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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of SouthamptonIf you’re passionate about languages and curious about how politics shapes our world, this degree is the perfect blend of both. The BA Modern Languages and Politics lets you become fluent in French, German, or Spanish while exploring big questions about power, democracy, migration, and global change — preparing you for an international career where communication and critical thinking are key.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Build strong foundations
Your first year sets you up for success. You’ll develop your language skills from day one through modules like Introduction to French and Francophone Studies (or the equivalent in German or Spanish) and Language Acquisition. At the same time, you’ll dive into politics through courses such as Comparative Politics, Engaging Political Ideas, and Introduction to International Relations, which give you a solid grounding in how governments, ideologies, and global institutions work.
Year 2 – Explore deeper connections
In your second year, you’ll start connecting language and politics on a deeper level. Choose from modules such as Theorising International Relations, International Security and Climate Change, or Political Thinkers to broaden your political understanding. On the language side, you’ll explore culture, history, and linguistics in greater depth and prepare for your year abroad with Managing Research and Learning, which builds research skills and academic confidence.
Year 3 – Live and learn abroad
This is often the highlight of the degree: a full year abroad. You’ll spend time in a country where your chosen language is spoken, either studying at a partner university, completing a work placement, or teaching. This real-world immersion massively boosts your language skills, cultural awareness, and independence. Throughout the year, you’ll compile a Residence Abroad Portfolio, linking your academic learning to your on-the-ground experience.
Year 4 – Specialise and showcase your expertise
In your final year, you’ll return to Southampton ready to focus on what inspires you most. You might study topics like Ethics and Politics of Migration, European Security Governance, or Globalisation and World Politics, and you’ll complete a major piece of independent work — either a dissertation in Politics and International Relations or a specialist language project. By the end, you’ll have a portfolio of skills and knowledge that employers value highly.
Focus areas: Politics and international relations, translation and intercultural communication, global issues and governance, political theory, European and world studies
Learning outcomes: Confident communication in your chosen language, the ability to analyse complex political systems, advanced research and writing skills, and cultural agility — all essential for international careers
Professional alignment (accreditation): This degree meets rigorous UK higher education quality standards, ensuring your qualification is respected worldwide.
Reputation (employability rankings): Southampton is ranked among the UK’s top 20 universities for graduate employability. According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey, 91% of graduates are working or in further study within 15 months, with 79% in highly skilled roles...
Studying Modern Languages & Politics at Southampton is about much more than lectures — it’s about stepping into the world of language, culture, and global politics through real experiences. From day one, you’ll practise the languages you’re learning in authentic settings, debate political ideas in workshops, and apply theory to real-world situations. The program is designed to build your confidence, cultural awareness, and professional skills by putting you at the centre of the learning process.
One of the most transformative parts of the degree is the year abroad. Whether you choose to study at a partner university, work in a professional placement, or teach a language overseas, this experience lets you immerse yourself fully in the culture and politics of another country while sharpening your language skills. Back on campus, you’ll benefit from Southampton’s impressive range of facilities, interactive projects, and research spaces that make learning dynamic and hands-on:
Year abroad experience – Spend your third year studying, working, or teaching abroad while completing a Residence Abroad Portfolio that captures your linguistic growth and cultural insights.
Specialist language labs and digital resources – Use the latest software, satellite TV, media archives, and interactive tools in dedicated language resource rooms to strengthen your listening, speaking, and translation skills.
Centre for Linguistics and Language Research (CLLEAR) – Get involved in innovative research on language learning, discourse, and communication, helping you understand how languages shape societies.
Social Sciences Experimental Laboratory – Explore political behaviour and decision-making through real experiments and data analysis in this state-of-the-art facility.
Group projects and collaborative work – Many modules include teamwork projects and debates, helping you develop essential communication and problem-solving skills valued by employers.
Independent research and dissertation – Undertake an original research project in your final year that blends language, culture, and politics, preparing you for future careers or postgraduate study.
Access to rich archives and libraries – Dive into the Hartley Library’s special collections, including political papers and historical documents, perfect for deepening your research.
Avenue Campus and language centres – Learn in purpose-built lecture theatres and language labs, with six computing suites and a dedicated library focused on linguistics and cultural studies.
These experiences are woven into your degree so you don’t just learn about languages and politics — you live them. By the time you graduate, you’ll have practical skills, international experience, and the confidence to thrive in careers across diplomacy, international organisations, media, education, and beyond.
A degree in Modern Languages & Politics from Southampton opens doors to exciting international careers where communication and cultural understanding truly matter. With advanced language skills, political insight, and a global outlook, our graduates are sought after in diplomacy, government, NGOs, business, and media. Typical career paths include roles such as diplomatic officer, policy adviser, international communications specialist, and translation or cultural liaison expert — and many graduates quickly progress into leadership positions.
What makes Southampton stand out is the way we prepare you for life after university. From day one, you’ll have access to tailored support and real opportunities that give you a head start in the job market:
Career support from day one – Our Careers and Employability Service works with you throughout your degree and for up to three years after graduation, helping you secure internships, build your CV, and prepare for interviews.
Strong graduate outcomes – Around 94% of Southampton humanities and languages graduates are employed or pursuing further study within six months of finishing their degree.
Impressive salary potential – Politics graduates earn an average of £28,000 within 15 months of graduating, with many exceeding £30,000+ as they progress in their careers. Language graduates follow close behind with an average of £25,500 in the same period.
Powerful industry connections – We connect students with major organisations like PwC, Rolls-Royce, and Formula 1, alongside NGOs, cultural institutions, and government bodies, giving you valuable exposure to real employers.
A degree with lasting value – Southampton is ranked among the UK’s top universities for linguistics and language studies, and employers recognise the long-term value of a Southampton degree.
Diverse career destinations – Our graduates go into roles across translation and interpreting, media and journalism, diplomacy, marketing, education, public policy, and international business — often working in multilingual and multicultural environments.
Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies, this degree is the perfect springboard. Many graduates go on to complete a master’s degree in areas like international relations, public policy, applied linguistics, or translation. Others pursue PhD research in political communication, comparative politics, or language acquisition. You could also choose to specialise with professional qualifications in translation, interpreting, or language teaching, opening doors to advanced roles in global organisations.
ABB in A-levels.32 points overall in IB, with 16 at Higher Level.India (CBSE / ISC), one would typically need excellent scores in the 12th standard (say, ~ 85-90%+ in relevant subjects) to be considered equivalent to ABB.American Curriculum GPA of 3.2, plus three AP exams with scores of 5-4-4 or two APs with SAT (~1300–1350) or ACT (~27–29).IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0TOEFL: 92 overall, with no less than 23 in Reading, 21 in Listening, 22 in Speaking, and 23 in Writing.
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