Humanities Shoot; 17th June 2019

UCAS code

LR29

Mode of Study

Full-time with year abroad

Duration

4 years full-time with a year abroad

Start date

September 2023, September 2024

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
  • Be a diplomat for a day on our Model United Nations event 
  • 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’

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) International Relations and Languages degree entry requirements

Typical offers

  • A levels – ABB–BBC
  • UCAS points – 112–128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T levels – Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
  • International Baccalaureate – 25

You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Typical offers

  • A levels – ABB–BBC
  • UCAS points – 112-128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels – Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
  • International Baccalaureate – 25–26

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Humanities Shoot; 17th June 2019

Languages you can study 

You’ll:

  • Study one language from French, German, or Spanish (spoken by a combined 1,930 billion people worldwide, as of 2021) at either beginner or post A level or equivalent; or Chinese (Mandarin) at beginner level only
  • Have the opportunity to study a second language – such as Arabic, Japanese and British Sign Language (BSL) – in year 2 of your degree and for interest outside your degree in the first and final year

Why study International Relations?

Hear from our students about why they love studying international relations. Learn more about the variety of subjects, your career opportunities and what makes the University of Portsmouth special.

Dr Aishling Mc Morrow: International relations is how states interact in the international system. As you can imagine, it's really broad and we look at many different topics and issues within that. It's not just states that we look at: it's non-governmental organisations, it's terrorist organisations and how they all interplay and interact with each other to make up this thing, that is the international system. 

India: I wanted to study this course because I've always had an interest in politics, and I felt that this course would provide me with opportunities to expand that knowledge while also gaining a greater global perspective on political issues. 

Samantha: I had my 'aha' moment when I actually came to Portsmouth and my foundation programme was law with international relations because I wasn't sure which one I wanted to do. I actually spoke to a lecturer, and I was like, "Should I do IR or should I change to law?" and it was her passion for me that really sold me and I really found myself identifying with it, and then that's when I knew like, "okay, this is it". 

Dr Aishling Mc Morrow: I think what students are attracted to is the variety of the course. So one day you could be studying conflict and security, and then the next day you might be studying development aid. Which are polar opposites, and they're different worlds, but you get to do that within your course. 

Samantha: It teaches you to see people from another perspective and I think that's really important, not just in diplomacy, but in everyday life. 

Joshua: The modules, they're so broad and vast so people can find their niches within that. So there you can find, "okay, this is what I stand for." 

Dr Aishling Mc Morrow: There are a lot of career opportunities. We have students working with the U.N. High Commissioner of Refugees, working in the House of Congress in the U.S. and working as researchers with Parliament in the U.K. 

Johannes: I don't think I picked Portsmouth, I think Portsmouth picked me. This course really motivates me in this way to just go the extra mile, really do the reading, turn up and just invest my time and energy. 

Dr Aishling Mc Morrow: The reason why I think students should study and come to the University of Portsmouth is because what our courses enable our students to do, is look at the events that's happening in the world today and have the ability to process them and critically analyse them and to question the information that's put in front of them. 

Aleksandra: Ever since I've started to study International Relations I've completely fallen in love with it. First, when I got to my seminars or lectures, I felt like Alice in Wonderland exploring the world from completely different angles I would never think about before and that's what got me. 

Careers and opportunities

The British Council has stated that "an understanding of other cultures and languages will continue to be important for successful international relationships at all levels" (Languages for the Future, 2017). 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
  • assistant to Member 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 

Placement year (optional)

After your second year, you'll do a year abroad based in one or more countries where your chosen language is spoken. 

This enables you to build linguistic and cultural fluency, and also provides an opportunity to study abroad and/or gain valuable longer-term work experience in international development. 

We'll give you all the support you need to find a work or study abroad placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

We have links with universities and employers in countries and regions including: 

  • China 
  • France 
  • Germany 
  • Italy 
  • Latin America 
  • Spain 

We also have partnerships with the British Senegalese Institute and development organisations in Dakar, which provides opportunities for work placements in Senegal on your year abroad. 

We’ll help you secure a study or work placement that fits your aspirations, and you’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

International Relations and Politics research at the University of Portsmouth

Ed Stoddard, Reader in International Security, explains how cutting-edge research like his (into the changing character of warfare) informs our courses and talks about some of the career opportunities this course can lead to.

Ed Stoddard: So the research I do here at the University is focused on the changing character of warfare.

Over the last few years I've been particularly focusing on questions to do with terrorism and violent extremism in the West African region, especially around the Lake Chad area.

And we use that research and distribute it at conferences and events with policymakers, both here in the UK, but also in West Africa as well. Armed conflicts are so destructive and, you know, I think it's incumbent on us as researchers who work in this area to try and think of ways they can be avoided, of course, in the first instance.

But if, when those armed conflicts do happen, try and think of measures that we can put in place to reduce their impact.

So the research connects with students here in a number of different ways. It supports the work they do in terms of their dissertations, but also directly into the modules that they study.

You know, our research, once we've done it and we've written the papers and we've publish the outputs, that gets then translated into the lectures that we deliver. So they will be directly learning and benefiting from that research that we've done out in the field in their studies and contributing to their degree.

There's a really broad range of different career opportunities that are available to students. The Foreign Office, the Civil Service and more broadly, the Ministry of Defence.

But also we have students who go to international organisations, NGOs, charities that work internationally in conflict zones, and we also have quite a lot of students who go into various research roles and risk analysis roles.

Portsmouth is a really exciting and vibrant city and the university is literally at the heart of the city. I think also the university has a really strong focus on student support and a really strong focus on teaching quality.

And I know that my colleagues spend very considerable amount of that time working to make sure that the experience for Portsmouth students is a really brilliant one. And I think those are some of the key reasons why students who are here really enjoy their degrees.

 

What you'll study on this BA (Hons) International Relations and Languages degree

Modules

Core modules in this year include:

  • Key Themes in International Relations – 20 credits
  • Political Thought – 20 credits
  • Professional Practice: Skills for Academic and Professional Success – 40 credits
  • Either:
    • Grade 1 and 2 General Language, plus Grade 1 and 2 Language in Use (beginners) – 20 credits each
    • General Language Grade 3, plus Language Project (post A level) – 20 credits each

Core modules in this year include:

  • Bending the Truth a Little? Researching Politics and International Relations – 20 credits
  • International Thought – 20 credits
  • Either:
    • General Language (Grade 3 and 4) – 20 credits each
    • General Language (Grade 4) and Language for Professional Communication 1 – 20 credits each

Optional modules in this year include:

  • A History of US Foreign Policy: From the Great War to 9/11 – 20 credits
  • Analysing Foreign Policy - 20 credits
  • Autocracy and Democracy - 20 credits
  • Development and Democracy in Latin America – 20 credits
  • East Asian States and Societies – 20 credits
  • Empire and Its Afterlives in Britain, Europe, and Africa – 20 credits
  • Engaged Citizenship in Humanities and Social Sciences - 20 credits
  • Global Security - 20 credits
  • Intercultural Perspectives on Communication – 20 credits
  • Introduction to Professional Language Services - 20 credits
  • Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
  • Introduction to Translation – 20 credits
  • Marketing and Communication - 20 credits
  • Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
  • Modernity and Globalisation - 20 credits
  • Nationalism and Migration: Chaos, Crisis and the Everyday - 20 credits
  • News, Discourse and Media - 20 credits
  • Principles of Economic Crime Investigation - 20 credits
  • Professional Experience L5 – 20 credits
  • Rethinking Nazi Germany: Politics, History, Society – 20 credits
  • Space, Place and Being - 20 credits
  • Transitional Justice and Human Rights - 20 credits
  • Wildlife Crime: Threats and Response - 20 credits

In your third year, you'll spend a year in a country where the main language you're studying is spoken.

On your year abroad, you can study at a university or organise a work placement, depending on your chosen language. In some cases, you may be able to do a combination of study and work.

We'll help you secure a study or work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You'll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Core modules in this year include:

  • Security Challenges in the Twenty-First Century - 20 credits
  • Translation Theory and Practice - 20 credits

Optional modules in this year include:

  • France in the World: Global Actor or Global Maverick? – 20 credits
  • French General Language Grade 6 - 20 credits
  • German General Language Grade 6 - 20 credits
  • Global Capitalism: Past, Present and Future – 20 credits
  • Global Health – 20 credits
  • Independent Project - 20 credits
  • International Security in the Asia-Pacific - 20 credits
  • Interpreting 1 – 20 credits
  • Interpreting 2 – 20 credits
  • Mandarin General Language Grade 6 - 20 credits
  • NGOs and Social Movements - 20 credits
  • Politics and Culture of the Hispanic World in 20th Century Literature And Film – 20 credits
  • Professional Development: Recruiters and Candidates – 20 credits
  • Professional Experience L6 - 20 credits
  • Religion and Politics in Global Perspective - 20 credits
  • Research Project - 20 credits
  • Spanish General Language Grade 6 - 20 credits
  • The European Union: A Global Power in the Making? - 20 credits

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed.  This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.

What is the Academic Enrichment Programme?

As part of this course, you'll have the chance to take part in our Academic Enrichment Programme (AEP) - an interactive set of workshops, seminars, employability events and other activities, including our Model United Nations. Here's what the AEP is all about.

Melita Lazell: The Academic Enrichment Programme is a programme of events that sits alongside the students' normal academic classes, including the model 'United Nations', an annual student conference, alumni coming in and telling students about their experience in the workplace. Quite often these seminars and also the events are run by the students themselves. 

Alex: The events of what's happening in the future career and they will definitely give me that positive boost that I will be looking for and the different skills that they're able to bring and offer me. 

Melita Lazell: The Academic Enrichment Programme events are really connected to the degree courses that the students are doing. 

Aleksandia: I think that this is a brilliant opportunity to test yourself in discussion, arguments and the statements you're making and to critical thinking. 

Simao: Today, I attended the jobs in the EU after Brexit and I found it really interesting. 

Alex: I learnt what sort of links I could use and what sorts of contacts I could go to in order to find those particular jobs and places and what skills are employers looking for generally on a day to day basis, so I'm really happy with the experience that I've had so far. 

Aleksandia: The University is all about planning. If you've got the schedule and if you give yourself some time for your activities that's going to enrich you beyond the University, beyond the assessments you're doing, beyond the lectures you're going to and seminars you're attending, this is what helps you to develop yourself, your professional skills and knowledge as well. 

Husnain: Many students should definitely consider the Academic Enrichment Programme because not only is it a huge investment in their potential career and their time, but it's a brilliant way for them to really consolidate their learning in a way where they're leading the investigation. 

Melita Lazell: They can actually be involved in organising the events in inviting speakers, they could sit on a panel themselves to debate a particular topic, and we get really great feedback from students about the Academic Enrichment Programme. 

How you're assessed

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.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • independent study
  • work placement
  • group work and debates

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a web connection.

Teaching staff profiles

User profile default icon

Miss Janet Bryant

Principal Lecturer

Janet.Bryant@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Read more

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your BA Hons International Relations and Languages degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 11 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting your learning

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • Understanding and using assignment feedback
  • Managing your time and workload
  • Revision and exam techniques

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • Academic writing
  • Note taking
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking
  • Presentation skills
  • Referencing
  • Working in groups
  • Revision, memory and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees (2023 start)

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Tuition fees (2024 start)

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £18,100 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional costs

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

 

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

You'll need to pay full costs towards the optional study trip. This will cost around £250–£600.

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in September 2023, please apply through Clearing.

Got your results? Apply online now

Alternatively, call our Clearing Hotline on +44 (0)23 9284 8074 or visit our Clearing Hub to chat with us online.

Our Clearing Hotline is open:

  • 9am–5pm Monday to Thursday
  • 9am–4pm Fridays 
  • 8am–8pm Thursday 17 August (A Level/T level results day) 
  • 8am–7pm Friday 18 August 
  • 10am–3pm Saturday 19 August 

Waiting for your results?

Visit our Clearing Hub for the latest information and to request a results day call back.

International students

We welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.

Applying for year 2 or 3

If you've already completed part of this course with us or another university and would like to apply for the second or third year, use our online application form.

To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – LR29
  • our institution code – P80

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.