Enter OTP
This degree lets you combine in-depth competence in French language, culture, and literature with rigorous training in politics and international relations — meaning you graduate with both linguistic fluency and political insight. It suits students who are passionate about global affairs, diplomacy, public policy, or media and want a double strength in language + politics.
Curriculum structure
Year 1
In your first year you’ll build foundational skills across both disciplines. In Politics you’ll take Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018) and Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518), which offer you core theory, institutions, and global dynamics. Meanwhile in French you’ll begin with either Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028) or Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029) (depending on your prior French level), plus options like French Culture and Society: From Occupation to Decolonisation (FR1031) or The Global City (LA1501) to ground you in cultural and social perspectives.
Year 2
Your second year deepens both your theoretical and linguistic foundations. In Politics you’ll tackle Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009) and Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508), which bring you into debate on values, rights, power, and global systems. On the French side you’ll study Revolution and Revolt in Modern and Contemporary France (FR2016) and Decentering France: Social Movements and Cultural Transformation (FR2517), alongside more advanced French language modules (e.g. Advanced French Language 1/2 (FR2002 / FR2502) or Advanced Introductory French (FR2012 / FR2512)) to build your fluency.
Year 3
The third year is a year abroad in a French-speaking country: you’ll immerse in the language, culture and institutions firsthand while taking academic modules abroad (this is compulsory on this programme).
Year 4
Back in Aberdeen for your junior honours stage, you’ll take Junior Honours French Language (FR3089) to advance listening, speaking, reading, writing and linguistic subtlety. In Politics you’ll take Research Methods in Politics and International Relations (PI3084) to develop techniques for empirical research, and can choose optional modules such as International Security (IR3518), Political Parties in Britain (PI3562), or Human Rights in Global Politics (PI3572) to shape your specialization.
Year 5
In your final, senior honours year you’ll take Senior Honours French Language (FR4089), pushing your mastery to highest levels. You’ll also complete a dissertation (either Dissertation in French (FR4097) or Dissertation in Politics (PI4071)) plus choose a second-semester advanced Politics module such as Comparative Constitutional Systems (AT4557), Extreme Right in Western Europe (PI4560) or Political Islam (PI4573). This year is about integrating, specializing, and producing original work in your preferred domain.
Focus areas: French language & Francophone culture; politics, governance & international relations; research skills; cross-cultural competence
Learning outcomes: Graduates will gain advanced proficiency in French (reading, writing, speaking, listening), deep understanding of political processes, ability to conduct independent research in politics or language, critical analysis of global issues, and strong communication skills in multiple cultural contexts.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is part of the University of Aberdeen’s recognised Arts & Social Sciences provision; while there is no specific external accreditation listed, its structure, research training and language component strongly support careers in diplomacy, government, international organisations, media, or NGOs.
Studying French and Politics at Aberdeen is much more than lectures and textbooks — it’s about living the subjects you’re studying. From language immersion to real-world political research, the programme is designed to help you build practical skills and confidence that employers truly value. You’ll learn in interactive ways, work with original sources, collaborate with classmates on projects, and even take your studies abroad to put everything you’ve learned into practice.
Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience throughout your degree:
Language immersion abroad: Many students spend part of their degree in a French-speaking country, where you’ll develop fluency through everyday conversations, academic study, and cultural exploration — an experience that’s both life-changing and career-boosting.
Cutting-edge library and research resources: You’ll have full access to the Sir Duncan Rice Library, which houses specialist collections in politics, history, and French literature, as well as powerful digital databases like IBSS for political research and Primo for language and cultural studies.
Research and dissertation work: In your final years, you’ll design and complete your own research project or dissertation in either Politics or French. This gives you the chance to investigate real-world political issues or cultural topics using original documents, academic journals, and primary sources.
Workshops, debates, and group projects: Classes often include collaborative projects where you’ll present policy proposals, debate current affairs, or analyse French films and texts in teams — experiences that sharpen your communication and critical-thinking skills.
Specialist research centres: You’ll benefit from the expertise of centres like the Walter Scott Research Centre, which connect you to current research and collaborative projects in language, culture, and history.
Digital tools and online resources: From advanced language-learning platforms to political science databases and research software, you’ll work with the same digital tools used by professionals in diplomacy, academia, and public policy.
These opportunities mean you’ll graduate with more than just a degree — you’ll have real-world experience, research skills, and cultural fluency that set you apart in global careers.
Graduating with a degree in French and Politics from Aberdeen sets you up for a truly global career. You’ll leave with the rare combination of advanced language skills, deep political understanding, strong analytical thinking, and the ability to work confidently across cultures — exactly the skills employers look for in today’s international job market. Graduates from this programme go on to work as diplomats and foreign service officers, policy advisors and think tank researchers, media and communications specialists, and NGO or international development officers, among many other roles.
Here’s how the University of Aberdeen helps you build a strong career path:
Tailored career support: Through the University’s Careers and Employability Service, you’ll get personalised guidance, CV feedback, interview coaching, and access to job and internship listings on MyCareerHub.
Real-world work experience: The optional FR3597 Work Experience – Employability Skills Development module lets you complete a placement, internship, or project in a French-speaking environment, giving you valuable workplace skills before you graduate.
Employer-led projects: Politics students often work on real consultancy projects with local businesses, NGOs, and charities — solving real problems and gaining experience that looks impressive on a CV.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 90% of graduates from this programme are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, showing how well it prepares you for life after university.
Industry links and global opportunities: Aberdeen’s strong connections with public institutions, government departments, media organisations, and NGOs across the UK and Europe mean you’ll have access to excellent networking and career opportunities.
Future-proof skills: While the degree isn’t tied to a single accreditation, the transferable skills you gain — from policy analysis and research to cross-cultural communication and bilingual fluency — are highly valued in a wide range of sectors.
Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates choose to deepen their expertise with postgraduate study. You could go on to a Master’s in International Relations, European Politics, Public Policy, Translation Studies, or Comparative Politics, or even pursue a PhD if you’re interested in research or an academic career. Your strong foundation in language and politics will make you a competitive candidate for advanced degrees in the UK and around the world.
A levels BBCInternational Baccalaureate 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.CBSE Standard XII a minimum percentage of 75% overall. Additionally, a minimum percentage of 80% in English at Standard XII or our normal English language requirements. American Curriculum SAT 1250+ ACT composite score of 26+ 3 AP examinations (in relevant subjects): 3+ If taken pre-2020, 3 SAT subject tests (in relevant subjects): 600+. GPA 3.0IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21Diplomatic Service Officer Policy Analyst / Policy Advisor International Development Office Public Affairs Consultant Translator / Interpreter (French–English) NGO Programme Coordinator 
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University of Aberdeen
