COURSE CURRICULUM

The Modern Languages and Politics BA is a four-year joint honours degree that combines advanced language study with a thorough understanding of politics. In the first year, students take compulsory modules that develop essential research and academic skills in politics, providing a foundation for future study. In the second year, students build on this foundation through modules that develop political research abilities and explore political theory, alongside options covering topics such as UK politics, political systems in other countries, and broader policy areas. Language study runs alongside politics, allowing students to reach a professional standard in their chosen language through intensive modules and a compulsory year abroad, typically in the third year, where students immerse themselves in the culture, society, and language of their host country. Beginners focus on rapidly building their language skills, while advanced learners consolidate and broaden their abilities. Cultural studies complement language learning, covering literature, cinema, popular culture, history, and politics. In the final year, students take a compulsory language module and undertake a Final Year Project in either politics or their chosen language, with opportunities to select specialist modules and enhance professional language skills through translation, interpreting, or business-focused language courses. Graduates leave equipped with analytical, linguistic, and intercultural expertise, ready for careers in international relations, politics, diplomacy, translation, and other global fields.