University of York

What you'll study

This joint degree blends core International Relations (IR) modules with progressive French language and culture teaching, culminating in a year-long placement in a francophone country. In the IR component you will study the main theoretical approaches to international politics, topics such as security, conflict and peacebuilding, global governance and international political economy, and regional politics (including European and Francophone regions). You will also take research methods and quantitative/qualitative skills modules to prepare you for independent research.

The French pathway develops communicative competence and cultural literacy across listening, speaking, reading and writing. Early years focus on grammar and core skills, while later modules cover contemporary literatures, film, media, and specialised language for diplomacy, business or development. The year abroad is normally spent studying at a partner university or undertaking a structured work placement in a francophone country, providing full immersion and opportunities to apply academic learning in real-world contexts.

Teaching methods include lectures, small-group seminars, language workshops, and supervised dissertation or capstone projects. Assessment is a mix of essays, policy briefs, oral presentations, language exams, translations and a final-year research project.

Typical modules and topics

• Core IR theory and history of international thought
• Security studies: conflict, terror and peacebuilding
• Global governance, international organisations and human rights
• International political economy and development
• Research methods for social sciences
• Advanced French language and communication
• French culture, society and contemporary media
• Professional French for diplomacy, business or NGO work
• Dissertation or extended research project

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have strong academic achievement at secondary level and demonstrable competence in French. Typical successful applicants present good A-levels or equivalent qualifications; applicants with the International Baccalaureate, substantial vocational qualifications (such as BTEC or Access) or overseas secondary qualifications are also considered on their merits. For the French element, applicants should normally have studied French to a good standard at school or be able to demonstrate equivalent language ability. Those without recent formal study in French may be assessed for ability to join the paired language modules.

International applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests or recognised qualifications if English is not their first language. The University provides guidance on acceptable qualifications and any pre-sessional English support where required.

Career prospects

Graduates combine analytical understanding of international politics with practical language skills valued by employers. Typical career paths include roles in diplomacy and foreign services, international organisations (United Nations, EU institutions and regional bodies), non-governmental organisations and humanitarian agencies, policy analysis, journalism and media, international business and trade, and consultancy. Skills developed — critical thinking, research, policy writing, negotiation and advanced French communication — also prepare graduates for postgraduate study in fields such as international relations, public policy, development studies or translation and interpreting.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers an interdisciplinary politics and international relations curriculum taught by researchers active in contemporary international policy debates, with strong support for language study through dedicated language tutors and resources. York provides structured support for year-abroad placements, established partnerships with francophone universities and organisations, and a Centre for Global Programmes that helps with logistics and welfare while abroad.

Teaching emphasises small-group seminar discussion and close supervision for final-year research, while campus facilities include specialist libraries, language laboratories and careers and employability services that help students convert year-abroad experience into career opportunities. York's collegiate environment and active student societies also offer regular opportunities to practise French and engage with international affairs beyond the classroom.