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
French & Francophone Studies at Aberdeen has a long-standing reputation for teaching and research. The programme explores the diversity of French and Francophone culture and the complex global influence of France and the French language over the centuries. You will add to your growing language skills with diverse courses in contemporary society and politics, philosophy and history, film and visual culture, advanced translation skills, and literature from the Renaissance to the present day.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
-
Year 1: Compulsory Courses
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
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This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
- Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
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15 Credit Points
Politics and International Relations impacts on all parts of our lives, with more specifically it being the study of ideas, events, institutions and choice. Studying these provides us with both knowledge of the world and also how it operates and functions. It also changes our perception of our surroundings and makes us aware of an ever changing global context. This course will introduce students to concepts and ideas that form the basis for the study of these disciplines while simultaneously also helping us understand our own place within a global context.
- Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)
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15 Credit Points
Politics is the study of multiple forms of power that impacts our lives and the world we live in. It shapes how people and groups cooperate or clash with each other. In this course, we will explore the ideas, institutions, complex histories, global dynamics, and systems that shape politics and international relations. Students will learn key concepts and theories of the discipline, and develop their skills in understanding and analysing global politics.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Year 1: 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)
Plus select further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.
- French Culture and Society: from Occupation to Decolonisation (FR1031)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to twentieth and early twenty first century French and Francophone culture and society, focusing on the occupation of France during World War II, gender issues, and the impact and aftermath of colonialism and decolonisation. Students will explore the socio-historical and socio-political context by engaging with literature, film, writing from the period and visual materials. Texts will be available in translation for those with limited or no knowledge of French.
- The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)
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15 Credit Points
Focusing on major cities in Europe and the Americas, this course unit uses a range of texts, including films, poetry and fiction, to investigate urban spaces as sites of promise, power and loss. Representations of global cities, and experiences of urban dwellers, highlight themes such as empire, identity, leisure, labour and love. Set amid glittering facades and gritty back streets, the texts studied in this course explore the many meanings of the urban experience across place and time. These urban encounters also provide a way of understanding key social, political and cultural moments in the past and present.
- Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029)
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15 Credit Points
This course is intended for students who have studied French to Higher (Grade B or above) or equivalent level or above.
This course will enable students to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken, working towards a level equivalent to CERF intermediate B1 by the end of the follow-on course in the second semester. The course is open to all students with the relevant experience. For students registered for a degree with French, this will be a significant step in their training and preparation for the required residence abroad in a French-speaking country after level 2.
Individual cases will be considered, however, it is recommended that:• Students who have no or limited experience of French register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1• Students who have studied French up to a Higher at grade B (or equivalent) register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1• Students who have studied French to a Higher at grade A (or equivalent) or above, register for FR1029: Qualified French Language 1• Students who wish to discuss their individual situation should e-mail: llmvc.enquiries@abdn.ac.uk or speak directly to relevant staff members as soon as possible and ahead of the deadline for changing courses (Friday of teaching week 2)
- Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
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15 Credit Points
This course is intended for students who have successfully completed and passed FR1029 - Qualified French Language 1.
This course will enable students to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken, to achieve a level equivalent to CERF intermediate B1 by the end of the course. The course is open to all students with the relevant experience. For students registered for a degree with French, this will be a significant step in the students’ training and preparation for their required residence abroad in a French-speaking country after level 2.
- Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028)
-
15 Credit Points
This intensive language course is designed for students with limited or no previous knowledge of French, whether or not they intend to complete a degree in French.
The aim of the course is to introduce the fundamentals of French grammar and a basic working vocabulary and to give extensive practice in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. If they choose to do so, students who take this course and the follow-on Term 2 course, FR1528, will have sufficient knowledge of French to proceed to study at Level 2 and beyond.
Individual cases will be considered, however, it is recommended that:
- Students who have no or limited experience of French register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1
- Students who have studied French up to a Higher at grade B (or equivalent) register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1
- Students who have studied French to a Higher at grade A (or equivalent) or above, register for FR1029: Qualified French Language 1
- Students who wish to discuss their individual situation should e-mail: llmvc.enquiries@abdn.ac.uk or speak directly to relevant staff members as soon as possible and ahead of the deadline for changing courses (Friday of teaching week 2)
- Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is intended for students who have successfully completed and passed FR1028 – Beginners French Language 1.
The course builds on the work done in FR1028, extending students’ knowledge of the fundamentals of French grammar and continuing to build their vocabulary and communication skills. This will enable students to consolidate and further develop the core language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, working towards a level equivalent to CERF Intermediate A2/B1. The course is open to all students with the relevant experience, whether or not they intend to complete a degree in French. If they choose to do so, students who complete and pass this course will have an adequate command of French to proceed to study at Level 2 and beyond.
- Year 2
-
Year 2: Compulsory Courses
- Residence Abroad Preparation for Mlti Students (LA10RP)
-
This course is restricted to MLTI (Modern Languages / Translation and Interpreting) students.
This course is for students preparing their residence abroad, as part of their degree requirements on Modern Languages (Mode A and Mode B) or Translation and Interpreting programmes. This course carries no credits in itself, but provides essential support and guidance as MLTI students organise their residence abroad to meet their degree requirements.
- Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002)
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15 Credit Points
This course is open to students who have successfully completed and passed FR1528 OR FR1529. Building on the work done in FR1528 and FR1529, it will consolidate and extend students’ knowledge of French language. Grammatical and linguistic analysis will develop further language skills, both receptive (listening, reading comprehension and translation into English) and productive (translation into French; oral language). Students will work towards a level equivalent to CERF Advanced B2 by the end of the follow-on course, FR2502 in Term 2.
FR2002 and FR2502 are both the required French language courses for students to enter the French Honours programme and will prepare them to complete the required period of residence abroad in a French-speaking country. These courses are also open to students with the relevant experience who do not intend to complete a degree in French.
- Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009)
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30 Credit Points
Ideas and ideologies are core to teaching, learning and research in Politics and International Relations. Theoretical developments are at the forefront of academic debates within the discipline, demonstrated by the appearance of a number of new approaches as more traditional theories have struggled to account for an ever changing world. This course will introduce students to these with profound questions and struggles over identity, belonging, justice and rights underpinning these theoretical debates.
- Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is open to students who have successfully completed and passed FR2002. It will further consolidate and extend students’ knowledge of French language. Continued grammatical and linguistic analysis will enhance language skills, both receptive (listening, reading comprehension and translation into English) and productive (translation into French; oral language). Students will work towards a level equivalent to CERF Advanced B2 by the end of the term.
FR2002 and FR2502 are both the required French language courses for students to enter the French Honours programme and will prepare them to complete the required period of residence abroad in a French-speaking country. These courses are also open to students with the relevant experience who do not intend to complete a degree in French.
- Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508)
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30 Credit Points
Equality and inequality are at the forefront of many debates within contemporary Politics and International Relations. This course will examine the historical context, theoretical underpinnings, and also key concepts which continue to uphold equality and inequality on a global scale.
Year 2: 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)
- (De)centering France: Social Movements and Cultural Transformation (FR2017)
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15 Credit Points
The course introduces students to the history, culture and identity of contemporary France by examining key moments and themes in the development of France as a political and cultural entity from the Early Modern period to the present.
FR2017 explores the history, culture and identity of modern France and its place in the Francophone world through topics such as:
- The French Revolution (1789-1799)
- The Dreyfus Affair (1894 to 1906)
- Feminisms in Modern and Contemporary France (1970s to present day)
- The legacies of colonialism (post-World War II to present-day)
- The role of the French language in the contemporary world
- World - Changing Protests: History, Culture, Politics (LA2501)
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15 Credit Points
The course will span a century of protests across Europe, the Americas and North Africa, with causes including peace, democracy, human rights, anti-racism, labour rights, equality for women and LGBTI+ communities, climate change and decolonisation. Students will learn about the history, culture and politics of the countries where protests erupt, including of the social movements that lead protests. Approaches will include history, literary, film and media analysis, material and visual culture, music and social science methods.
- Year 3
-
Year 3: Compulsory Courses
Academic year spent in French-speaking country.
- Year 4
-
Year 4: Compulsory Courses
- Level 3 French Language (FR3027)
-
30 Credit Points
This course will improve French language skills in all four areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, whilst increasing grammatical and lexical knowledge, as well as sensitivity to linguistic variety.
- Research Methods in Politics and International Relations (PI3084)
-
30 Credit Points
This course provides you with an understanding of the research process, research design, and a variety of popular research methods to enable you to systematically conduct scientific research on the phenomena concerning Politics and/or International Relations (PIR). You will gain practical skills to apply these methods independently, especially looking forward to your final undergraduate dissertation.
Year 4: Optional Courses
Select one second-half session level 3 Politics and International Relations course (list below), plus further courses in level 3 French to gain a total of 60 credit points.
- Year 5
-
Year 5: Compulsory Courses
- Level 4 French Language (FR4027)
-
30 Credit Points
Building on the skills gained in their third year of study of French, this course will help the students' French language gain very high skills in all four areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, whilst increasing their grammatical and lexical knowledge, as well as their sensitivity to linguistic variety.
Year 5: 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 (see options below)
- Dissertation [Politics] (PI4071) plus ONE second-half session level 4 Politics and International Relations course (see options below)
Plus select further credits in level 4 French courses to gain a total of 60 credits in each discipline.
- Final Year Project (LA4006)
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15 Credit Points
The Final Year project offers students the opportunity to undertake in-depth independent study on a topic of their choosing. The topic is chosen by the student, in conjunction with the dissertation coordinator and an individual programme supervisor, both of whom approve the topic. The project can either take the form of an extended piece of writing; a creative output with reflective commentary or an extended translation with accompanying commentary.
- Dissertation (PI4071)
-
30 Credit Points
This course affords students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and research skills in the broad field of Politics & International Relations to an individual piece of research, focusing on a topic selected by the student and approved by the Dissertation supervisor. Over the course of the project, with guidance from a supervising member of staff, the student will conduct a literature review of relevant material, select appropriate research methods, gather data where necessary, analyse data, and write a final analysis in the form of the Dissertation. Particular emphasis will be given to helping students develop their own skills.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study French and Politics?
Why French
- We are ranked 1st in the UK for Positive Responses in French Studies by the 2026 National Student Survey
- 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.
- A vibrant international community on campus and across Aberdeen and north-east Scotland, with many French and French-speaking students, staff and and activities on campus and across the region.
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.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2026 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer.
Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended.
Widening Access: BBC
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Widening Access: CCC
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
DMM in related subjects.
Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.)
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher at H3.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
SL in English is also required.
- 2027 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer.
Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended.
Widening Access: BBC
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Widening Access: CCC
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
DMM in related subjects.
Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.)
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher at H3.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
SL in English is also required.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £20,800
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £14,800
-
The above fee includes the £6,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
- Home Students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £1,820
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £9,790
-
The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.
Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
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.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Discover Uni
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX