International Relations and Modern Languages

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Modern Languages at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education that combines the study of global politics, international diplomacy, and contemporary international issues with the acquisition of proficiency in one or more modern languages. This dynamic programme is designed to prepare students for international careers by fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and language skills essential for engaging effectively in our increasingly interconnected world. Throughout the course, students will explore key topics such as international security, global governance, conflict resolution, human rights, and economic development, gaining a nuanced understanding of complex global processes. The programme emphasizes practical skills, including diplomatic communication, policy analysis, and intercultural competence, enabling graduates to operate confidently within international organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, and multinational corporations. Additionally, students have the opportunity to study a modern language in-depth, such as French, Spanish, or Arabic, which enhances their employability and intercultural dialogue capabilities. The curriculum combines theoretical approaches with practical applications, encouraging students to undertake research projects, internships, and study abroad semesters to deepen their understanding of international relations in diverse contexts. The University of Essex provides a vibrant academic environment with modern facilities, dedicated faculty members, and strong links with industry and international institutions. Graduates from this programme will be well-equipped to pursue careers in diplomacy, international development, journalism, or further academic research, contributing to the global community with informed perspectives and linguistic proficiency. The programme aims not only to develop specialists in international affairs and languages but also to nurture globally minded citizens capable of making a positive impact across borders and cultures.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. In your first, second and final years you take two compulsory modules and two optional language modules. You spend your third year abroad. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Advanced Italian;
Italian Professional and Multimedia Skills; and
two language options

Year 2

Proficiency Level Italian;
Italian Cinema and Culture; and
two language options

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Mastery Level Italian;
Italian Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills; and
two language options Mastery Level Italian;
Italian Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills; and
two language options

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
• If French or Portuguese is taken as the major language, A-level French or Portuguese/Spanish (or equivalent) is required. German, Italian and Spanish can be studied as the major language either from scratch, via our intensive route, or via our post A-level route. All languages can be studied from scratch as the minor language.
• If you are interested in studying a language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact our Undergraduate Admissions Office.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

At the University of Essex, the International Relations and Modern Languages program offers students a comprehensive education that combines the study of international politics, diplomacy, and global issues with the mastery of one or more foreign languages. This interdisciplinary program is designed to equip students with critical analytical skills, cultural awareness, and linguistic proficiency, preparing them for careers in international organizations, government, media, or further academic research. Throughout the course, students explore key themes such as international security, human rights, global economic governance, and regional conflicts, while also developing advanced language skills in their chosen modern language, which may include French, Spanish, German, or other options. The program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging internship placements, language exchanges, and participation in study abroad opportunities, thereby enhancing practical expertise and intercultural competence. Students also gain research skills through coursework and dissertation projects, preparing them for professional or academic pursuits. The university’s diverse faculty include experts in international relations, diplomacy, and language studies, providing students with mentoring and specialized knowledge. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and interactive modules, integrating theoretical frameworks with real-world applications. By the end of the program, graduates possess a nuanced understanding of international dynamics and are proficient in a modern language, empowering them to operate confidently in multinational and multicultural environments. The program’s structure allows flexibility for students to tailor their studies according to their interests, including options for specializing further in security studies, European politics, or linguistic areas. The university's strong links with diplomatic institutions, international NGOs, and research centers offer excellent networking and employment opportunities. Overall, the International Relations and Modern Languages program at the University of Essex aims to develop globally-minded graduates with the skills necessary to navigate and influence the complex world of international affairs.