Program Overview

French and Politics (5 years), MA

Introduction

French and Politics at Aberdeen adds to your highly-developed skills in a modern European language and culture with in-depth exploration of national, European and global politics, putting you at the forefront of contemporary world issues. You will be taught by highly-regarded experts regularly commenting in the media on events unfolding in the world today. You will gain the perfect foundation for a wide range of careers in Europe, politics, media and many other fields and professions.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 60 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: RL12

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

• Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
• Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
• Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

Optional Courses

• Select ONE of the following options:
  • Beginner: Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028), Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528), French Culture and Society: From Occupation to Decolonisation (FR1031) AND/OR The Global City (LA1501)
  • Qualified: Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029), Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529), French Culture and Society: From Occupation to Decolonisation (FR1031) AND/OR The Global City (LA1501)

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

• Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009)
• Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508)
• Revolution and Revolt in Modern and Contemporary France (FR2016)
• Decentering France: Social Movements and Cultural Transformation (FR2517)

Optional Courses

• Ex-beginner: Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012), Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)
• Qualified: Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002), Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)

Year 3

• Academic year spent in French-speaking country.

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

• Junior Honours French Language (FR3089)
• Research Methods in Politics and International Relations (PI3084)

Optional Courses

• Select one second-half session level 3 Politics and International Relations course, plus further courses in level 3 French to gain a total of 60 credit points.

Year 5

Compulsory Courses

• Senior Honours French Language (FR4089)

Optional Courses

• Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
  • Dissertation in French (FR4097) plus ONE second-half session level 4 Politics and International Relations course
  • Dissertation [Politics] (PI4071) plus ONE second-half session level 4 Politics and International Relations course

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials
• Workshops

Assessment Methods

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies you learn on the course.
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

Why Study French and Politics?

Why French

• A vibrant international community on campus and across Aberdeen and north-east Scotland, with many French and French-speaking students, staff and activities on campus and across the region.
• A dynamic French Society, organising social and topical events throughout the year, and a brilliant way to get to know other students studying or speaking French.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with stunning study facilities, state-of-the-art learning technology, and a first-class collection of French books and films for your course.
• A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, invited speakers and the popular WayWord literary festival, which often features work by Francophone writers.
• Your year abroad as a language assistant or visiting student at locations including Lyon, Rennes, Grenoble, Réunion, Brussels, Geneva, Lausanne, the IFP (Institute of French Petroleum) School in Paris and the Club des Langues in Anglet.
• International recognition as a centre for study and research in French, with research covering not only France, but also French-speaking Africa and the Caribbean.

Why Politics and International Relations

• A core curriculum with topical themes of conflict and security, representation and democracy, comparative politics and policy.
• Special focus on the Middle-East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe – as well as Scotland, the UK and the EU.
• Staff with specialist expertise in political parties and elections, democracy, energy politics, European integration and regionalism, human rights and development issues, interest groups, nationalism, conflict resolution and more.
• Opportunities to take advantage of spending your second year studying abroad, in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong or North America.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, combining a top-class study environment with state-of-the-art technology, and extensive reference collections for your studies.
• A packed campus programme of events, seminars, invited speakers and the annual May festival, engaging prominent influencers, interest groups and public in debating major political issues such as Scottish independence and EU membership.
• All the history and legacy of being part of a university developed over 500 years of national and international political turbulence, social change, and emerging democracy.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: Standard: AABB, Minimum: BBB, Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS: Standard: BBB, Minimum: BBC, Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.