French and Politics MA (Hons)

One of the most exciting things about studying French and Politics at Edinburgh is how much learning happens beyond the classroom. This degree is built around real-world experience — from living in a French-speaking country to working on independent research projects — so you’ll graduate with not just knowledge, but the confidence and practical skills to use it.

A major highlight is the year abroad, where you’ll spend around 30 weeks living, studying, or working in a French-speaking country. This immersive experience transforms your language skills, exposes you to new political systems firsthand, and helps you grow personally and professionally. You’ll take local courses, complete independent projects, and apply what you’ve learned in real cultural and political contexts — all while gaining life experience that employers value highly.

Alongside this, you’ll benefit from Edinburgh’s outstanding resources, facilities, and opportunities designed to make your learning active and applied. Here’s how the university brings your studies to life:

• Year Abroad Experience: Live and study in a Francophone country such as France, Belgium, or Switzerland, fully immersing yourself in the language and culture while completing assessed political research projects.

• Politics Courses Abroad: Take politics and international relations courses at your host university, integrating global perspectives into your degree and broadening your academic experience.

• Internship Opportunities: Access placements through programmes like Employ.Ed on Campus or Erasmus+ traineeships, giving you the chance to gain hands-on experience with NGOs, media organisations, government offices, or cultural institutions.

• World-Class Libraries & Archives: Explore specialist French literature collections, political archives, and digital research tools in one of the UK’s largest academic library systems.

• Cultural Connections: Engage with the Institut français d’Écosse in Edinburgh, attending film screenings, talks, and events that deepen your understanding of Francophone culture locally.

• Academic & Career Support: Get tailored support from study abroad advisors and the Careers Service to help you make the most of your international experience and plan your career path.

• Independent Research Projects: In your final year, undertake a dissertation or long essay on a topic you’re passionate about, guided by expert supervisors — a valuable chance to develop advanced research and analytical skills.

All these experiences are designed to help you think critically, communicate across cultures, and apply your knowledge in real-world settings — skills that will give you an edge whether you pursue a career in diplomacy, international organisations, policy, or beyond.

Graduating with a degree in French and Politics from Edinburgh opens up a world of opportunities — literally. Employers value graduates who can think critically about global issues, communicate fluently across cultures, and understand how political systems shape societies. Whether you want to work in government, diplomacy, media, or the non-profit sector, this degree gives you the skills and experience to stand out. Typical roles include diplomat or foreign service officer, policy analyst, international development officer, or journalist — but your options go far beyond these.

Here’s how Edinburgh sets you up for long-term success:

• Dedicated Careers Support: You’ll have access to the University’s excellent Careers Service from day one and for two years after graduation. They offer tailored one-to-one guidance, interview preparation, help with CVs and applications, and access to MyCareerHub, a platform connecting you to graduate jobs, internships, and networking events.

• Strong Graduate Outcomes: Around 79% of language and area studies graduates from Edinburgh enter highly skilled employment or further study within 15 months of graduating, reflecting the strong reputation of the programme.

• Valuable Industry Links: Through initiatives like Erasmus+ placements, you can connect with European institutions, NGOs, and policy organisations during your degree — experience that often leads directly to future career opportunities.

• Long-Term Recognition: Although the programme isn’t tied to a specific accreditation body, the powerful combination of language proficiency and political knowledge is highly respected by employers worldwide, from international organisations and government departments to NGOs and global businesses.

• Diverse Career Paths: Graduates go on to work in public service, diplomacy, media, education, cultural institutions, and policy research — with many building international careers that make real impact.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies, you’ll have many exciting options. Graduates often pursue master’s degrees in International Relations, Public Policy, European Studies, Global Governance, or Translation Studies, and some even go on to complete PhDs exploring the intersections of language, culture, and politics.