Overview
Immerse yourself in global history, politics, language and culture. Understand the forces shaping how nations interact. Discover the role international relations plays in tackling the big issues facing society and the planet.
On this BA (Hons) International Relations and Languages degree, you’ll explore topics such as global migration, terrorism, climate change, the rise and fall of major powers, and global protest movements – and learn the skills needed to help enact change, shape opinions, and tackle inequality.
You’ll study a foreign language and spend a year abroad in a country and culture where your chosen language is spoken – and set yourself up for careers in international diplomacy, business, journalism, research and translation.
Course Highlights
- Learn from staff at our Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), whose research impacts government policy
- Use our professional-grade conference interpreting suite and language labs
- Immerse yourself in the cultures of the country where your chosen language is spoken – in the classroom and on your work or study placement abroad in year three
- Attend events and talks led by people working in NGOs, local, national and international government, and journalism
- Be a diplomat for a day on our Model United Nations event
- Go on field trips to locations such as the Houses of Parliament
- Create policy briefing papers offering recommendations to practitioners on major recent international issues, such as the Ukraine Crisis, the 'MeToo' movement, the rise of terrorist organisations and the Arab Revolutions, as part of a simulated ‘academic conference’
- Take up an exchange opportunity at a university outside the UK, such as Nagoya University in Japan, Science Po or Caen-Normandy University in France, The Hague University of Applied Sciences or University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, University of Western Carolina in the USA, Prince Edward Island University or Carleton University in Canada, or Edith Cowan University in Australia
- Choose to learn an additional foreign language for free as part of your degree, from a selection of Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish
Careers and Opportunities
The British Council has stated that "an understanding of other cultures and languages will continue to be important for successful international relationships at all levels" (Languages for the Future, 2017). The language skills you’ll gain can open up a world of opportunities: they’ll help you to work globally, and open up job opportunities across borders and cultures.
With technology continuing to develop at a frantic pace, there’s also an ever-increasing demand for graduates with the knowledge required to ensure new developments are ethical.
The analytical skills you’ll develop are in demand, too – your ability to understand complex issues and find solutions to them means that roles across government agencies, NGOs, charities, think tanks and international organisations are all within your reach.
When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills and cultural experience to work.
Graduates from this degree have gone on to careers in the following sectors:
- local and central government
- embassies
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- security services
- international organisations, like the United Nations (UN)
- international charities like Amnesty International or the Red Cross
- policy research and think tanks
- media and international business consultancy
- political risk analysis
- public relations
- voluntary organisations
- management
- banking and financial services
- tourism
Recent graduates have gone on to roles including:
- bilingual consultant
- multilingual project coordinator
- translator
- political researcher, Houses of Parliament
- assistant to Member of Parliament
- civil servant, the Cabinet Office
- senior policy advisor, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- communications officer, House of Commons
- local government administrator, Government of Jersey
- public affairs consultant
- social researcher
- information officer
- conference producer
Placement year (optional)
After your second year, you'll do a year abroad based in one or more countries where your chosen language is spoken.
This enables you to build linguistic and cultural fluency, and also provides an opportunity to study abroad and/or gain valuable longer-term work experience in international development.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a work or study abroad placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
We have links with universities and employers in countries and regions including:
- China
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Latin America
- Spain
We also have partnerships with the British Senegalese Institute and development organisations in Dakar, which provides opportunities for work placements in Senegal on your year abroad.
We’ll help you secure a study or work placement that fits your aspirations, and you’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
