You don't have to commit to a full degree in France to experience studying there. You can easily integrate a mobility period in France into your UK degree programme.
Study placements and Exchange programmes
Study placements and exchanges allow you to spend a portion of your academic journey at a partner institution in France while remaining enrolled at your home university in the UK (or vice versa).
Short-Term placements typically last from a few weeks to three months and don't require a long-stay visa. These programs provide an introduction to French academic culture, language, and society without committing to a full semester or year abroad. They're ideal for students who want to gain international experience while minimizing disruption to their regular studies.
Long-Term placements involve spending one or two semesters at a French university. If you're a UK student planning a long-term study placement in France, you'll need to apply for a long-stay student visa. These programs allow for deeper immersion in the French academic system and culture.
How to Apply
Placement and exchange opportunities vary depending on your university, as well as your level and field of study. Contact your university's international office to check if they have existing exchange agreements with French institutions. If you are eligible to a placement, you will need to follow your university's internal selection process.
International Dual and Joint Degrees
These programmes offer students the opportunity to earn two qualifications through integrated study paths between UK and French institutions.
A dual or double degree programme involves studying two different fields, one after the other, and receiving two separate degrees. For example, you might complete an International Business degree followed by an International Marketing degree, graduating with qualifications in both fields.
A joint degree involves studying two different subjects simultaneously and receiving a single qualification that combines both disciplines. For example, you might study Philosophy and English and graduate with a joint degree in both subject.
Why consider International joint or dual degrees between a French and UK institution?
- They are systematically recognised as proof of excellence (dual qualification and intercultural skills)
- You will benefit from both institutions' alumni networks
- They will be recognised by the UK, French and EU education systems, expanding your opportunities
Internships
Internships, known as "stages" in French, offer valuable opportunities for students to gain practical work experience and intercultural skills at the same time.
The maximum duration of an internship in France is 6 months. An internship of less than 2 months does not have to be paid. From two months onwards, your employer is legally required to compensate you at a rate of around €630 per month. Interns must be enrolled in a higher education institution either in the UK or in France.
An internship agreement (convention de stage) is mandatory, signed by the intern, the educational institution, and the host organization.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJMs) are prestigious, integrated study programmes at the master's level designed and delivered by international partnerships of higher education institutions.
These programs are delivered by a consortium of at least three higher education institutions from three different countries, with at least two participating institutions from EU Member States or countries associated with the Erasmus+ Programme. UK institutions can be part of those consortiums, despite Brexit, facilitating access to those programmes to UK students.
One of the most exciting aspects of EMJMs is the mandatory mobility periods. Students have the chance to study in at least two different countries during their programme. The duration of each master's program typically ranges from 1-2 academic years, corresponding to 60, 90, or 120 ECTS credits. Upon completion, students may receive either a joint degree (which is recommended) or multiple degrees from the participating institutions.
Funding and Scholarships
The European Union generously supports these programmes by providing funding for their operation. For outstanding students worldwide, competitive scholarships are available, offering €1,400 per month for up to 24 months.
Active EMJM programmes with a Franco-British consortium (as of 2025)
MIPDaL (Master in Intellectual Property and Data Law) is programme focusing on providing advanced training in Intellectual Property and Data Law. It's designed for top-level graduate students and offers specializations in IT & Data Law, Creative Industries, and Industrial Property Law.
UK Institution: Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
French Institution: Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA/CEIPI)
Website: https://mipdal.eu/
ACES-STAR - Aquaculture, Environment and Society is a two-year programme focused on aquaculture. It involves studying in three European centres of excellence. The course includes industry-led research programmes, internships, and fieldwork to provide practical and theoretical skills for a career in aquaculture.
UK Institution: The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS UHI)
French Institution: Nantes Université
Website: https://www.emm-aces.org/
EuroPubHealth+ is a programme in public health that aims to strengthen public health systems by providing students with the competencies needed for effective leadership and innovative solutions to public health challenges. The programme includes a foundation course in the first year and specializations in the second year, such as Health Services Management and Digital Transformation, Advanced Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and Health Promotion and Prevention.
UK Institution: University of Sheffield
French Institution: École des hautes études en santé publique (EHESP) School of Public Health
Website: https://www.europubhealth.org/