What will I study? 

The BComm (French) combines a strong foundation in core business disciplines with advanced language skills and a year abroad in France. This 4-year degree prepares students for international careers across a wide range of sectors by blending business knowledge with cultural and linguistic fluency. 

Year 1 

In first year, students study core areas of business including economics, accounting, marketing and management. They also begin intensive language training in French. Modules include: 

• Principles of Microeconomics/Macroeconomics
• Introduction to Financial Accounting/Management Accounting
• Business Information Systems
• French
• Data Science for Business Analytics
• Foundations of Marketing Thought 

Year 2  

In second year, students build on their business knowledge and continue to develop fluency in French. They explore more applied areas such as consumer behaviour, business finance and human resources, while also choosing an elective from a diverse list of options. Modules include: 

• Applied Microeconomics for Business
• Business Finance I
• Consumer Behaviour
• French
• HRM & Decent Work
• Optional elective (e.g. Cybersecurity, Marketing & Sustainability) 

Year 3 

Third year is spent studying at a partner university in a French-speaking country. Students take business modules through French and experience life in a different academic and cultural environment. This year abroad develops independence, adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills. Modules include: 

• Study abroad at a French partner university
• Business and language modules taught through French
• Cultural and academic immersion in a French-speaking environment 

Year 4 

In final year, students return to Galway and study advanced business modules in areas like strategy and innovation. They also complete the Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise (ICE) module and continue studying French, with opportunities to specialise further through optional modules. Modules include: 

• Strategy
• Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise (ICE)
• French
• Ireland in the Global Economy
• Optional modules in areas such as Marketing Management, Business Law, or Digital Business 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• A full year studying business and language at a top French university - boost your fluency, independence, and global mindset.
• Graduate with a business degree and advanced language skills, making you stand out in international job markets.
• ICE (Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise) module in final year - work directly with business mentors on real-world challenges.
• Small language class sizes ensure personalised support and a focus on communication and confidence-building.
• Global employability - French is one of the most in-demand languages for business, used across Europe, Africa, and North America.
• Optional business modules in areas like marketing, economics, HRM, and digital business - tailor your degree to match your career ambitions.
• Develop in-demand digital and data skills through modules like Business Analytics and Business Information Systems.

Graduates of the BComm (International with French) are highly sought after in Ireland and abroad across a wide range of industries. With fluency in French and a strong foundation in business, students are well placed to take up exciting roles in: 

• EU institutions - including the European Parliament, European Central Bank, and the European Commission
• Finance and banking - investment, insurance, corporate finance, and fintech sectors
• Consultancy and economic advisory - commercial and policy-based roles
• Marketing and international business - especially with multinational firms operating in French-speaking markets
• Translation, interpreting, and localisation - supporting cross-cultural communication in global companies
• Human resource management and recruitment 

Typical graduate roles include Business Analyst, Marketing Executive, EU Policy Assistant, Financial Associate, and Project Coordinator. 

Students develop key skills that employers highly value: bilingual fluency, intercultural competence, business acumen, adaptability, and confidence gained through immersive international experience. 

With increasing globalisation and digital transformation, demand for graduates who combine business knowledge with language skills and cultural awareness continues to grow, especially in sectors focused on European and French-speaking markets. 

This degree also provides a great base for further study or professional qualifications in business, languages, or international affairs. 

The BComm (French) programme includes a mandatory full academic year abroad in Year 3 at one of our top partner universities in a French-speaking country. 

• Built into the Programme 
  Study abroad is a core part of the degree, providing an immersive experience where students study business modules taught in French and live in a new cultural and academic environment.
• Partner Universities and Locations
  Students choose from carefully selected partner institutions in France and other French-speaking areas, such as:
• Kedge Bordeaux
• Université Clermont-Auvergne
• Kedge Marseille
• IAE Montpellier
• IAE Poitiers
• EM Strasbourg
• Toulouse Business School 

Please note: Partner universities may vary from year to year based on available agreements. 

• Language of Instruction 
  Modules are taught primarily through French, allowing students to deepen their language skills while continuing their business studies.
• Academic and Personal Growth
  This year abroad enhances language fluency, intercultural competence, independence, and adaptability. Students gain valuable insights into international business practices and develop skills highly sought after by global employers. Beyond academics, students have the chance to make lifelong friends and travel, experiencing new cultures and expanding their worldviews.
• Financial Support
  Students studying in Europe are usually eligible for Erasmus+ funding, which can help with travel and living expenses. Additional scholarships or supports may also be available.
• Why It Matters
  Spending a year abroad offers more than academic credits — it broadens perspectives, builds confidence, and gives graduates a competitive edge in the international job market. 

• Dr Sharon Walsh
• Ms Mary Cosgrove  
• Dr Shekhar Misra  
• Dr Davood Roshan Sangachin
• Prof Willie Golden
• Mr Ruadhán Cooke
• Dr Yixin Qiu
• Dr Rehman Uddin Mian 

The BComm (International with French) combines business studies with French language and cultural learning. Students split their time between business lectures, small-group language classes, and practical projects, building strong skills for careers in international business. 

How Will I Learn? 

1. Business Lectures - Core business modules are delivered through lecture classes, providing foundational knowledge in areas such as economics, marketing, management, and digital business.
2. Small-Group Language Classes - French language modules focus on communication skills, fluency, and confidence, taught in small classes for personalised learning.
3. Innovation and Enterprise - Modules like the ICE (Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise) challenge students to work on real-world business problems alongside industry mentors.
4. Year Abroad - In Year 3, students study at a partner university in France, fully immersing themselves in both language and business modules, gaining invaluable cultural and professional insights.
5. Practical Application - Many modules include case studies, simulations, group projects, and business presentations, helping students apply theory to practice. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

1. Continuous Assessment - Coursework includes essays, projects, presentations, language exercises, and group assignments, ensuring students receive ongoing feedback.
2. Examinations - Written exams are held at the end of each semester, testing knowledge across business disciplines and language proficiency.
3. Oral Assessments - French language learning includes regular oral exams, debates, role-plays, and presentations to build confidence and fluency.
4. Project Work - Business modules often involve practical projects where students analyse real businesses or develop innovative solutions.
5. Year Abroad - Assessment during the year in France is based on successful completion of academic requirements at the partner university and typically carries pass/fail credits towards the BComm degree. 

Students can expect a mix of traditional lectures, interactive workshops, and small-class language teaching, with an emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.

Course Queries: 
business@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Director:  

Mr. Ruadhán Cooke 
Lecturer in French  
Programme Director BComm (International with French) 
J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics 
College of Business, Public Policy & Law 

E: ruadhan.cooke@universityofgalway.ie

Q: Do I need to have studied French before? 
A: Yes - you should have studied French for the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) to join this programme. Entry Requirements: H43 in French (Leaving Certificate) or Grade B in French (A-levels)

Q: Can I choose where I study abroad for my year in France? 
A: You can indicate your preferred partner universities in France when applying to study abroad. However, please note that partner options may change each year, and placement depends on availability - so your first choice may not always be guaranteed. The International Office and your lecturers will guide you through the application process. 

Q: How many hours a week will I be in class? 
A: On average, expect about 16–20 hours of lectures, language classes, and tutorials per week. 

Q: Is there support if my French needs improvement? 
A: Yes. You’ll have small-group language classes, conversation practice, and access to language labs. Lecturers are very supportive and work closely with students to help build confidence and improve language skills.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.  

Additional Requirements

For Leaving Certificate - H3 in French 
For A-Levels - Grade B in French  

Alternative Pathways 

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places 

• Mature Students 

• Access and Foundation programmes 

• HEAR Scheme 

• DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications 

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students 

• International Baccalaureate students  

• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants 

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€2,598	€3,000	€19,000	€140	€3,140	€5,738	€19,140

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Application Process 

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.