BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Language
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- LT29
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
In this globalised world, knowledge of a modern language is an increasingly important skill which greatly enhances your career prospects. And this knowledge is particularly relevant to a subject like international relations. On this International Relations and Modern Languages degree, you’ll hone your skills in French, Spanish or Japanese to graduate level, including a year spent abroad, while exploring the key issues and events in global politics today. Studying global politics and a language side by side isn’t just useful in terms of your future career: you’ll gain a particular insight into the culture of another country or region, helping you to understand issues of politics and policy from another perspective.
You’ll spend your third year in a country where your degree language is spoken. You’ll enhance your studies and boost your employability by studying or working abroad. This will be an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness, resourcefulness and flexibility along with your language skills. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your resilience, confidence, and ability to thrive in an international setting to future employers. During this year, you’ll deepen your experience of the language and culture by either studying at a local university, taking up a teaching assistantship or going on a suitable work placement. If you are studying Japanese, you'll attend one of our partner universities in Japan.
We have exchange links with many universities in France and Spain, as well as links with universities in Japan, Canada and Latin America.
You’ll be taught by academic staff who are active researchers and experts in their field. In the language part of your degree, you’ll develop and expand your ability to read, write, and communicate within your chosen language. In your international relations modules, you’ll learn, critique and debate different understandings of the key actors and issues within the world today. How important are states in a globalised world of transnational corporations, non-governmental organisations, and international organisations, for example? What role does war and military power play within today’s international system? And how do we address shared challenges from terrorism to climate change, migration, or poverty and underdevelopment?
This course offers you a year abroad to perfect your language skills. Students of French and Spanish will be able to choose whether to spend the year abroad at a university or in a work placement, or both. Students of Japanese will study at a partner university in Japan.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Students of French and Spanish will spend your third year abroad at a partner university, or in a work placement, or both. Students of Japanese will study at a partner university in Japan. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your knowledge of a particular country and culture.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your International Relations and languages degree will begin with an overview of the key questions and debates within the discipline of international relations. You’ll explore different ways of thinking about the world, from liberalism to Marxism to feminism. You’ll also explore different understandings of key issues within global politics, from war, conflict and security through to issues around emerging powers, global justice, poverty and migration. At the same time, you’ll spend time in classes developing your knowledge of your chosen modern language. This will improve your understanding of, and confidence in, your ability to read, write and communicate to a degree level.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Throughout your degree, you’ll be taught in a range of environments from traditional lectures through to small-group seminars where you’ll debate your week’s work. Our teaching is focused, interactive and up to date with events around the world. You’ll learn crucial skills such as how to summarise and analyse information, how to develop and criticise arguments and how to speak in public. At the same time, you’ll learn about the world of global politics. You'll develop your language skills via a combination of seminars and oral classes, workshops, as well as guest lectures where you’ll be taught by leading language and communication specialists and scholars.
In your first year, you’ll learn about the foundations of global politics, key concepts and topical debates, setting you up for your second year. You'll develop your reading, writing and listening skills.
Independent Learning
You’ll prepare for your weekly teaching with a series of guided tasks, such as preparing answers to seminar questions, or completing small weekly writing tasks which will help you to develop key study skills. You'll also complete longer assessments like essays, presentations and projects.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level, with some group assessment. These include essays and other written assessments including mini-essays and critical summaries of around 500 words, literature reviews or reading logs.
Structure
As you progress in your degree, you'll continue to expand your theoretical and methodological grasp of the field of International Relations. You'll also be guided in choosing a specialism by taking modules that focus on more specific topics or regions of the world. This allows you to help shape your expertise around those things about which you are most passionate.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You'll move beyond the foundations to explore different areas of domestic and global politics, both geographically and theoretically. You’ll have more opportunities to speak in front of your peers and tutors, developing key skills. You'll also continue to develop your core language skills.
Independent Learning
You'll write longer pieces and start to develop your own research skills and areas of interest. You’ll have the opportunity to take modules with a range of different assessments including writing policy briefs, reflective essays or literature reviews.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
As you progress through your degree, you can choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. The majority of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. Students will also have the opportunity to take modules involving assessment by presentation, group projects, including group presentations, and a range of new types of writing including policy briefs, reports and select committee submissions.
You must pass your year abroad, but your final degree classification depends on your marks from your second and final years.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year abroad on a study or work placement in one or two countries where your chosen language or languages are spoken. This will greatly develop and enhance both your linguistic and cultural confidence, allowing you to think more like a native speaker.
So how does this work?
- You spend your third year abroad and return for the final year.
- If you are taking French, you can study in one of our partner universities in France, Canada, Switzerland or Reunion Island.
- If you are taking Spanish, you can study in one of our partner universities in Spain, Mexico, Uruguay or Chile.
- If you are studying French and/or Spanish, you have the option to spend your semester/year working abroad instead of studying at a university.
- If you choose to work abroad, you are responsible for organising and securing your own work placement(s), which need academic approval. We can provide advice on employment opportunities based on the experiences of previous students and our close relationships with organisations in France, Spain, Argentina, Mexico and Peru.
- Japanese language students normally study in one of our partner universities in Japan.
- If you are taking two of French, Spanish or Japanese from A level, you'll normally split the year between two countries where those languages are spoken.
- If you are taking one of your degree languages from below A level, you'll normally spend your entire year abroad in the country of the weaker language. It is strongly recommended that you follow at least some modules in the stronger language in your university placement and/or spend the summer working or studying in the country of the other language. We can provide support and advice on this.
- You must remain abroad in approved activities for at least seven months in total. The approved period of residence abroad will normally coincide with UEA’s academic year and must begin no later than October.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
If you’re studying French or Spanish, you’ll have the option of taking up a teaching assistantship in Europe or a work placement, of doing voluntary work in an NGO, or of studying at one of our many partner universities. If you’re studying French, you’ll also have the opportunity to apply to attend the prestigious Faculté de Traduction et d’Interprétation in Geneva or the Institut de Management et de Communication Interculturels (ISIT) in Paris.
If you’re studying Japanese, you’ll spend your time abroad studying at one of our Japanese partner universities.
Assessment
You’ll spend a year abroad. You must pass your year abroad, but your final degree classification depends on your marks from your second and final years.
Structure
You’ll become increasingly independent in your learning, and you'll write an individual dissertation or group research project on a topic you’ve chosen, under the guidance of an academic expert. You’ll also have the chance to kick-start your career with employability skills, an internship or work placement, as well as specifically dedicated career events.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your fourth year is about specialisation: focusing on the topics that you want to explore. When you write your dissertation or group research project, you’ll select your own topic, question and methodology, guided by one of our experts. You'll also have the opportunity to be able to develop other skills, such as writing policy briefings, research papers or submissions to select committees. You’ll build upon your time abroad to achieve fluency in your chosen language.
Independent Learning
By year four, you'll be able to develop, research and present your own ideas on international politics. This will include writing a dissertation or research project on a topic of your choosing, under the supervision of an academic expert.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 20%
- Independent Learning: 80%
Assessment
Your main project will be writing a dissertation or group project. You'll select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- BTEC
- DDM Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
- Contextual Offer
A Level - BBC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma - DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE. You are also required to have a modern language at Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM. Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level. Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
Extended Certificiate: D plus BB at A-Level. Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills for a range of careers. These might include working for different political organisations such as international agencies, parliaments or political parties. You could work with charities, non-government organisations (NGOs), think-tanks, universities or other research organisations, or even with bodies like the civil or diplomatic service or armed forces. You could also go into business, marketing, media, and teaching, as well as translation or interpreting. Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a postgraduate degree.
To help you make the transition from student to working life, our Careers Service organises a range of popular events, such as Working in Politics and Government, Working in Charities and NGOs, and Working in Westminster and Whitehall. Here you’ll have the chance to make valuable contacts and get advice and insights from successful UEA alumni.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- International organisations
- Political careers, such as working in Parliament
- Charities and NGOs
- Think tanks and other research careers
- Civil service
- Translation
Discover more on our Careers webpages.