BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Language
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- LT29
- Entry Requirements
- ABB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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 course, 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 will 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?
Within UEA’s International Relations programme, this course is unique in offering you a year (rather than a semester) 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.
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, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Not accepted
- BTEC
- DDM. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC
- 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
- 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) for year 1 entry
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
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.
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:
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- Interviews
- Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. 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
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
You can start this course from beginner's level, from post-GCSE level or equivalent, as well as from post-A-Level or equivalent - the course is tailored to meet your level.
Native or near-native speakers can also apply for the French and/or Spanish degree programmes, but please note that the programme followed will be different from the one advertised. It is not possible to undertake a Japanese degree if you are a native or near-native speaker of Japanese.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
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
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
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
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
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