Languages and International Relations, BA Hons

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Greenwich

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Languages and International Relations at the University of Greenwich is perfect if you’re curious about the world and love languages. You’ll get to study up to two languages—like French, Mandarin, Spanish, or Italian—while exploring how politics, diplomacy, and global events shape our lives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Laying the Foundations

In your first year, you’ll get the basics down, both in language and international relations. You’ll start with French 1 or Mandarin 1, learning essential speaking, reading, and writing skills, while Introduction to International Relations will give you a clear picture of global politics and key theories. It’s all about building a strong foundation to grow from.

Year 2: Going Deeper

In the second year, your language skills will really start to take shape with French 2 or Mandarin 2, allowing you to communicate more confidently. Meanwhile, Global Political Economy explores how politics and economics intertwine around the world, helping you understand the bigger picture behind international events. You’ll start connecting language learning with real-world global issues.

Year 3: Applying Your Skills

Your final year is where everything comes together. French 3 and Mandarin 3 push your language proficiency to an advanced level, while International Relations in Practice shows you how to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings, whether that’s through internships, projects, or simulated diplomatic exercises. By the end, you’ll be ready to step confidently into an international career.

Focus Areas

Languages, International Relations, Diplomacy, Global Politics, Cross-Cultural Communication, Political Economy, International Organizations

Learning Outcomes

Become fluent in up to two languages, think critically about global politics, communicate across cultures, research and analyse international issues, and gain practical skills for working in global settings

Professional Alignment

This degree is perfect for roles in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, government, media, or international business. It prepares you to meet professional standards in both language and international relations.

Reputation

Greenwich is known for putting employability first, helping students step into international careers confidently. Combining languages with international relations makes you stand out to employers looking for global thinkers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Greenwich, learning goes far beyond the classroom. In this program, you’ll get hands-on experience that helps you put theory into practice while boosting your language skills and understanding of global politics. From field trips to international placements, the course is packed with opportunities to experience the real world, work with professionals, and collaborate with your peers.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Final-Year Work Placement: Step into a professional role within an international organization and apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Erasmus+ Student Exchange: Spend time studying in Europe, improving your language skills and cultural understanding.
Field Trips: Visit key sites in the UK and abroad to see international relations and diplomacy in action.
Language Laboratories: Practice your French, Mandarin, Spanish, or Italian using state-of-the-art language lab technology.
Research Institutes: Access specialized centers for international relations research, perfect for independent or group projects.
Digital Tools and Software: Use professional-grade tools to analyse global political trends and support your research.
Group Projects: Collaborate with classmates on projects that simulate real-world international challenges.
On-Campus Facilities: Enjoy modern classrooms, seminar rooms, and study spaces designed for collaborative and focused learning.

These experiences are designed to make you confident, culturally aware, and career-ready—whether you aim to work in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, media, or global business.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Languages and International Relations from Greenwich opens doors to exciting global careers. With your language skills and understanding of international politics, you could work as a diplomat, an international relations analyst, an NGO project coordinator, or even an international business development manager.

The university goes beyond teaching theory, giving you plenty of support to launch your career:

Career Services: Receive personalised guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to career fairs to help you stand out.
Internships & Placements: Connect with international organizations, governmental agencies, and NGOs to gain real-world experience.
Alumni Network: Tap into a global network of professionals for mentorship, advice, and networking opportunities.
Language Support: Take extra language courses or join conversation clubs to strengthen your fluency and confidence.
Industry Connections: Partnerships with organizations like the United Nations, European Union institutions, and other NGOs give you insight and experience in international work.
Global Recognition: Your degree is respected worldwide, giving long-term value and credibility in your career.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying, there are plenty of options to specialise further. You could pursue an MA in International Relations to deepen your knowledge of diplomacy and global politics, an MA in Translation and Interpreting to refine your language expertise, or an MA in International Business to combine global business skills with your international perspective. These pathways can help you move into highly specialised and rewarding careers.