International Relations with Modern Languages with a Year in Industry

As technology, transport, and a complex international economy make our world smaller, the value of peaceful and cooperative relationships between nations is increasingly important.

International relations are a vital aspect of citizenship in a global society, and our BA International Relations with Modern Languages degree is one of the most important degree programmes we offer.

This interesting area of study explores globalisation and global institutions, development and human rights, International and regional politics, peace and conflict, political economy, security studies and strategic studies and you will learn how power, institutions and laws affect our day-to-day lives.

You will also study a language at either advanced (post-A level) or beginners’ level - French, Spanish or German - as well as vocational modules in both translation and your language of study for the world of work.

The third year of this 4-year course with a Year in Industry will be spent on placement. You will have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience and develop your employability skill set. We have a strong network of industry contacts, and you will receive dedicated support from our in-house employability team.

Modern Languages at Swansea is ranked:
• 1st in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
• 1st for Learning Opportunities (NSS 2024)
• 2nd for Teaching (NSS 2024)
• 2nd for Student Voice (NSS 2024)
• 5th in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2025)

This is a flexible degree offering a wide range of specialist modules that allow you to tailor your future career goals while developing your individual interests:

• You will study the rich diversity of the language and will be taught by innovative experts who have strong national and international links.
• You will gain excellent oral and writing skills and will develop strong research and analytical skills.
• To enhance your study and career prospects you will have the opportunity to spend a year abroad in where you can study at a university, teach in a school or work in a business.
• In your final year, you have the invaluable opportunity to opt for a place on the Welsh Assembly Placement Scheme and undertake the Parliamentary Studies Module with visiting speakers and trips to the House of Commons.

Our graduates are employed all around the world and enter careers including: Education, Government and politics, Humanitarian organisations, Business, Media and public relations plus Law and public services Our students have also gained employment working for organisations such as: Westminster Forum Projects, Labour Party, Price Waterhouse Coopers

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
Introduction to International Relations, War and Peace in the Nuclear Age, Critical Reasoning, Fundamental Issues in Philosophy

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
Anarchy and Order: Theories in International Relations, Globalisation, The History of Political Thought, Global Summit Simulation, Contemporary Wars and Conflicts

You will have the opportunity to spend a year in industry between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experience.

In your final year you will complete an independent dissertation project or you have the competitive option of undertaking a work placement module with the Sennedd Cymru/ Welsh Parliament.

You will also complete a compulsory group work project plus optional modules chosen from a wide variety of subject areas including:
The Russian Civil War, Philosophy, Capitalism and Justice, Clear and Present Danger: America and Terrorism, Digital Futures, Global Environmental Politics, Africa in International Relations

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching.

Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.