Politics, International Studies and Italian BA

This isn’t a degree where you just sit in lectures and memorise theory — Warwick makes sure you’re constantly applying what you learn. From the start, you’ll be working in small seminar groups, debating ideas, giving presentations, and using Italian in real conversations. By the time you head abroad to Italy, you’ll already feel confident enough to thrive in a completely different culture. On top of that, the university’s learning spaces and resources are designed to keep you engaged, whether you’re studying alone, working on a group project, or practising your language skills with classmates.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

• A year in Italy: You’ll spend either your second or third year living and studying at one of Warwick’s partner universities — places like Florence, Bologna or Rome — or doing a work placement. It’s the most exciting part of the course because you don’t just learn Italian, you live it.

• Hands-on language learning: Your Italian classes go way beyond grammar. You’ll be doing debates, creative writing, translations, and group oral work, so the language becomes something you use, not just study.

• Interactive politics modules: Political theory and international studies are taught through a mix of lectures and seminars, where you’ll analyse real-world issues and debate with peers — building confidence to defend your views.

• Group projects and presentations: Many modules include collaborative work, helping you practise teamwork and communication skills that employers look for.

• Cutting-edge facilities: You’ll have access to Warwick’s modern Learning Grids, the Oculus teaching centre, and the main Library — all designed to support both independent study and group collaboration.

• One-to-one support: Every student has a personal tutor and gets regular feedback, especially in language modules, so you know exactly how to improve as you go.

This degree opens doors to careers that need sharp thinkers who can work across cultures. Many of our graduates step into roles like diplomats or policy advisors, international NGO and charity workers, public affairs or communications officers, or journalists and media professionals. Others move into the private sector, using their political insight and language skills in banking, consultancy, or market research.

Here’s how Warwick helps you get there:

• You’ll have access to a dedicated Senior Careers Consultant in Politics and International Studies (PAIS) who runs tailored workshops, one-to-one sessions, and helps with internships.

• Warwick graduates from this course are in demand — with a median starting salary of around £29,000 just 15 months after graduation, rising to £32,000 after 3 years and up to £45,000+ after 5 years.

• Alumni have gone on to exciting employers including the United Nations, BBC, Houses of Parliament, OECD, Lloyds Banking Group, and Human Rights Watch.

• Your degree carries long-term credibility as it’s awarded by Warwick, a Russell Group university. The combination of political expertise and fluency in Italian makes you stand out in competitive job markets.

• About 80% of graduates go into “highly skilled” roles within 15 months, proving the degree gives you a strong professional edge.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to keep studying, many graduates progress to master’s degrees in International Relations, Public Policy, European Studies, or Translation Studies. Others take the academic route with MPhil or PhD research, while some pursue professional qualifications in journalism, diplomacy, or cultural studies.