French studies, University of Aberdeen

French and IR is interesting. I genuinely can’t complain about the Politics and IR staff (you have to do both in 1st and 2nd year), they make the course straightforward and guide you in the right direction. They are, for the most part, fair markers and tutors are happy to help you. French on the other hand is a tricky one. It’s pretty much expected that you take both the language and the culture course. There is a lot of coursework and tests, and they are incredibly harsh markers. It’s nothing like French at school (if you’re from Scotland at least). It’s also a small course so your tutors will likely get to know you and expect a lot from you which can be intimidating but it’s also a more personal learning experience in that sense as there isn’t that anonymity of a large cohort. Job prospects definitely depend on the course but I don’t think that’s any reflection on the university - most people know what they’re getting themselves in for when they choose.

I don't start my Spanish language classes until the second semester but the French seems really good, focusing on oral, language (writing and reading) and aural. I'm studying the cultural history of Latin America at the moment, the tutor seems great. Not sure what the job prospects are like after I've graduated.