French and International Relations

French and international relations is a combination that reflects the realities of a world in which diplomacy, governance and human rights play out across linguistic and cultural boundaries. International relations as a discipline examines the forces that shape relations between states, international organisations and civil society, covering questions of power, conflict, cooperation, democracy and justice. French, as one of the official languages of the United Nations and a major diplomatic and cultural language across five continents, is a genuinely useful tool for engaging with those questions.

At the University of Westminster you will explore governance, democracy and human rights alongside developing real competence in French language. The course focuses on the analytical frameworks of international relations theory while giving you the linguistic skills to engage with French-language sources, media and professional environments. A sandwich year in professional practice and a year abroad are both built into the programme, providing extended experience of working and living in a francophone context, which transforms your language ability and gives you a substantial professional track record before you graduate.

The placement year particularly supports your readiness for graduate employment, which is an explicit aim of the course.

Graduates are well suited to careers in diplomacy and foreign affairs, international organisations, NGOs, journalism, public policy, human rights work, and international business. The combination of analytical rigour, language competence and international experience is valued by government departments, think tanks, and organisations working on European or global affairs. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in international law, international relations, European studies or related fields, where the language skills and critical foundations built here provide a strong platform.