Program Overview

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Introduction to the Program

The Politics, International Relations and a Modern Language (BA) program is a 4-year degree that offers students the opportunity to study the politics and government of individual states, explore important political ideas, and investigate relations between states and non-state actors on the world stage. Students will also develop high-level communication and critical-thinking skills, and foster resilience and independence through time spent in immersive foreign language contexts.

Subject Areas

• Modern languages and translation
• Politics and international relations

Program Structure

This is a 4-year degree program, structured to enable students to develop language competencies and skills to become resourceful, independent, pluri-lingual critical thinkers, equipped for professional employment. The program includes a year abroad, which can be spent studying or working in a foreign language-speaking country.

Year One

Year 1 is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge that will form the foundation of their studies. Combining politics and international relations with a chosen language allows students to experience more than one field of study and to develop flexibility and intercultural competence that potential employers are looking for.

Year Two

In Year 2, students will study 2 core modules in politics and international relations, plus 2 modules in modern languages. Students will also choose one module from a small number of optional modules in the area of either politics or international relations.

Year Three: Sandwich Year

The third year will be spent in a foreign language-speaking country, enabling students to develop language skills, deepen understanding of the culture, and develop independence, resourcefulness, and resilience. There are 3 options for the year abroad:

• Studying in institutions in cities in China, France, Mexico, and Spain
• A teaching placement, available to students studying French and Spanish
• A work placement, available to students studying French and Spanish

Year Four

In the final year, students will develop linguistic, critical thinking, and research skills further. Students will study 60 credits of politics and international relations modules, including at least one designated politics module and at least one from the area of international relations, plus one 30-credit Advanced language module and one 30-credit optional module from the language side of the degree.

Learning and Assessment

The program employs a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, language classes, and workshops. Assessments are designed to support students in developing ideas, skills, and competencies, and include traditional formats such as essays, exams, and presentations, as well as more innovative forms like the creation of vlogs, podcasts, and video projects.

Careers and Placements

The program equips students with important skills that employers value, including collaborative working, communicating with diverse audiences, and critical thinking. Work experience and placements are great opportunities to enhance employability and career prospects, and the program includes placement learning as an integral element.

Entry Requirements

The program accepts a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications, subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are:

• ABB-BBC for A-levels
• 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects for International Baccalaureate
• DDM-DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Arts, Humanities, Science, and Social Science subjects

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for 2026 entry are:

• Ł9,535 per year for home status
• Ł24,700 per year for overseas status

Additional Costs

As part of studies, there may be opportunities to take part in events, such as trips to Westminster, for which students may be asked to contribute towards the cost. Accommodation and living costs are additional expenses that students should consider.

Conclusion

The Politics, International Relations and a Modern Language (BA) program offers students a unique opportunity to develop language competencies, critical thinking, and research skills, while exploring the politics and government of individual states and investigating relations between states and non-state actors. With a range of teaching methods, assessments, and placement opportunities, this program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in a variety of fields.