Explore global social, political and cultural challenges, whilst achieving fluency in another language.

This degree enables you to combine the study of a language at either beginner (ab initio) or advanced level with the study of international politics. This combination will give you strong skills in both areas and prepare you for an international career.

You can choose from either French, German or Spanish (intended for those who have studied to A level standard) or any beginner language (which you do not need to have studied before). These are French, German, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish.

In Year 1, you will develop your written and spoken language skills, as well as your understanding of key political concepts and theoretical tools for the study of international politics. Alongside this, you'll explore the history and culture of your chosen language.

In Year 2, you’ll continue with the advanced study of your chosen language, and the history, politics, culture and society of its primary countries as well as the international context. You’ll gain skills in research and design methods. You will also choose from optional units, enabling you to focus on areas of interest to you.

You'll spend Year 3 either studying or working abroad.

In your final year, alongside your language study, you will do a politics dissertation. You’ll also choose from a wide range of optional units that will allow you to focus on areas you are most interested in.

Language combinations

You can study this course with these languages:

• International Politics and French
• International Politics and Spanish
• International Politics and German
• International Politics and Italian ab initio
• International Politics and French ab initio
• International Politics and Spanish ab initio
• International Politics and German ab initio
• International Politics and Mandarin ab initio

The (ab initio) language streams will fast-track your first two years to help you prepare to study or work abroad in the third year.

If you study an advanced language, you will learn about political and cultural issues in the target language.

Please note: We are not currently recruiting to Russian language pathways.

Informed teaching to advance your learning

You’ll learn from teaching staff with diverse backgrounds and expertise in contemporary political studies and modern languages. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching, aiming to enhance your learning experience.

Develop your professional skills

Throughout the course, you will develop skills to prepare you for employment and further study. These include:

• experience of working and living in a different cultural environment
• processing complex and specialist information
• critical thinking
• research skills
• adaptability and communication skills

You will also develop advanced language skills.

Category C

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
  
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
• TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
  
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
• Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
• Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
• LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Prepare for your future

Many of our politics graduates have gone on to careers in both the private and public sectors, working in the banking and finance industries, media, public administration, and European and international political institutions.

Examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include:

• Accenture
• Goldman Sachs
• HM Treasury
• Interel
• Rhodes Trust