Department Overview

The French department was inaugurated in 2004 at the Faculty of Languages, Salahaddin University. The teaching staff currently consists of about ten teachers and researchers with doctorate and master's degrees in FLE (French as a Foreign Language). The university curriculum is conducted over four years with four main areas of study (literature, specialized French, didactics, and translation).

The department's mission is to teach the language, literature, and civilization of France on an academic basis. It develops in students the knowledge and professional skills such as teaching French as a foreign language, French for business, French for tourism, and translation to enable them to increase job opportunities in the job market in Kurdistan. Since 2004 to the present, it has supplied the job market with hundreds of graduates in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. After four years of study, the department also offers its students the opportunity to pursue higher studies in France or elsewhere.

Head of department

Name: Mr. Ali Saleh MALO Pirany

Title: Head of French Department

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +9647514440011

- I got BA degree in French language and literature at Department of French language, College of Languages, Salahaddin University-Erbil, 2010



- I got la Maîtrise (Master 1) in Language Didactics and French as a foreign language (FLE) at Le Mans University, France, 2012.



- I got Master degree in Language Didactics, Language policies & ICTE (Information and Communication Technologies for Education) at Le Mans University, France, 2014.



- I’m teaching different topics at French Department since 2014.

Mission

The mission of the French Department at Salahaddin University is to provide high-quality instruction in French language, literature, and translation, fostering advanced linguistic proficiency and deep cultural understanding among its students. It aims to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural competence, preparing graduates for successful careers in fields such as education, translation and interpretation, diplomacy, international organizations, and cross-cultural communication. The department is committed to promoting academic excellence through rigorous teaching, encouraging relevant research in French and Francophone studies, and facilitating cultural exchange. By serving as a vital link between the Kurdistan Region and the broader Francophone world, it strives to enrich the intellectual and cultural landscape of the university and the local community while equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become active, globally-minded contributors to society.

Vision

The French Department at Salahaddin University envisions itself as a leading center for French language, literature, and Francophone studies within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond. Its core mission is to cultivate highly proficient and culturally literate graduates, equipped not only with advanced linguistic skills but also with a deep understanding of French and Francophone civilizations. The department strives to foster critical thinking, intercultural dialogue, and academic excellence, preparing students for diverse careers in translation, education, diplomacy, international organizations, and cross-cultural communication. By promoting research, facilitating cultural exchange, and building connections with the Francophone world, the department aims to act as a vital bridge between local communities and global Francophone perspectives, enriching the intellectual and cultural landscape of the university and the wider region.

Key elements highlighted:

  • Regional Leadership: Aspires to be a premier center in the Kurdistan Region/Iraq.
  • Academic Excellence: Focus on high-level language proficiency, literature, culture, and critical thinking.
  • Cultural Literacy & Dialogue: Deep understanding of French/Francophone civilizations and promotion of intercultural exchange.
  • Career Preparation: Equipping graduates for relevant professional fields (translation, teaching, diplomacy, etc.).
  • Global Bridge: Connecting the local community to the wider Francophone world through research and exchange.
  • Enrichment: Contributing to the university and regional intellectual/cultural environment.
Learning Outcomes

Graduates from the Department will acquire knowledge and professional skills such as teaching French as a foreign language, French for the economy, French for tourism, and translation to enable them to increase job opportunities in the job market in Kurdistan. Since 2004, it has provided the job market with hundreds of graduate students in Iraqi Kurdistan. After four years of study, the Department also offers its students the opportunity to pursue higher education in France or elsewhere.

Partnership

The French Department collaborates with the French Consulate and various organizations and institutions to promote research, education, international relations, and policy development. These partnerships are essential for addressing the initial challenges faced by the college and its students by integrating scientific knowledge, technological advancement, and community involvement.

🎓 Degree Program Overview — French Department (BA in French Language) 🎓 Degree Title

- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in French Language

A full-time undergraduate degree awarded upon successful completion of the program.

- 📅 Duration

-4 academic years (usually 8 semesters)

Students must complete required coursework and credit hours over this period to graduate.

- 📚 Program Goal

The French undergraduate program is designed to develop students’ proficiency in French (both spoken and written) while grounding them in literature, culture, and professional skills related to the language.

- 🗂 Core Focus Areas

The study program covers several integrated subject areas, including:

  1. Language Skills Development
    • French grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics
    • Listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French
  2. Literature and Cultural Studies
    • French and Francophone literature
    • Cultural contexts of French-speaking regions
  3. Professional Skills
    • Translation and interpretation techniques
    • Language didactics (methods for teaching French as a foreign language)
  4. Specialized French
    • Applied French for academic, technical, and professional use
    • Language use in practical scenarios

These components aim to produce graduates who can communicate effectively in French, understand Francophone cultures, and pursue careers in education, translation, interpretation, and international communication.

- 🎯 Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program are expected to:

  • Achieve competence in all major language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
  • Gain exposure to French literature and cultural knowledge.
  • Apply translation and interpretation skills ethically and accurately.
  • Be prepared for professional roles in education, translation, or further academic study.

- 🧠 Teaching Approach

The curriculum typically combines lectures, language labs, interactive workshops, coursework, and assessments designed to promote communicative competence and practical application of French.

The overview of the curriculum and academic structure for the French Department at the College of Languages, Salahaddin University Erbil - based on publicly available university curriculum information:

📚 Degree & Duration
  • The program leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in French Language.
  • It is structured to be completed over four academic years (8 semesters) , typical for BA programs in languages.
🧠 Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is organized around four main study areas integrated across the semesters:

  1. General French Language Skills
  2. - Focus on core language competencies:

    • Oral and written communication
    • Listening, reading, speaking, writing

    - Progressively builds proficiency from basic to advanced levels.

  3. Literature
  4. - Includes French literature studies - from foundational texts to more advanced literary analysis later in the program.

  5. Specialized French
  6. - Courses oriented toward professional and applied uses of French, such as:

    • translation and interpretation
    • didactics (methods for teaching French)
    • cultural and civilizational studies related to Francophone contexts.
  7. Didactics and Translation
  8. - Focused on pedagogy and translation skills - preparing students for careers as language teachers and professional translators/interpreters.

    🧩 Teaching Approach & Assessment
    • The curriculum emphasizes learner-centered and communicative language teaching: developing all four language skills in realistic contexts (oral, written, comprehension, etc.).
    • Assessment typically includes a mix of exams, assignments, class participation, and practical language tasks designed to support both formative and summative evaluation.
    📘 Sample Courses (Based on available course outlines)

    Courses (examples from faculty teaching documents) include:

    • Lecture et Conversation (French: lecture and conversation)
    • Traduction (Translation)
    • Other core and elective French language modules appropriate to each year/semester
    📌 Notes & How to Get Official Detail

    The above reflects general curriculum structure as noted by the university’s College of Languages curriculum listings. For official and complete detailed syllabi (course names by semester, credit hours, prerequisites, and course descriptions), you can request the official curriculum PDF from the College of Languages academic office or check the university’s curriculum repository or internal student portal:

🎓 Admission Overview

  1. Eligibility Requirements
    • Completion of high school (Grade 12) or an equivalent secondary education program, validated through recognized credentials.
    • Performance on the Kurdistan National Exam (or equivalent), which serves as the primary academic criterion for selection. Applicants are admitted competitively based on exam scores.
    • No separate departmental entrance exam is typically required for language departments, unlike specialized colleges such as Fine Arts or Physical Education.
  2. Application Process
    • Prospective students apply through the Central Admission Office of the KRG, often via an online portal or through official forms on the University’s website.
    • Required documentation includes: high school transcript, national ID or birth certificate, passport-sized photos, and any applicable application fees.
  3. Selection and Enrollment
    • Admissions are quota-based and determined by academic merit, particularly National Exam performance.
    • Once selected, students receive an official admission letter and proceed to complete university registration.
  4. Program Duration and Structure
    • The Bachelor’s degree is typically a four-year full-time program, aligned with the credit system of 154–164 academic units.
    • The academic calendar runs approximately from mid-September to early July, with two semesters per year.
🎓 Graduate Employability - French Department (Bachelor’s in French Language) 🧠 University Career Support
  • Salahaddin University-Erbil has a Career Development Center (CDC) that helps students and alumni with career planning, job search, and professional development opportunities. This includes guidance on employment options and career pathways after graduation.
💼 Types of Careers French Graduates May Pursue

Graduates of a French language program like the one offered at the College of Languages can typically follow diverse career paths, including (based on the general outcomes for French and other modern language alumni):

  1. Education & Teaching
    • Teaching French in secondary schools, language institutes, or cultural centers.
    • Working as language instructors or tutors in private and public sectors.
  2. Translation & Interpretation
    • Translators for documents, media content, and publications.
    • Interpreters in events, conferences, and businesses working with Francophone partners.
  3. International Relations & Diplomacy
    • Roles in governmental departments, international organizations, and NGOs that engage with Francophone countries.
  4. Communication & Media
    • Content creation, language editing, and communication roles in media, publishing, and PR.
  5. Business & Tourism
    • Positions in international business, customer relations, travel agencies, and hospitality sectors where French language skills are valued.
  6. Further Study
    • Some alumni pursue postgraduate education (master’s and higher degrees) - locally or abroad - using their language background to specialize further. (This is typical for language programs and mentioned for similar programs, although specific Salahaddin alumni data isn’t publicly published.)
📈 General Trends for Language Graduates

While specific salaried employment statistics for French Department alumni at Salahaddin University-Erbil aren’t publicly published, language graduates worldwide often experience the following trends:

  • High Employability in Multilingual Roles - Language skills (especially French as a global language) are in demand in education, translation, international organizations, and cultural institutions.
  • Competitive Advantage in Global Careers - Fluency in French (often combined with English or other languages) improves prospects in international business, diplomacy, and tourism.
📊 Note on Data Availability
  • The university’s official sites provide information on programs and career services but do not publish detailed employment statistics specifically for French Department alumni (e.g., percentages employed, job titles, or sectors after graduation).
  • For precise alumni employment outcomes (like placement rates or employer lists), you can contact the College of Languages or the Career Development Center at Salahaddin University-Erbil directly - they may have updated reports or graduate surveys.
Sample Description
Sample Description
Sample Description

In the Chinese Department of the College of Languages at Salahaddin University Erbil, academic advising is centered on helping students successfully navigate their Mandarin language studies and broader curriculum requirements. Faculty advisors work with students each semester to select appropriate courses - from basic Mandarin skills in early years to advanced language, culture, and translation modules later - ensuring that students meet the department’s academic progression standards. Advisors also help students understand degree requirements, plan study sequences, and identify electives or special modules that align with their interests and career aspirations, such as translation, interpreting, or business Chinese.

Beyond course planning, academic advising in the department includes personalized guidance on academic challenges and opportunities for language enrichment. Advisors may encourage participation in departmental events like cultural activities and the “Chinese Bridge” competition, support students in applying for scholarships or short term study programs in China, and offer feedback on academic work. This advising framework helps students develop both linguistic competence and confidence in navigating academic and professional paths linked to Chinese language and intercultural communication.

Students in the Chinese Department at the College of Languages, Salahaddin University Erbil have been able to access internship and practical learning opportunities that complement their academic studies and enhance their real world experience. Through the department’s network and China related partnerships, students have participated in short term programs abroad, including summer camps and exchange study in China, where they not only improve Mandarin proficiency but also gain exposure to Chinese workplace culture, professional environments, and cross cultural communication - all of which strengthen their resumes before graduation. For example, some students have spent time in cities like Shanghai as part of departmental or partner initiatives, gaining valuable insight into living and learning in a Chinese context.

In addition to international experiences, the presence of Chinese companies and professionals in the Kurdistan Region has created informal internship like opportunities. Local Chinese firms operating in sectors such as telecommunications and trade have engaged with students, sometimes offering part time work or internship placements even before graduation, especially for students with strong Mandarin skills. These experiences allow students to apply classroom learning to real translation, interpretation, or liaison tasks, build professional networks, and explore future employment paths - bridging academic study with practical career preparation.

The Career Services provided by the Chinese Department at the College of Languages, Salahaddin University-Erbil focus on connecting students’ language skills with real-world employment opportunities and professional development. The department collaborates with external partners such as the Chinese Consulate General and Chinese businesses operating in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, which enhances students’ exposure to workplaces where Mandarin Chinese is an asset. These connections help students participate in language proficiency competitions like the “Chinese Bridge” contest and cultural exchange events, which in turn boost their visibility and networking with potential employers and sponsors. Through these activities, students gain experience, build professional contacts, and demonstrate practical language capabilities that strengthen their employability.

In addition, the department supports international opportunities that contribute to career readiness, such as student exchanges and summer programs in China funded through partnerships and scholarships. These experiences allow students to develop language proficiency and cultural fluency in real professional contexts, often enhancing their prospects for work in translation, teaching, international business, cultural diplomacy, and roles with Chinese companies. Some local media have reported that Chinese companies in the region have even discussed potential job opportunities for students before graduation, reflecting employers’ interest in Mandarin-skilled graduates.