International Relations and Languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish)

University of Portsmouth
Undergraduate BA (Hons) Full-time with time abroad 4 Years LanguagesPolitics

A-Level Entry

BBC - CCC

UCAS Points

96 - 112 points

Avg. Graduate Salary

£23,000

About this course

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 3

  • Attend events and talks led by people working in NGOs, local, national and international government, and journalism

  • Have the opportunity to take part in a Model United Nations as part of your course

  • 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’

    Careers and opportunities 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.

    What can you do with an International Relations and Languages degree?

    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

    What jobs can you do with an International Relations and Languages degree?

    Recent graduates have gone on to roles including:

  • bilingual consultant

  • multilingual project coordinator

  • translator

  • political researcher, Houses 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

    After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

  • Entry Requirements

    A-Level Grades BBC - CCC
    UCAS Tariff Points 96 - 112 points
    BTEC DMM - MMM

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    2435 Professional/Chartered company secretaries
    3412 Authors, writers and translators
    3319 Protective service associate professionals
    2434 Business and related research professionals
    4135 Library clerks and assistants
    4113 Officers of non-governmental organisations

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
    Study Mode
    Full-time with time abroad
    Duration
    4 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Portsmouth
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Languages, Politics
    Avg. Graduate Salary
    £23,000