BA Modern Languages and International Relations

Program Overview

Prepare for the global stage with this versatile BA in Modern Languages and International Relations. Study a modern language (French, German, Italian, or Spanish) while gaining insights into international relations, developing transferable skills, and exploring career opportunities in various sectors. The flexible curriculum allows you to personalize your learning and embark on an optional year abroad. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Linguists for added credibility.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Study a modern language, and gain a broader view of the contemporary world’s most pressing problems, with our BA Modern Languages and International Relations degree. This highly flexible degree enables you to study a modern language – choosing from our core languages of French, German, Italian and Spanish – alongside your studies in international relations. Taught by experts from the Department of Languages and Cultures and the Department of Politics and International Relations, you’ll acquire transferable skills with an international focus. Throughout, you’ll be encouraged to follow your interests as they develop and tailor your learning to your career goals.

Outline:

Year 1

• Introduction to Contemporary Democracy
• Introduction to Political Ideas
• Politics: International Relations and Strategic Studies
• Introduction to French Culture
• Beginners French Language
• Intermediate French Language
• Advanced French Language I
• The Making of Modern France

Year 2

• Icons of Modern Germany
• Beginners German Language
• Intermediate German Language
• Advanced German Language I
• German Texts and Genres
• Making Italians: A Journey in the History and Culture of Modern Italy
• Introduction to Linguistics
• Beginners Italian Language
• Intermediate Italian Language
• Advanced Italian Language I

Year 3

• What is Comparative Literature?
• Greats of European Cinema
• Introduction to Linguistics
• Thinking Translation: History and Theory
• Icons of Spain and Latin America: From conquest to independence; from revolution to globalisation
• Beginners Spanish Language
• Intermediate Spanish Language
• Advanced Spanish Language 1
• Introduction to Spanish and Latin American Culture

Year 4

• The Study of Politics
• Global Order
• Intermediate French, German, Italian or Spanish Language
• Advanced French, German, Italian or Spanish Language I
• Advanced French, German, Italian or Spanish Language II
• How to Think in French
• Cinema of Germany
• Science, Perversion and Dream in Global Fantastic Literature
• Society, Thought and Art in Modern Europe
• Unity, Nationalism and Regionalism in Europe
• Political Classics
• Contemporary Strategy
• Global Politics and History
• British Government and Politics
• The Media and Politics
• Global Ecologies: Discourse, Environment and Society
• Children’s Books in France
• The First World War: Then and Now
• Glorification, Denial and Contempt – Reconstructing Austria's Past
• 'Apocalittici e integrati': Intellectuals and Society in Twentieth Century Italy
• One Country, Many Languages.
Linguistic Variety and Society in Contemporary Italy
• Modern and Contemporary Spanish Narratives
• Transatlantic Exchanges: Latin America in the Global Nineteenth Century
• Culture and Revolution in Modern Latin America

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Exams
• Assignments
• Practical work
• Oral presentations
• Class tests

Teaching:

The program is taught by experts from the Department of Languages and Cultures and the Department of Politics and International Relations. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Language classes
• Field trips

Careers:

Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in:

• Translation
• Teaching
• Business and finance
• The arts
• Marketing
• Government
• Political research
• Think tanks
• Non-governmental organizations
• Parliament
• Media
• Management consultancy
• Banking

Other:

• The program is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning to their career goals.
• Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a year.
• The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students:

£9,250

New international students:

£22,350

• UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law. EU student fees With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students. Year abroad fees If you spend a full year abroad, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. Additional Costs Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. Financial support for your studies You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs.