French and International Relations

French and international relations is a combination that addresses one of the most important questions in professional formation for anyone interested in global affairs: can you engage with the world not only in analysis but in the language of one of its major diplomatic and cultural traditions? French is an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and many other international bodies, and fluency in French significantly extends the range of professional contexts you can navigate effectively. At the University of Westminster, this part-time degree focuses particularly on governance, democracy and human rights, giving it a distinctive political and ethical orientation within the international relations component.

You will develop your French language skills to a high professional level, reading and writing in the language alongside engaging with French and Francophone culture, literature and contemporary society. The international relations strand covers IR theory, comparative politics, international organisations, human rights law and governance, and the analysis of conflict, development and diplomacy. The governance and democracy focus reflects Westminster's particular strengths, and the combination develops graduates who can engage with international political and institutional environments through the French language as well as in English.

The part-time mode allows you to combine your studies with work or other commitments.

Graduates pursue careers in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the United Nations and its agencies, the European Union institutions, international NGOs, human rights organisations, journalism, diplomatic services and international business. The combination of French language competence and IR analytical training is valued wherever global affairs require both analytical rigour and the ability to communicate across linguistic boundaries. Many graduates proceed to postgraduate study in international law, human rights, IR or French studies.