management and French Studies program at Maynooth University is a four-year undergraduate program designed to equip students with foundational business knowledge and comprehensive French language proficiency. This unique program blends intensive language learning with in-depth training in business administration, offering students a competitive edge in today's globalized economy.
Program Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of core business principles: Students will gain a strong grounding in key business disciplines, including accounting, marketing, management, and finance.
- Achieve a high level of fluency in French : Students will acquire excellent oral and written communication skills in French, enabling them to confidently navigate professional and personal situations in French-speaking environments.
- Cultivate intercultural competence: The program fosters a deep appreciation for diverse communication styles and cultural perspectives, equipping graduates to collaborateeffectively in a global context.
- Nurture critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Students learn to analyze complex business issues, formulate creative solutions, and navigate challenges with confidence.
- Prepare for successful careers in international business: Graduates are well-positioned to pursue diverse career paths in both domestic and international business environments where English and French language skills are highly valued.
Program Description:
With a flexible curriculum, students can choose to specialize in one of four business areas: Accounting, International Business, Business Management, or Marketing. In parallel, they will pursue intensive French language studies, encompassing grammar, vocabulary development, conversation skills, cultural awareness, and literature. The program culminates in either a semester abroad studying or working in a French-speaking country, offering invaluable practical experience and cultural immersion.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The program typically spans four years, with each year comprising two semesters.
Semester 1:
- 30 credits of chosen business subject (Accounting, International Business, Business Management, or Marketing) for non-beginners.
- Beginner and non-beginner options for French levels.
- Non-beginner language students also take relevant Language and Culture modules (15 credits).
- Optional study of one or two non-beginner (post Leaving Certificate H4 or higher) languages.
Semester 2:
- 30 credits of chosen business subject for non-beginners.
- Beginner and non-beginner options French levels.
- Non-beginner language students also take relevant Language and Culture modules (15 credits).
- Optional study of one or two non-beginner (post Leaving Certificate H4 or higher) languages.
Years 3 & 4:
- Year 3: Students choose between Erasmus/study abroad or an international internship (subject to availability).
- Study abroad allows for further development of language skills, cultural immersion, and potential course enrollment in various disciplines.
- International internships offer practical experience and accreditation as part of the degree program.
- Funding opportunities through the Erasmus+ internship program exist.
- Year 4:
- Completion of the chosen business subject with advanced-level modules and electives.
- Continued development of French language skills at a high level of fluency and accuracy. Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- A variety of assessment methods are employed to evaluate student learning, including: examinations, coursework assignments, presentations, group projects, essays, and language proficiency tests.
- The specific assessment methods may vary depending on the individual module and business subject chosen.
Assessment Criteria:
- Assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' understanding of key concepts, their ability to apply learned knowledge to real-world scenarios, their critical thinking and analysis skills, their communication skills, and their overall capacity for independent learning and research.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active engagement. These methods include: lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, language labs, group discussions, presentations, guest lectures, and field trips.
- A strong emphasis is placed on interactive learning and student participation.
- The program utilizes a learning management system (LMS) to provide students with access to course materials, announcements, and online resources.
Faculty:
- The program is delivered by a team of highly qualified and experienced Faculty members with expertise in business administration and French language and culture.
- Faculty members are actively involved in research and consultancy, ensuring that the program curriculum remains up-to-date
- Students benefit from small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and interaction with faculty members.
Unique Approaches:
- The integration of intensive French language learning within a business administration program sets this program apart.
- The opportunity to undertake a semester abroad or an international internship provides students with invaluable practical experience and cultural immersion.
- The flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their learning journey to their individual interests and career aspirations.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Graduates of this program are well-positioned for diverse career paths in both domestic and international business environments, especially in sectors where French language skills are highly valued.
- Examples of potential career paths include:
- International Business Development Manager
- Marketing Executive
- Management Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Human Resources Manager
- Project Manager
- Entrepreneur
- Translator/Interpreter
- Foreign Service Officer
- Research Analyst
- The program also provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate studies in business, languages, or related fields.
Employability:
- The combination of business knowledge and French language proficiency makes graduates highly sought-after by employers in both the public and private sectors.
- Maynooth University also provides resources to support students in their career development, including career guidance, internship opportunities, and workshops on resume writing and presentation skills.
Other Relevant Information:
- The program has been accredited by the Institute of Business Studies (IBS)..
- Maynooth Univeristy is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in
- The French language program is run by the Department of French Studies, which has a strong reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
