French Studies and International Relations

Thinking internationally: on our French Studies and International Relations course you’ll develop expertise in the French language alongside in-depth cultural knowledge, practical experience and a unique understanding of global dynamics.

Explore global challenges, foreign policy, security threats, and international cooperation and rivalry, while gaining valuable insights into the French-speaking world and beyond. You’ll be taught by top experts in the field and graduate with critical thinking skills, practical expertise, and the ability to evaluate different perspectives on the most pressing contemporary affairs.

Why choose French Studies and International Relations at Lancaster?

• Develop a critical insight into an ever-changing global landscape and the complexities of international politics

• Explore important global issues and how they affect the French-speaking world such as environmental challenges and climate change, politics, health and human rights

• Follow a progressional ladder on an internationally recognised language scale entering either from beginners or intermediate level and progressing to proficiency

• Learn how to ask difficult questions with confidence, whilst building on transferable skills such as debating, presentation skills and writing policy briefs

• Apply for one of our annual internships, giving you the chance to work with external organisations on live projects

• Consolidate your expertise in French and International Relations by working or studying in a French-speaking country

What areas of International Relations does the course include?

Studying International Relations alongside French you will extend the scope of your understanding of global issues beyond the French-speaking world. You’ll consider questions such as:

• How do AI and cyber technologies change our understanding of politics, security and war?

• How are emerging powers altering the global order?

• Can international institutions address global poverty and environmental crises?

• How is the continued rise of China reshaping the global balance of power?

• Is the Global South an invention of the North?

Taught by influential, inspiring academics who shape policy at global and local levels, International Relations at Lancaster will give you the skills necessary to address these questions and tackle some of the most urgent challenges of our times. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary international relations from leading experts in the field and acquire the necessary skills for a career in local and international politics.

How is French Studies taught at Lancaster?

Your journey to language proficiency and exploring the French-speaking world starts here. Studying French at Lancaster you will acquire high-level language skills and gain an internationally recognised qualification modelled on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.

You’ll enter the course either as a complete beginner in French or with some initial competency. Whatever level you begin with, you will progress to becoming proficient in the language. Spending your third year abroad in a French-speaking country makes a major contribution to your command of the language, while deepening your intercultural sensitivity. You can study at a partner university or conduct a work placement.

Your language learning will be further enriched by cultural studies, covering visual media, literature, art, and history, providing a comprehensive understanding of the societal contexts of the French-speaking world.