COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in International Relations with Language at Sussex offers a comprehensive understanding of global politics alongside the opportunity to study a language, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in international relations, diplomacy, and global organisations. In the first year, students build a foundation in international relations, exploring global issues, the rise of the modern international order, classical and contemporary political thought, and the local and global dimensions of international affairs. Alongside these core modules, students begin language study at a level suited to their proficiency, choosing from Arabic, British Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish. In the second year, students deepen their theoretical and practical understanding through modules in contemporary international theory, international political economy, war in international politics, humanitarianism, security and insecurity, and foreign policy, while continuing language progression. The third year focuses on independent research through the BA dissertation and offers a wide range of advanced modules examining global development, decolonial movements, the politics of armed groups, Islam and global politics, and global health, complemented by higher-level language study. This interdisciplinary approach develops analytical, communication, and intercultural skills, preparing graduates to engage with complex international challenges and pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations, policy research, and related fields.