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Politics and International Relations at UEA
Find out more about studying Politics and International Relations at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (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 2026
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
5th
UEA is ranked 5th overall for research quality in Area Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis86th
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Our BA International Relations and Modern Language degree combines linguistic fluency with deep political insight—creating a powerful skillset for navigating global challenges.
International Relations explores how nations interact, how global institutions function, and how transnational challenges are addressed across borders. When paired with advanced language skills, you gain unique advantages: you'll not only understand the theories and structures of global politics but also see international issues through different cultural perspectives.
You'll develop professional-level competency in your chosen language while exploring fascinating questions about our changing world: How do multinational corporations and NGOs challenge traditional state power? What drives conflicts and cooperation between nations? How might we address shared challenges like climate change and economic inequality?
The transformative heart of your degree is your year abroad, living and studying in a country where your chosen language is spoken. This immersive experience develops genuine fluency alongside cultural intelligence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that classroom learning alone can’t provide. Our established partnerships with universities across France, Spain, Japan, Canada, and Latin America ensure strong support throughout this crucial year.
You'll learn from academics who actively shape policy debates while refining your language skills with specialist teachers. Throughout your degree, you'll develop a distinctive combination of analytical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and practical experience that employers highly value.
Our graduates thrive in diverse careers spanning diplomatic service, international journalism, translation, global business, humanitarian work, and cultural exchange. The ability to analyse complex situations while communicating effectively across cultures opens doors in virtually every sector—preparing you to make meaningful contributions in our globalised society.
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Year Abroad
If your chosen language is French and Spanish, you’ll spend your third year abroad at a partner university, or in a work placement, or both. If your chosen language is Japanese, you’ll study at a partner university in Japan. This will be 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 Modern 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 and 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
Important Information
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
From the first year of 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. 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 in your chosen language.
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 assessments. These include essays and other written assessments, including mini-essays and critical summaries, 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 such as Latin America, the US, Europe or the Asia-Pacific. This allows you to shape your expertise around those things about which you're most passionate.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional G Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
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. You’ll 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.
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’re taking French, you can study in one of our partner universities in France, Canada, Switzerland or the Reunion Island.
- If you’re taking Spanish, you can study in one of our partner universities in Spain, Mexico, Uruguay or Chile.
- If you’re 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’re 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’re 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’re 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's 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
Important Information
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, or doing voluntary work in an NGO, or 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
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)Important Information
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.
Employability
After the Course
Your combination of language fluency and international relations expertise will open doors across diverse sectors. Our graduates pursue rewarding careers in political organizations, international agencies, NGOs, think-tanks, civil service, diplomacy, business, media, education, and translation. Many also advance to postgraduate study to further specialize.
To ease your transition into professional life, our Careers Service hosts targeted networking events like "Working in Politics and Government" and "Working in Charities and NGOs," connecting you with successful alumni who offer invaluable advice and industry insights from their own career journeys.
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.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- Language Entry Levels
You can start this course from beginner's level, from post-GCSE level or equivalent, as well as from A-Level or equivalent - the course is tailored to meet your level.
- Native and Near-native Speakers
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.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We also require GCSE grade 5 or B in any Modern Language, or equivalent qualification.
- Contextual Offers
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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit. We accept: Any subject is acceptable.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BA Modern Language with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include 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.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- Language Entry Levels
You can start this course from beginner's level, from post-GCSE level or equivalent, as well as from A-Level or equivalent - the course is tailored to meet your level.
- Native and Near-native Speakers
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.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We also require GCSE grade 5 or B in any Modern Language, or equivalent qualification.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- 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):
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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, UEA International Study Centre 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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- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include 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.
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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: