Modern Languages and International Relations BA

Course overview

You can study international relations at Leeds with one of 10 languages.

On this four-year course, you’ll examine the issues facing international society today and the challenges facing some of the most important players in international relations. Optional topics range from ongoing debates and conflicts within international relations and security, decolonial approaches, social movements across cultures, and translation and interpreting. You’ll also study the society and culture of the countries where your chosen language is spoken.

Your intensive language modules will prepare you for your year abroad, where you’ll further enhance your linguistic skills and enrich your knowledge of how your host country interacts with other countries and regional or global institutions.

You’ll be able to choose to take your Final Year Project either with international relations or with your chosen language.

The international outlook and knowledge you develop alongside advanced language skills will allow you to consider career options in a range of fields when you graduate.

Choose one of the following languages:

We offer the following languages at two entry levels: beginners or with prior experience (e.g. A-level or equivalent). If you have prior experience in Arabic or Thai, please contact us before applying:

• Arabic (from beginners' level only)
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Thai

You must include your chosen language in the ‘Further Details’ section of your UCAS application.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

• Where a post-A level language route is taken, a B grade in the relevant language is required.

• Where Chinese or Japanese is taken, a GCSE in any modern language is required.

• Where any other beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

By taking this joint honours course, you’ll gain proficiency in one of the world languages and attain an international perspective by exploring how nations interact on the global stage. You’ll acquire the language and professional skills to prepare you for an international career in a wide range of sectors.

As well as demonstrating that you’re intellectually versatile, this course will equip you with a wide range of transferrable skills that employers value such as:

• Research critical thinking skills, and the ability to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions.
• Communication skills, enabling you to defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing.
• Strong organisational skills and the confidence to work independently or in a team.
• A deep understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

Leeds graduates have pursued careers across the globe and in a range of sectors including: education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.