French studies

Our research examines the politics, history and culture of France and other French-speaking countries, with particular focus on their interactions with global systems.

With the UK leaving the EU and proclaiming its commitment to ‘Global Britain’, it has become more important than ever to understand our nearest European neighbour. Our work addresses the UK's limited knowledge of French external relations and foreign policy, and aims to encourage French language skills of researchers and decision-makers working in the field.

We're a prime resource of information and expertise on France’s external relations and foreign policy, delivering research to academic and government bodies. We have also developed one of the UK's best library collections of French and Francophone studies sources, with materials in both French and English.

Partnerships and Funders

We work closely with Chatham House and Research Analysts at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which gives us good access to top civil servants and policymakers.

Publications and projects

Our research has been funded by organisations including the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust.

Our work is regularly published in leading journals within the field, and appears in blogs. We have also written and edited books.  

Discover our areas of expertise

French studies is one of our areas of expertise within our Area Studies research – explore the others below.

Interested in a PhD in Area Studies & International Development?

Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Area Studies & International Development postgraduate research degrees page.