Bachelor of Commerce (International with French)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

National University of Ireland Galway NUIG

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (International with French) at University of Galway combines a strong, well-regarded commerce degree with advanced French language and cultural studies. It’s ideal for students who want to build international business careers, particularly in European, multinational, and French-speaking professional environments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students begin with core commerce subjects such as Financial Accounting, Microeconomics, and Introduction to Marketing, alongside intensive French Language modules. The focus is on building business fundamentals while developing confidence in written and spoken French.

Year 2:
In second year, students study modules like Management Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Business Information Systems, while French studies move towards professional communication and cultural awareness. Business concepts are increasingly explored in an international and European context.

Year 3:
The final year brings together advanced modules including International Business, Corporate Finance, and Strategic Management, combined with high-level French Language and Cultural Studies. Graduates leave with the ability to operate confidently in global business settings where French is a key working language.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes

Strong commercial and analytical skills | Professional-level French language proficiency | Ability to work across cultures | Confidence in international business environments

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme offers a solid academic foundation aligned with recognised commerce standards, supporting both professional careers and postgraduate study.

Reputation (Employability)

University of Galway commerce graduates are highly valued by employers for their strong business training, international outlook, and multilingual capabilities, particularly within multinational and export-focused organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (International with French) at NUI Galway is designed to immerse you in real-world international business while building strong professional-level French language skills. Throughout the programme, you’ll learn through hands-on activities, applied language practice, and international exposure, supported by excellent teaching facilities across the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics and the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. This practical approach comes to life as you progress through the degree:

A compulsory year abroad in a French-speaking country, spent studying at a partner university or completing a work placement, allowing you to apply business knowledge and French language skills in a real professional or academic environment
Intensive French language training, focused on spoken, written, and professional communication to prepare you for workplace and cross-cultural settings
Team-based business projects embedded in commerce modules, helping you develop collaboration, presentation, and problem-solving skills
Use of digital language-learning platforms and multimedia language labs to strengthen listening, pronunciation, and presentation confidence
Applied learning through case studies and coursework in international business, marketing, economics, and management
Access to the James Hardiman Library, offering extensive resources in business, economics, and modern languages
Teaching informed by international research and European business expertise, ensuring your learning reflects real global practices

Together, these experiences ensure you graduate with more than a degree — you leave with international confidence, professional French language ability, and the practical business skills needed to succeed in global careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce (International with French) at NUI Galway leave with a rare combination of strong business expertise and professional-level French, making them highly attractive to international employers. Alumni commonly move into roles such as international sales executive, marketing coordinator, business development associate, and EU-facing graduate trainee, particularly in organisations working across French-speaking and European markets. This powerful mix of commerce and language creates clear career momentum:

Targeted employability support through NUI Galway’s Career Development Centre, including personalised career guidance, CV and interview coaching, employer presentations, and preparation for international recruitment
Strong graduate outcomes for commerce and language graduates, with high employment rates and competitive entry-level salaries, especially in multinational, export-led, and EU-focused organisations
Benefits from established partnerships with European universities and employers, strengthened through the compulsory year abroad in a French-speaking country
Long-term career value of a globally recognised commerce degree combined with French, highly regarded by multinational employers, EU institutions, and international organisations
Graduates progressing into international graduate programmes, cross-border business roles, public sector and EU-related positions, or fast-tracked commercial careers

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, students are well placed to progress to postgraduate study in areas such as international business, global marketing, management, finance, or European studies. The strong language component also supports progression into specialised master’s programmes abroad, particularly in France or other French-speaking countries, as well as advanced study linked to international relations and global commerce.