Program Overview

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French and International Relations BA Honours

Overview

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.

Subjects of study

• Year 1:
  • 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
• Year 2:
  • Expressions of French Culture
  • Geopolitics
  • Global Security
  • Language in the Public Space
  • Middle East Politics
  • Multilingual e-Collaboration: Transposing Current Affairs
  • Theorising Politics and International Relations
  • The Politics of Killing
  • Understanding Culture: Francophone Studies in Focus
• Year 3:
  • 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

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.

Professional recognition

The University of Westminster is a Higher Education Language partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

Entry Requirements

• UK:
  • 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
• International:
  • 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.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £1,580 (Price per 20-credit module)
• International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)
• 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.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods: lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and workshops
• Assessment methods: essays, exams, individual and group presentations projects, and critical analysis

Supporting you

• 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.