International Relations and Languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish)

Overview

Immerse yourself in global history, politics, language and culture. Understand the forces shaping how nations interact. Discover the role international relations plays in tackling the big issues facing society and the planet.

On this BA (Hons) International Relations and Languages degree, you’ll explore topics such as global migration, terrorism, climate change, the rise and fall of major powers, and global protest movements – and learn the skills needed to help enact change, shape opinions, and tackle inequality.

You’ll study a foreign language and spend a year abroad in a country and culture where your chosen language is spoken – and set yourself up for careers in international diplomacy, business, journalism, research and translation.

Course highlights

• Learn from staff at our Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), whose research impacts government policy

• Use our professional-grade conference interpreting suite and language labs

• Immerse yourself in the cultures of the country where your chosen language is spoken – in the classroom and on your work or study placement abroad in year 3

• Attend events and talks led by people working in NGOs, local, national and international government, and journalism

• Have the opportunity to take part in a Model United Nations as part of your course

• Go on field trips to locations such as the Houses of Parliament

• Create policy briefing papers offering recommendations to practitioners on major recent international issues, such as the Ukraine Crisis, the 'MeToo' movement, the rise of terrorist organisations and the Arab Revolutions, as part of a simulated ‘academic conference’

Careers and opportunities
The language skills you’ll gain can open up a world of opportunities: they’ll help you to work globally, and open up job opportunities across borders and cultures.

With technology continuing to develop at a frantic pace, there’s also an ever-increasing demand for graduates with the knowledge required to ensure new developments are ethical.

The analytical skills you’ll develop are in demand, too – your ability to understand complex issues and find solutions to them means that roles across government agencies, NGOs, charities, think tanks and international organisations are all within your reach.

When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills and cultural experience to work.

What can you do with an International Relations and Languages degree?

Graduates from this degree have gone on to careers in the following sectors:

• local and central government

• embassies

• non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• security services

• international organisations, like the United Nations (UN)

• international charities like Amnesty International or the Red Cross

• policy research and think tanks

• media and international business consultancy

• political risk analysis

• public relations

• voluntary organisations

• management

• banking and financial services

• tourism

What jobs can you do with an International Relations and Languages degree?

Recent graduates have gone on to roles including:

• bilingual consultant

• multilingual project coordinator

• translator

• political researcher, Houses of Parliament

• civil servant, the Cabinet Office

• senior policy advisor, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

• communications officer, House of Commons

• local government administrator, Government of Jersey

• public affairs consultant

• social researcher

• information officer

• conference producer

After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

The University of Portsmouth is passionate about creating career-focused modules that do more than support your studies, they empower your academic journey and prepare you for what comes next.

We design modules that have:

• Clear themes and skills development as you progress through each year
• Assessments that feel meaningful, often based on real-world tasks rather than isolated exams
• Career-enhancing opportunities such as placements, live projects, enterprise and volunteering

For a full list of the modules you will study on this course, please visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-international-relations-and-languages#modules

You’ll be assessed through:

• written exams
• practical exams
• coursework: essays, reports, case studies or book reviews
• projects
• oral presentations
• simulations, podcasts and creative videos

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:

Year 1 students: 15% by written exams, 26% by practical exams and 59% by coursework
Year 2 students: 15% by written exams, 3% by practical exams and 82% by coursework
Year 3 students: 100% by coursework
Year 4 students: 7% by written exams, 17% by practical exams and 76% by coursework