Politics, International Relations and Modern Languages (Italian)

This degree is designed to be more than lectures and essays — it’s about helping you understand politics, diplomacy and culture by actually engaging with them. From interactive language labs and political simulations to a full year living in Italy, you’ll constantly be applying what you learn in real contexts.

You’ll develop not just academic knowledge, but practical skills — debating policy, analysing media, presenting arguments, translating languages, and learning how political decisions influence everyday life in Europe and beyond.

Where and How You Gain Real Experience

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the hands-on learning opportunities specific to this course:

1. Compulsory Year Abroad in Italy

• You will spend your third year living, studying or working in Italy at a partner university or as part of a work placement.

• Popular partner institutions include the University of Siena, University of Verona, and University of Bologna.

• You can study Italian politics, culture, cinema, literature, or choose a work placement (internship, teaching assistant, cultural institution, charity or NGO roles).

• This year develops full language fluency, cultural intelligence, independence, and adaptability — essential skills for careers in diplomacy, media, NGOs or international business.

2. Language Learning Powered by Technology & Native Speakers

• Classes are held in the International Building and Language Centre, equipped with language labs, translation suites and digital learning tools.

• Teaching is delivered by native Italian-speaking lecturers and language assistants.

• Students use journalism portals, films, podcasts, parliamentary debates, and translation platforms to learn contemporary Italian.

• If you’re a beginner (ab initio), you’ll follow an intensive route with Italian Ab Initio Written I & Oral I, progressing to advanced fluency.

3. Real-World Politics: Simulations, Guest Speakers & Research

• Students from Politics & IR regularly take part in Model NATO, hosted at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London, where they simulate real diplomatic negotiations.

• You’ll attend guest lectures from diplomats, policy advisers, journalists and political analysts.

• The department is heavily research-led — teaching staff specialise in EU policy, human rights, international security, Italian politics, global governance, meaning your seminars reflect real-world issues, not just theory.

4. Digital Learning, Media Analysis & Research Skills

• Modules include media analysis using real news sources like RAI, La Repubblica, European Parliament broadcasts, UN reports, Reuters, Al Jazeera and more.

• Students use Royal Holloway's Moodle platform, digital archives, online parliamentary databases, Eurostat for EU data, and research tools for essays and policy reports.

• Assessment includes policy briefs, political speeches, simulated UN debates, individual presentations, and language portfolios — preparing you for careers that demand communication and diplomacy.

 5. Optional Internships & Work Abroad Experience

• During or after your year abroad, students are supported to secure internships in:

  • Embassies & cultural institutes (e.g. Istituto Italiano di Cultura)

  • Charities, NGOs, media organisations, translation companies

  • Schools and universities as English or Italian language assistants (via British Council routes)

• Royal Holloway’s Careers Service and Global Opportunities team help students apply for placements in Italy or Europe.

Facilities & Resources You’ll Access

• International Building & Language Centre – language labs, multimedia learning rooms, AV equipment

• Founder's Library & Bedford Library – political journals, EU databases, bilingual resources

• Research Centres such as:

  • Centre for European Politics

  • New Political Communication Unit

  • Crosslands Language Centre

• Online platforms: Moodle, JSTOR, LexisNexis, Eurostat, UN data, Factiva

This degree opens doors far beyond the classroom. Graduates don’t just leave with a qualification — they leave fluent in Italian, confident in debating global issues, and with a full year of international experience in Italy. That’s why students from this course go on to careers in diplomacy, international organisations, media, policy, culture, and even global business.

With this degree, careers such as Diplomatic Service Officer, Policy Analyst, NGO/International Development Officer, Journalist, Translator, or Communications & Public Affairs Specialist become real possibilities.

How Royal Holloway Helps You Get There

You’re not on your own when it comes to career planning — Royal Holloway actively supports you with tailored guidance:

• Careers & Employability Service – Offers one-to-one coaching, CV checks, mock interview sessions, LinkedIn/profile building, and exclusive employer networking events.

• Average starting salary – Politics & IR graduates earn around £26,000 within 15 months of graduation (Discover Uni).

• Global experience matters – Your Year Abroad in Italy is a major advantage when applying to international employers, embassies, NGOs, and cultural institutes.

• Industry & university links – Partnerships with universities in Italy like the University of Siena and Bologna, plus opportunities for placements, teaching assistantships, and cultural internships during the year abroad.

• Employability-focused modules – You’ll develop real-world skills like policy writing, media analysis, public speaking, negotiation, translation, and cross-cultural communication — exactly what employers look for.

Further Academic Progression:

If you decide to continue your studies after graduation, you’ll be well-prepared for postgraduate degrees such as:

• MA International Relations / Diplomacy / Global Governance

• MA European Politics or European Union Studies

• MA Translation & Interpreting / Modern Languages

• Masters in Journalism, Public Policy or International Law
  Some students even go on to PhD research, teaching, or specialist diplomatic training.