French and International Relations, MA

This degree is designed to take you far beyond the classroom. From immersive language experiences abroad to real-world policy simulations and collaborative projects, you’ll constantly be applying what you learn to real situations. You’ll develop confidence in communicating in French, sharpen your political thinking in debates and group work, and gain valuable hands-on experience that employers look for. Along the way, you’ll have access to top-notch facilities like Aberdeen’s state-of-the-art Sir Duncan Rice Library, modern language labs, and a careers team dedicated to connecting you with internships and professional opportunities.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into your degree:

• Study abroad in a French-speaking country: One of the highlights of this program is the chance to spend a semester or a full academic year abroad — either as a visiting student or as a language assistant. This immersive experience builds fluency, cultural understanding, and independence.

• Employer-led internships and projects: Through the ABDN Internships programme, you’ll have opportunities to gain paid work experience during your degree, either part-time in term time or full-time in the summer, giving you a real taste of professional life.

• Group projects and policy simulations: Many of your modules include collaborative work where you’ll write policy briefs, simulate diplomatic negotiations, and debate real global issues — experiences that mirror the work of professionals in international relations.

• Specialist language and digital tools: You’ll use dedicated language labs, translation software, multimedia resources, and data analysis tools that help you apply theory to practical tasks.

• Extensive research resources: The award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library and the university’s vast online databases give you everything you need for essays, research projects, and your final dissertation.

• Support from the School of Social Science: The School actively connects students with internships, graduate schemes, and employer networks, helping you prepare for your career while you study.

All of these opportunities are designed to make your learning active, engaging, and relevant — ensuring that by the time you graduate, you’ll have not just knowledge, but real experience and confidence to use it in the world.

Graduates from Aberdeen’s French and International Relations degree are highly valued for their ability to think critically, communicate across cultures, and understand the complexities of global politics. This powerful combination opens doors to careers in diplomacy, international organisations, government, media, NGOs, and business. Many alumni go on to work as diplomatic officers, policy advisors, international development specialists, or language and cultural attachés in the UK and abroad.

Here’s how the University helps you get there and what your future could look like:

• Personalised career support: Aberdeen’s dedicated Careers & Employability Service supports you from day one. You’ll get one-to-one advice, CV and interview coaching, and access to thousands of job listings through MyCareerHub — and you’ll keep that support even after you graduate.

• Mentoring and employer connections: Through the Career Mentoring Programme, you can connect with professionals working in government, diplomacy, and global NGOs, gaining valuable guidance and building your network.

• Internships and real-world experience: The ABDN Internships scheme offers paid placements during your studies — part-time during term or full-time in summer — helping you gain experience and confidence in professional settings.

• Impressive graduate outcomes: Over 96% of Aberdeen graduates are in work or further study soon after completing their degree, and many enter high-skill roles with competitive starting salaries.

• Industry partnerships: The University works closely with employers, NGOs, and government bodies to ensure the curriculum reflects real-world needs and to connect students with opportunities.

• Long-term career value: Your blend of language fluency and political insight is in demand across sectors, allowing you to work in diplomacy, translation, policy, cultural affairs, and international development — and to move between industries as your career grows.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, many students continue to specialise by pursuing a Master’s in International Relations, Diplomacy, Global Governance, Political Science, or Translation Studies. Some go on to complete a PhD, leading to careers in academia, policy research, or leadership roles in think tanks and global institutions.