BA Politics and Modern Languages (RL20)
2026 entry | view 2025 entry
Course summary
This degree programme combines Politics and International Relations with the study of your chosen language: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish. This degree combination provides a valuable skill set, ideally tailored to the increasingly globalised workplace. Studying your chosen language will also give you direct access to cultural production and political debates in the countries and cultures in which it is spoken.
All languages can be studied from beginners' level or post-A level (or the equivalent), apart from Portuguese, which is offered from beginners' level only.
The Politics side of the degree explores power, who exercises it, for whom, how it is distributed, and with what consequences. You will gain insight into the politics of different countries, regions and systems, as well as global and local political issues and movements.
On the language side of your degree, you will follow a structured language course in your chosen language, as well as explore the richness of the cultures in which it is spoken, choosing from a range of units in areas such as literature, film, history, thought, linguistics, politics and visual culture. You will spend your third year abroad in a country in which your language is spoken, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.
Our course will ensure you practise a wide range of skills that will make you attractive to future employers in the sector of your choice.
As a Modern Languages student, you will have access to the School of Modern Languages’ Multimedia Centre. You can also access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers and talent shows.
Course structure
Teaching happens through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and one-to-one project supervision.
Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.
Both schools encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, resulting in a vibrant learning environment as staff respond to new research in their teaching.
This course combination offers an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges, providing a range of core and optional units that will allow you to explore your own interests.
Check back soon to view the programme catalogue containing further details on the course structure and modules.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
More about Access to HE entry requirements
Search international qualifications
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Politics and Modern Languages can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2025 entry. The statement for 2026 entry will be available in summer 2025.