Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
4/5 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
A064
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
1. Course summary
- Gain practical experience with study and work opportunities in France.
- Develop the skills to succeed in a dynamic global business environment.
- Explore cross-cultural management, global supply and market entry strategies.
- Develop fluency in French through a holistic language programme.
- Complete a work placement in France and gain an Applied Professional Diploma.
- Prepare for the full degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
Study at Sheffield Business School and become a multilingual business professional. Master fluency in French, explore global cultures and engage in real-world scenarios. You’ll be joining a vibrant language community, with access to specialised learning spaces and experienced experts, preparing you for a dynamic career.
This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) International Business with French course, or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study.
Sheffield Business School accreditation
Sheffield Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and has been awarded the Business School Impact System label by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).

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2. How you learn
You’ll be taught by teachers who are active in their field. Industry specialists have helped to shape the design of your course – helping you graduate with the skills employers are looking for. Our teaching strategies are grounded in contemporary academic research, with a strong emphasis on addressing the practical challenges faced by global, cross-cultural organisations.
At every level of this course, you’ll have the opportunity to acquire and apply an array of knowledge relating to international business. You’ll develop your French language skills and cultural awareness to a high level. You’ll also engage in applied project work set by industry partners – collaborating with peers, and engage with external clients, organisations, business practitioners, academics and students in partner institutions overseas.
You learn through:
- Sessions with French language specialists
- Simulations and learning games
- Case study discussions
- Individual and group presentations
- Small group supervision meetings
- Individual drop-in meetings
- Lectures and seminars with guest speakers
- Problem-solving exercises
Course topics
You’ll explore international trade, cross-border investment, international entrepreneurship, global sourcing, offshoring and international marketing. These aspects are often associated with multinationals, but also involve smaller firms and entrepreneurial ventures. You’ll study the changing nature of the international business environment and how this impacts business processes, transactions and leadership.
You’ll also develop fluency in French through a holistic language programme of speaking, reading, writing and comprehension. Through the language curriculum you’ll develop your employability – understanding the skills you’ll need to be successful in the international business arena, and focusing on how you might prepare to work constructively with colleagues across cultures.
Several modules offer opportunities to tailor your learning experience, including the flexibility to choose assessment tasks that align with your preferences and goals.
Course support
Throughout your learning journey you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources
- Free office and studio space, expert workshops and freelance opportunities
- A vast business network ready for you to tap into
- Career support for up to five years after graduating
Course leaders and tutors

Tilahun Mekonnen
Senior LecturerCurrently working as a Senior Lecturer in Business Economics and the International Business Development Manager for Sub Saharan African Countries
Applied learning
Work placement
At the start of the course we’ll give you the language skills and cultural knowledge you’ll need to operate and excel in an international work context.
As part of your course, you’ll have the option to spend at least 24 weeks on a paid work placement in a relevant organisation in France.
This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career – and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV. We have a dedicated support team who will help you arrange your work placement, obtain appropriate permissions and support you while you’re abroad.
Semester abroad
We’ll encourage and support you to study abroad in French at a partner institution in France – helping you to embed and expand your understanding in a real-world context. You’ll also be able to develop your confidence in living, studying and working in an international environment.
Live projects
Through our partnerships with leading businesses and industry experts, we’ll offer you valuable opportunities to gain hands-on work experience, build your network and acquire the essential skills demanded in the workplace. In your final year, you’ll enhance your skills further through a live consultancy project.
Alongside your course, you can also take part in specialist training on export management from the International Trade Centre.
Field trips
We offer trips to a variety of organisations, including local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinationals with operations in the UK. These are great chances to see the types of environments you may be working within in the future.
Networking opportunities
We have regular guest lecturers to give you practical insights into the issues facing real-world companies.
You can connect with employers through Careers Days and guest lectures – gaining valuable insights into the challenges that real-world businesses are facing. You may also be able to network with previous graduates who share their experiences while empathising with the stage you’re at in your career.
And we’ll encourage you to take part in competitions, with prizes available for strong projects and inspirational students.
3. Future careers
Graduates of this course are highly sought after by employers. Many businesses will value your understanding of language, cross-cultural communication and international business practice.
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Business and market development
- International management
- International enterprise
- International strategy
- Marketing communications and advertising
- Purchasing and export coordination
- Global supply chain management
- Consultancy
- Account management
- Brand management
- Product management
- Project management
Previous graduates have gone to work for a wide variety of firms, including:
- Allianz
- Aviva
- Bloomberg
- Centrica
- Cisco
- Experian
- Fujitsu
- GE Money
- GlaxoSmithKline
- IBM UK
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals
- O2 (Telefónica UK)
- Pirelli
- Rolls-Royce
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- SAP
- SSE
4. Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn more5. Equipment and facilities
At our Sheffield Business School, you’ll study in world-class learning facilities, such as specialist labs, design studios, practice facilities, simulation environments, our award-winning enterprise centre and a 24/7 library. You’ll benefit from dedicated business facilities set in 400 sq metres of stunning green space, where you can socialise, eat, relax and study.
You’ll have access to specialist equipment and resources, such as:
- A business lounge, trading floor and languages hub
- Software to develop entrepreneurial ideas, such as Sandpit
- Business gamification simulation equipment
- Social learning spaces, seminar rooms and PC labs
- Space to collaborate with the wider multi-language-speaking community
- A brand new, net-zero-ready building in the heart of the city centre
360 tour - i-Lab
Media Gallery
6. Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 64
This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:
- CC at A Level
- MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies.
You should also have at least an AS-Level (Grade C) or A-Level E in French for entry onto this course.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Maths at grade D or 3 or equivalent
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate plus.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Compulsory modules
This module introduces you to university life and the behaviours and knowledge you’ll need to succeed internationally. In practical teaching sessions you’ll learn more about yourself, examine contemporary sources and debate current international perspectives.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Introduction to university study
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Career goal setting and professional behaviours
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International business
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Tourism
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Sustainability and sustainable development
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Corporate social responsibility
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Business ethics
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Living and working with others
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Equality, diversity and inclusion
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Values
This module develops your understanding of how to influence decision making and the people that make them. Practice-led teaching sessions will be enriched by research and innovation through consideration of real-world organisational challenges.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Stakeholder mapping
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Regional and global relationship management
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Inspiring and motivating others
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Communication strategies
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Introduction to marketing
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Influencing and negotiation skills
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Decision-making theory and practice
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Business intelligence and analytics
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Equality, diversity and inclusion
This module prepares you for further success on the next level of your course, developing skills and knowledge to support your future career. Practical teaching sessions will enable you to reflect on your year so far, and your future personal strategies.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Future sector trends
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People resource planning
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Global labour markets
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Personal and organisational change
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Resilience
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Research and data analysis
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Digital literacy
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Life-wide and long-term career planning
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Professional accreditation and credibility
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Your learning practice
This module encourages and supports you in developing a viable business solution – applying technical, managerial and creative skills and knowledge. Your learning will be interactive, working alongside others as you plan and develop your business ideas.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Generating creative, innovative and responsible business solutions
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Digital innovation
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Basic project management techniques
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Business environment analysis and economics
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Business ethics and sustainability
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Data and financial management
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Sector/organisational types
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Business and events planning
Compulsory modules
This module explores the diversity and complexity of national cultures and culturally diverse business practices and attitudes as they affect people and organisations. You will investigate comparative approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion. Your learning will explore cross-cultural awareness, communication, lifestyle and give you the confidence needed to operate and work in engaging international settings.
You’ll study topics, such as:
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Francophone societies and social structures.
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Cultural insights through literature, film and media
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Comparative Equality, Diversity and Inclusion approaches
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Academic integrity, assessment literacy and the use of artificial intelligence
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Experience of diverse Francophone communities in non-European contexts.
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Business, Human Resource and Management culture.
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Opportunities to work and study in French-speaking countries.
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Responsible and sustainable working practices.
This module introduces contemporary issues in business management, developing your awareness and understanding of factors affecting people and organisations in an ever-changing world. Teaching sessions will examine contemporary sources and debate current issues
You’ll study topics such as:
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Ethics and sustainability in business management
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Geopolitics and globalisation
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Changing business cultures and the role of stakeholders
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Smart technology and big data
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Business management research and approaches
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Shifting communication channels
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Economic controversies
Module summary
Language study will develop your self-confidence, and intercultural skills. It will give you new opportunities for learning and working across cultures. Language skills are highly sought after by employers and give you a real advantage in whatever you hope to do in the future.
You will study your chosen language at the appropriate level based on your existing language ability – please refer to the individual module descriptors for each language and level for further details on the teaching and assessment.
This module introduces different types of businesses and organisations, focusing on operations, supply chain and marketing – developing academic literacy, business skills and future aspirations. You’ll work independently, within groups and in a real-world applied project, developing and applying academic and professional behaviours.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Organisational types, scale and span
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Responsible and sustainable practice
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Business functions
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Marketing
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Supply chain
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Operations management
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Excel
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Academic skills and advising
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Employability and entrepreneurial advice
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Applied reflective practice
Compulsory modules
Module summary
Language study will develop your self-confidence, and intercultural skills. It will give you new opportunities for learning and working across cultures. Language skills are highly sought after by employers and give you a real advantage in whatever you hope to do in the future.
You will study your chosen language at the appropriate level based on your existing language ability – please refer to the individual module descriptors for each language and level for further details on the teaching and assessment.
This module is a work experience module introducing you to the academic and practice-led perspectives of international entrepreneurship. You’ll develop additional enterprising skills through an enterprise residency placement, alongside research and practitioner-informed teaching.
You’ll apply learning and study such as:
- Entrepreneurial opportunities
- Network ties
- Internationalisation
- Resources and capabilities
- Entrepreneurial financing options
- Business modelling activities
- Online ideation simulation activities
- Competences and skills
- Communication skills
This module explores managerial functions and develops awareness of the current challenges facing international management, including ethical and social responsibilities. Your learning will draw on research and examples of international practice shared by guest speakers.
You’ll study topics such as:
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International human resource management
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People resourcing policies
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Global supply chain structures and processes
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Global markets
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International business expansion
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Export management
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
In this module, you will gain insight into the education and work cultures of French-speaking countries by studying the relevant political, economic, social, and cultural issues that affect them. You will also learn to reflect on and articulate your employability skills, both orally and in writing. Moreover, this module will build on your existing language skills and help you develop an advanced, professional linguistic register.
The content for this module will vary to reflect the relevant, changeable issues related to French contemporary culture and business environments.
You’ll study topics, such as:
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The business and work environment in French-speaking societies
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The education system in France
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Student life and experiences in France
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Government policy in relation to central issues such as sustainability and the environment
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Articulating employability skills in the target language
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Writing CVs and other application documents
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Job interview preparation
Compulsory modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills.
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices.
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Compulsory modules
This module uses theories and concepts to explain how companies design, control and manage international subsidiaries operating in ethically and politically complex environments. During large and small group teaching, you’ll draw on world events and corporate experiences to explain the context and mechanisms of international business.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Foreign direct investment
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Entry strategy
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Theories of the international firm
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Subsidiary structure, management and dynamics
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Political economy and society
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Non-market/political strategies
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Business ethics
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Social responsibility
This module applies your knowledge of contemporary international business, developing critical and analytical research skills to inform decision-making in a real-life setting. You’ll develop an individual consultancy project with others in small groups – based on a live company brief or your own venture – exploring relevant theories in large group sessions.
You’ll apply learning and skills such as:
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Consultancy research
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Entrepreneurial projects
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Project design and management
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Identifying discipline-relevant frameworks and concepts
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Research methods, including ethics
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Business report writing
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Personal and professional reflection
This module aims to engage you with the greater socio-political and cultural contexts of global countries and communities where French is spoken, while further increasing your French language skills. The module will help you situate adjacent cultures and will facilitate a profound reflection on your own culture(s) and related contexts. This ensures a deep understanding of an important area of the globe, through comparative analyses, affording you a sound appreciation of historical and current issues in French-speaking societies.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Significant controversies in history, society, and politics in French-speaking countries and regions
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Issues relating to the socio-economic environment with selected French-speaking countries
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Migration flows, identity, and political and cultural debates
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Foundational events in the history of French-speaking countries and their impact on the present
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Regional and minority identities
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Women’s rights in French-speaking societies
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Geopolitics and governmental systems
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Popular culture and its links to socio-cultural and economic debates
Module summary
Language study will develop your self-confidence, and intercultural skills. It will give you new opportunities for learning and working across cultures. Language skills are highly sought after by employers and give you a real advantage in whatever you hope to do in the future.
You will study your chosen language at the appropriate level based on your existing language ability – please refer to the individual module descriptors for each language and level for further details on the teaching and assessment.
8. Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on this course in 2025/26 is £5,760 for the foundation year and £9,535 per year for the degree (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Business School (PDF, 255.6KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.