Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per 20-credit module
Course summary
Our French and International Relations course focuses on questions of governance, democracy and human rights, while training competent French linguists ready to enter graduate employment.
This course will enable you to achieve a good or high level of linguistic competence in French in all four skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking), and a critical understanding of culture and politics from the perspective of the changing dynamics of the global political order. You will have the opportunity to study language, culture and international relations in an integrated way, exploring the connections between them and the broader geopolitical and cross-cultural contexts in which they are produced. You will also gain the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.
We place particular emphasis on employability and the contemporary cultural context, and offer high-quality teaching in all language skills.
We accept students at two different entry points – beginner or intermediate. Please note that we may need to test you to determine your entry point.
You'll study an integrated curriculum with a focus on applied language skills and cultural studies, supported by a rigorous development of your foreign languages skills in all areas.
You'll develop a high level of competence in oral and written communication in French, proficiency in language transfer skills, a thorough knowledge of French culture, and the ability to thrive linguistically in diverse cultural situations.
You'll have the opportunity to spend a full academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or, depending on your language level, an approved form of employment in a country where French is the official language. You can also study an elective module from across the University in each year.
Top reasons to study with us
- Combine language skills with a knowledge of global affairs – develop your language skills against a backdrop of political and social understanding
- Learn French in context – our authentic teaching, which focuses on language in a cultural context, equips you for real-life situations in the French-speaking world
- Practise your language skills abroad – spend a year abroad perfecting your communication skills in a French-speaking country
- Benefit from an expert teaching team – you'll learn from experts whose research is internationally recognised
Course structure
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and workshops, but most of your learning is independent, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via online learning.
Assessment methods include essays, exams, individual and group presentations projects, and critical analysis.
The contents of this course are the same, whether you study full-time or part-time. Please note, Level 4 corresponds to Year 1 of the full-time version of the course, Level 5 corresponds to Year 2, Level 6 corresponds to Year 3.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Critical Perspectives on Global Politics
- Democracy in Crisis
- Introduction to International Relations
- Introduction to the Study of Language and Culture
- Introduction to Translation (available to intermediate students)
- Objects and Meaning: The Social Life of Material Culture
- The French World and the Word
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Expressions of French Culture
- Geopolitics
- Global Security
- Language in the Public Space
- Middle East Politics
- Multilingual e-Collaboration: Transposing Current Affairs
- The Politics of Killing
- Theorising Politics and International Relations
- Understanding Culture: Francophone Studies in Focus
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or study abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – French and International Relations with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – French and International Relations with International Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Energy and Development in the Middle East and Central Asia
- Ethics Morality and World Order(s)
- Final Year Project
- Foreign Policy and Diplomacy in a Changing World
- Identities on the Move: Francophone Studies in Focus
- Multilingualism in Society: Theory and Practice
- Postcolonial Politics and International Relations
- Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
- Themes in Contemporary French and Francophone Studies
- Work Placement for Humanities
Credit Level 6
Professional recognition
The University of Westminster is a Higher Education Language partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
Hear from our students
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Future-proof your career
French was the third most desired language by employers, according to a report by CBI/Pearson.
Source: CBI/Pearson 2019.
International experience
Gain valuable international experience by taking part in a year in a French-speaking country.
Successful alumni
Previous graduates of this course have found positions in organisations including the British Council, European Parliament and Deutsche Bank.
Career development
As part of the degree, you'll have the opportunity to spend an academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or, depending on your language level, in an approved form of employment in a French-speaking country, enabling you to develop your language skills in a real-world setting. You may have the opportunity to work as a paid language assistant in a foreign school or undertake a work (or volunteering) placement, both of which provide valuable opportunities to boost employability while improving language competence.
Job roles
This course prepares graduates for roles and industries including:
- Bilingual consultant
- International affairs consultant
- Interpreter
- Public relations expert
- International organisations, NGOs and charities
Graduate employers
Previous graduates of our French, Arabic, Chinese, or Spanish and International Relations courses have found positions with organisations including:
- British Council
- Deutsche Bank
- European Parliament
- Italian Trade Agency
- TransPerfect
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Paul Kendall
Senior Lecturer
Paul is a Senior Lecturer in Chinese cultural studies. He received his PhD from the University of Westminster’s own Contemporary China Centre, having previously completed an MMUS in Ethnomusicology at the School of Oriental and African Studies. In a previous life, he worked as a music journalist in Beijing, producing scripts and articles for China Radio International, Time Out Beijing and Billboard, among other media institutions.
Paul has taught Chinese studies, cultural studies, translation and of course language at Westminster. His current research, on China’s creation of a secret military-industrial complex in response to the threat of either Soviet or US invasion during the Cold War, touches upon themes that are relevant to both Chinese cultural studies and International Relations.
Studying a new language doesn’t just enable us to communicate with a wider range of people and territories; it also enables us to think about the world from different cultural perspectives.
Course Team
- Dr Itay Lotem - Senior Lecturer
- Magali Brenac - Lecturer
- Dr Jonathan Kasstan - Lecturer in French and Linguistics
- Dr Saskia Huc-Hepher - Assistant Head of School
- Professor Sam Raphael - Professor
- Dr Matthew Fluck - Senior Lecturer
- Professor Dibyesh Anand - DVC Global Engagement & Employability
- Dr Catherine Charrett - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Siavash Bakhtiar - Lecturer
- Dr Elisabetta Brighi - Lecturer in International Relations
Why study this course?
International study
You'll have the option to study or work abroad for a year in a French-speaking country, allowing you to immerse yourself in the language and culture.
Combine language skills with global affairs
Develop your French language skills and a thorough understanding of global international relations.
Expert teaching staff
The course is taught by experts in the field, whose research is internationally recognised.
Studying languages with us
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement. We accept students at Beginners’ and Intermediate levels. Proficient students (native speaker level) will be directed towards our BA in Languages andTranslation as a more appropriate course.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement. We accept students at Beginners’ and Intermediate levels. Proficient students (native speaker level) will be directed towards our BA in Languages and Translation as a more appropriate course.
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,540 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
You should budget for about £50 in each year for additional materials.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
You should budget for about £50 in each year for additional materials.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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