Politics, International Studies and French BA
AAB at A level, French; graduates earn a median £31,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
French · 100% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · Warwick course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer; aab to include french. aab to include grade b at a-level or grade 7/a at gcse in a modern or classical language.
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.
Warwick course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1French
- 2B at A-Level or grade 7/A at GCSE in a modern or classical language
Who actually got in: 100% with A levels. Based on 10 entrants.
Other qualifications4
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| IB | 34 points34 to include 5 in Higher Level French. 34 to include 5 at Higher Level or grade 7/A at GCSE in a modern or classical language. | 5 in Higher Level French |
| BTEC | —Will be considered as long as essential entry requirements are met. | — |
| Advanced Highers | ABAB in two Advanced Highers including French where a minimum of AAB has been achieved in three additional Highers subjects AA in two Advanced Highers including French where ABB/BBB has been achieved in | French where ABB/BBB has been achieved in three additional Highers subjects; a modern or classical language where ABB/BBB has been achieved in three additional Highers subjects |
| Access | 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Di | — |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
5compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: language & communication 52% · social & cultural skills 35% · transversal skills 8% · arts & humanities 5%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Warwick course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 5 core · 150 credits ≈ 1,500 hours
- French Language I
What you learn (13)
- identify potential comprehension difficulties arising from syntax, lexis and grammar
- apply accurate reading strategies to french texts
- produce written texts in a range of genres, registers and styles
- explain challenges of translating french texts into english
- apply translation strategies to overcome linguistic challenges
- proofread written texts systematically for accuracy
- anticipate common sources of misunderstanding in spoken french
- use accurate and idiomatic spoken french in communication
- describe key aspects of contemporary french society and culture
- manage own language learning independently
- apply grammatical and syntactical knowledge through translation into french
- expand vocabulary through translation practice
- apply fundamental grammatical rules of french accurately
- Modern French I (Accelerated Beginners)
What you learn (9)
- apply basic french grammar rules in context
- describe everyday life and customs in french-speaking countries
- use strategies to grasp the general meaning of short texts
- identify key information in short descriptions
- converse in french about familiar topics and activities
- write simple french texts providing personal background information
- write simple french texts addressing immediate practical needs
- assess personal strengths and weaknesses in french language production
- plan actions to improve weaker areas of language production
- The Story of Modern France
What you learn (8)
- engage openly with perspectives from other cultures
- identify distinctive features of a foreign culture
- read primary texts in the target language
- analyse primary textual materials in the target language
- apply critical theory to support textual analysis
- apply critical theory to support cultural analysis
- present analytical findings clearly and accurately
- produce comprehensive written work in an original style
- Introduction to Politics
What you learn (8)
- identify major theoretical perspectives in political science
- critically discuss key debates within political science
- describe foundational concepts of political theory, processes and institutions
- explain patterns of political change over time
- construct a well-structured academic essay
- analyse and critique arguments in written work
- apply independent study techniques to manage learning
- communicate ideas effectively in academic contexts
- World Politics
What you learn (5)
- outline the history of world politics since 1945
- explain core concepts used to study world politics
- identify contemporary scholarly literature on world politics issues
- analyse ideas about world politics critically in written form
- analyse ideas about world politics critically in oral discussion
Year 2 · 4 core, 21 optional · 90 credits ≈ 900 hours
- Modern French Language II
What you learn (10)
- produce advanced written texts in french
- apply advanced french grammatical structures accurately
- analyse difficulties in translating between french and english
- produce accurate translations addressing syntax and register issues
- interpret spoken french at an advanced level
- communicate fluently in spoken french using varied vocabulary and idiom
- evaluate aspects of contemporary francophone culture and society
- proofread written french texts systematically for accuracy
- interpret a range of french document types at an advanced level
- apply independent strategies to develop language skills
- Modern French Language II Post-Beginners
What you learn (8)
- apply appropriate grammatical structures in French at this level
- identify the main ideas in complex French texts on concrete and abstract topics
- explain detailed points within complex French texts
- converse fluently and spontaneously in French on a range of topics
- justify and maintain personal viewpoints during conversation in French
- compose clear and detailed written texts in French on varied subjects
- explain personal viewpoints on current issues in written French
- design strategies to communicate information clearly to a target audience
- Topics in Political Theory
What you learn (7)
- analyse complex arguments from contemporary political theory texts
- interpret diverse scholarly perspectives within political theory literature
- formulate a reasoned personal judgement on a political theory issue
- compare opposing arguments and perspectives on a political issue
- construct an original argument about core political values
- defend a political argument against sceptical objections
- apply insights from other disciplines to support a political argument
- Foundations of Political Theory
What you learn (5)
- explain how political theory addresses freedom, equality and human nature
- interpret key texts by major political thinkers
- critically evaluate arguments of major political thinkers
- analyse complex ideas in political theory
- construct and defend a written argument on political theory
21 optional modules
- Bestsellers of the 19th Century
What you learn (8)
- differentiate language varieties and registers across genres in French
- interpret subtle shades of meaning in French texts
- engage openly with distinctive features of nineteenth-century French culture
- appreciate the distinctive characteristics of nineteenth-century French culture
- locate relevant primary and secondary French-language sources
- critically analyse French-language primary and secondary texts
- describe features of French cultures, communities and societies
- apply disciplinary methodologies relevant to French literary and cultural studies
- Representations of the Holocaust
What you learn (5)
- analyse French-language texts depicting the Holocaust
- apply target language skills to interpret cultural material
- apply holocaust studies theories to analyse french representations
- describe the socio-political context surrounding holocaust representations
- describe the cultural context surrounding holocaust representations
- The Right in France, from the Dreyfus Affair to the Present
What you learn (12)
- engage openly with perspectives from other cultures
- identify distinctive features of different cultures
- distinguish varieties and registers of the French language
- interpret nuanced meaning and genre conventions in French texts
- locate primary and secondary sources in French
- critically analyse French-language source materials
- describe key scholarly debates on the module's topics
- apply relevant research methodologies to historical topics
- evaluate the historical development of the French right
- compare leaders, strategies and supporters of right-wing movements
- present learned material clearly in spoken form
- communicate learned material clearly in written form
- Introduction to French Linguistics
What you learn (9)
- explain the structural rules governing the French language
- describe patterns of variation in French using linguistic theory
- apply linguistic methods to analyse the French language
- identify key milestones in the history of linguistic study
- describe how scientific methods are used to study features of French
- transcribe French speech sounds using phonetic notation
- construct syntactic tree diagrams for French sentences
- analyse how meaning is constructed in French and language generally
- evaluate alternative explanations for grammar, register and vocabulary choices
- French Cinema and Society from the First to the Second World War
What you learn (11)
- explain how economic and technological factors shape film styles
- describe how social and cultural factors influence film representation
- analyse how social and economic factors shaped key events in modern French history
- explain the ideological and cultural causes behind historical episodes in france
- critically analyse links between political history and cinematic representation
- identify film techniques used to convey narrative and ideas
- compose a written analysis of historical and cinematic ideas
- research material to support an audio-visual presentation on film
- create a presentation using film clips to support analytical arguments
- evaluate the reliability and relevance of historical sources
- conduct independent research on french film and social history
- Politics of International Development
What you learn (6)
- explain major theoretical debates in development politics
- identify distinct development trajectories across world regions
- evaluate development policies and their underlying assumptions
- review academic literature on international development
- conduct research investigations on development topics
- present coherent arguments through academic writing
- Politics in the United Kingdom
What you learn (9)
- describe the institutions and structures of the UK constitution
- identify key academic research on UK politics
- compare competing scholarly interpretations of UK politics
- analyse UK politics using a comparative approach
- explain the historical origins of current debates in British politics
- construct arguments about British politics using empirical evidence
- relate case studies to theoretical frameworks in political science
- explain major UK public policy challenges such as immigration and climate change
- analyse specific aspects of contemporary UK politics
- Politics of the USA
What you learn (6)
- describe the foundational structures of the US political system
- explain the structure of major federal government institutions in the US
- explain the functions and powers of major federal government institutions
- identify key policy debates in contemporary US politics
- summarise a broad range of academic literature on US government and politics
- evaluate complex ideas relating to contemporary US politics
- Theories of International Relations
What you learn (5)
- identify core assumptions underlying different international relations theories
- differentiate between competing international relations theories based on their premises
- examine the internal logic and aims of international relations theories
- identify contradictions within contemporary international relations theories
- apply international relations theories to analyse real-world political issues
- States and Markets: An Introduction to International Political Economy
What you learn (6)
- explain key concepts in international political economy
- evaluate competing theoretical perspectives explaining political economy developments
- describe relationships between states and markets using political economy theories
- apply political economy theories to analyse specific themes and cases
- produce clearly structured written arguments on political economy topics
- locate and assess relevant sources for political economy research
- International Security
What you learn (6)
- explain key issues and dynamics in the use of military force
- discuss theoretical debates on security within international relations
- relate security theories to real-world security practices
- identify major security threats facing states and societies
- explain the concepts of war, security and peace
- produce clear written analysis of security topics
- Core Issues in Comparative Politics
What you learn (18)
- explain core concepts and theories in comparative politics
- describe methodologies used in comparative political analysis
- describe the structure of national political systems
- evaluate differences between national political systems
- apply political theory to practical case studies
- collect and organise data from secondary and primary sources
- analyse political problems and propose solutions
- advocate for solutions to identified political issues
- critique research material for validity and relevance
- design an original research project in comparative politics
- present own research findings in comparative politics
- present analytical arguments in written form
- present analytical arguments orally
- communicate research findings through an academic conference format
- produce a short film exploring the concept of democracy
- compose a research essay on a comparative politics topic
- develop a final independent research project in comparative politics
- present the outcomes of a final research project
- Gender Matters in Politics and International Studies
What you learn (4)
- evaluate competing feminist theoretical perspectives using critical analysis
- produce written analysis on gender and politics topics
- deliver oral presentations on gender-related political topics
- conduct independent research on gender and politics issues
- The Political Economy of Southeast Asia
What you learn (6)
- describe the historical evolution of Southeast Asia's political economy
- analyse how state-society relations are structured across Southeast Asian countries
- explain the economic effects of different state-society configurations
- identify cross-border flows of money, goods and people in the region
- explain how regional economic flows are regulated and governed
- evaluate historical and current regional economic cooperation initiatives
- Public Policy for 21st Century Challenges
What you learn (10)
- explain how interest groups shape public policy outcomes
- explain how institutional structures constrain policymaking
- explain how ideas shape the direction of public policy
- evaluate competing interpretations of the policymaking process
- identify key actors and institutions involved in policymaking
- compare policymaking approaches across different countries
- evaluate major political challenges facing policymakers
- outline key debates relating to selected contemporary policy challenges
- critique policy responses to contemporary challenges
- propose solutions to address contemporary policy challenges
Year 4 · 1 core, 29 optional · 30 credits ≈ 300 hours
- Modern French Language III
What you learn (9)
- evaluate intercultural issues linked to contemporary France
- apply independent strategies to learn a foreign language
- conduct independent research on language-related topics
- proofread French texts systematically for accuracy
- apply advanced French grammar rules in writing
- translate complex texts between French and English
- construct complex French syntax across varied contexts
- communicate orally in French across diverse topics
- adapt spoken French register and style to context
29 optional modules
- Slavery and After: Writing the Francophone Caribbean
What you learn (6)
- describe key historical events shaping Martinique and Guadeloupe
- explain major literary movements of the francophone Caribbean
- explain the political context of Martinique and Guadeloupe
- analyse representations of slavery's legacy across different texts
- apply postcolonial theory to interpret francophone Caribbean texts
- construct reasoned arguments about texts informed by critical theory
- The Left & Trade Unions in France
What you learn (10)
- use lecture, seminar and reading materials as a basis for independent research
- identify key facts about the historical contexts and topics studied
- explain the linguistic and thematic content of the studied materials
- present findings clearly in spoken form
- present findings clearly in written form
- participate in academic discussions on the topics studied
- compare different interpretations of the events and themes studied
- relate historical developments in french trade unionism to contemporary issues
- apply digital tools to gather relevant source material
- use digital tools to present academic material
- Paris and the Modern Imagination
What you learn (6)
- identify key features of French literary texts depicting Paris across different periods
- evaluate critically how modern texts represent aspects of the city of Paris
- analyse literary and historical sources using historiographical approaches
- apply ideas from cultural critics and literary theorists to interpret texts
- design an independent research project on a chosen scholarly topic
- communicate research findings clearly in written academic form
- Gender and Development
What you learn (6)
- explain core theoretical debates in gender and development studies
- evaluate competing theories of gender and development
- justify a preferred theoretical model with persuasive argument
- carry out independent research on gender and development issues
- apply statistical and qualitative development indicators to analyse gender issues
- structure written academic work clearly and coherently
- EU Policy Making
What you learn (4)
- describe how eu policy processes operate
- evaluate the defining features of eu policy processes
- assess the contributions of key actors shaping eu policy-making
- explain the dynamics of different eu policy sectors
- Dissertation
What you learn (8)
- structure a research project in a logical sequence
- formulate a research question suited to word limit and resources
- construct a sustained argument answering a research question
- select relevant evidence from diverse sources to support an argument
- apply correct citation conventions to acknowledge sources
- manage independent study to meet a fixed deadline
- gather research material from multiple sources
- evaluate the quality and relevance of collected research material
- Politics of Globalization
What you learn (10)
- explain differing scholarly definitions of globalisation
- evaluate approaches used to measure and date globalisation
- critique the roles and functions of major global governance institutions
- assess how global economic restructuring affects gender relations socially and culturally
- analyse how supranational economic shifts affect social actors
- present analysis of globalisation issues through spoken argument
- present analysis of globalisation issues through written argument
- discuss theoretical debates on globalisation's effects on nation-states
- evaluate the influence of financialisation on daily life
- analyse how shifts in production and consumption patterns shape global dynamics
- United States Foreign Policy
What you learn (6)
- explain theoretical debates underpinning us foreign policy analysis
- assess consequences of us foreign and defense policy decisions
- relate us international role to broader international relations debates
- identify classic and contemporary scholarship on us foreign policy
- critique complex ideas on current us foreign policy in writing
- critique complex ideas on current us foreign policy orally
- Critical Security Studies
What you learn (5)
- explain key theoretical debates within critical security studies
- differentiate critical security studies from traditional security studies
- position critical security studies within wider international relations debates
- identify contemporary issues framed as security threats
- describe current dynamics shaping the politicisation of security
- Vigilant State: Understanding Secret Intelligence
What you learn (5)
- explain the historical development of intelligence practice
- evaluate the features of intelligence accountability frameworks
- assess strengths and weaknesses of theories explaining the intelligence cycle
- analyse current issues in national and regional intelligence approaches
- present intelligence analysis in written form
- The Politics of Religion
What you learn (4)
- analyse theoretical debates on the relationship between politics and religion
- evaluate how religion has influenced contemporary political institutions
- explain the ongoing processes by which religion shapes current politics
- apply conceptual frameworks to analyse current religion-politics issues
- The Political Economy of Money
What you learn (4)
- explain theoretical debates on the role of money in political economy
- evaluate competing approaches to the role of money in political economy
- apply theories of money to diverse issues in political economy
- construct a well-substantiated argument on political economy topics
- Violence, Rights, Justice and Peace in the Middle East
What you learn (9)
- describe key historical events shaping the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- identify the main actors involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- apply international relations theories to analyse the causes of the conflict
- evaluate scholarly debates on human rights violations within the conflict
- assess prospects for peacemaking and a just resolution to the conflict
- explain competing conceptions of peace and justice in the conflict
- discuss differing views on the legitimacy of violence in the conflict
- construct independent arguments on the conflict using IR theories
- defend a personal position within key scholarly debates on the conflict
- The Global Energy Challenge: Environment, Development & Security
What you learn (7)
- describe the role of energy in modern society
- explain how energy use relates to energy policy and politics
- identify key political perspectives on energy
- analyse policy choices linked to different political perspectives on energy
- apply political perspectives to examine institutions involved in energy policymaking
- analyse the roles of key actors in shaping energy policy
- evaluate energy policies in relation to changing energy systems
- The Politics of Climate Change
What you learn (4)
- explain political debates surrounding greenhouse gas emission reduction
- analyse the roles of key institutions in climate change mitigation
- evaluate differing political approaches to climate change across sectors
- identify connections between global, national and local climate policies
- Gender, Race and Militarism
What you learn (10)
- explain how gender, race and militarism interconnect
- explain feminist theoretical approaches to war and militarism
- evaluate competing interpretations of gender, race and militarism relationships
- develop an original conceptual framework linking gender, race and militarism
- discuss the relevance of feminist approaches to global politics
- construct coherent written arguments on political topics
- collect and organise evidence from primary and secondary sources
- apply gathered data to support analytical arguments
- critically assess concepts and information for validity
- use digital tools to retrieve and present information
- Race and International Politics
What you learn (6)
- compare how race shapes governance across different policy areas
- critically assess how race drives political contestation in policy debates
- evaluate scholarly literature addressing race within international politics
- explain the historical origins of race as a political concept
- describe how imperial structures shaped the development of race as a concept
- analyse the ongoing influence of race on contemporary world politics
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£31,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£26k
Median£32k
Upper quarter£41k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 175 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 24, 23
Half of graduates earned between £25,500 and £40,500. Five years on, the median is £41,500. 80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 76% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 10% left | 100% | 10 |
| In work or study, 15 months on5% studying | 80% | 15 |
| Professional or managerial job | 76% | 115 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £33,000 | 75 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £31,500 | 175 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £41,500 | 180 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
Warwick fees page · source
About £40,200 in fees over 4 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold.
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
89%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 79% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 460 students answered
Highest: 98% agreed on question 20; lowest: 74% on question 25.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 97% |
| Question 2 | 93% |
| Question 3 | 96% |
| Question 4 | 91% |
| Question 5 | 92% |
| Question 6 | 89% |
| Question 7 | 93% |
| Question 8 | 79% |
| Question 9 | 87% |
| Question 10 | 82% |
| Question 11 | 86% |
| Question 12 | 86% |
| Question 13 | 84% |
| Question 14 | 76% |
| Question 15 | 95% |
| Question 16 | 93% |
| Question 17 | 89% |
| Question 18 | 91% |
| Question 19 | 93% |
| Question 20 | 98% |
| Question 21 | 96% |
| Question 22 | 95% |
| Question 23 | 95% |
| Question 24 | 87% |
| Question 25 | 74% |
| Question 26 | 89% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Warwick’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Warwick is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.