Politics, International Relations and Modern Languages (Spanish)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about understanding global politics and want to speak one of the world’s most influential languages, Royal Holloway’s BA Politics, International Relations and Modern Languages (Spanish) is a perfect fit. You’ll explore how nations interact, how policies are made, and how language and culture shape our world — all while becoming fluent in Spanish through study and real-world experience abroad.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll start by building a solid foundation in both politics and international relations, with modules like Introduction to Politics and Government and Introduction to International Relations. Alongside this, you’ll dive into Spanish language and culture through courses such as Spanish Language: Culture and Translation or Ab Initio Spanish — developing your confidence to read, write, and express yourself in a new language.

Year 2
Your second year takes things deeper — you’ll explore how the European Union works, debate global issues in Contemporary Political Theory, and polish your Spanish with Advanced Translation and Spanish II. This is where your political insight and linguistic skills really start to connect, giving you the tools to think and communicate across cultures.

Year 3 – Year Abroad
This is the highlight of the program! You’ll spend a full year in a Spanish-speaking country, either studying at a partner university or gaining work experience. It’s a life-changing year that helps you live the language, build independence, and develop a global mindset that employers love.

Year 4
Back in London, you’ll take specialist modules like European Union Public Policy and Spanish III, and work on a dissertation in an area that inspires you — perhaps migration, diplomacy, or cultural politics. You’ll graduate with advanced analytical skills, cultural fluency, and the confidence to shape your own path in the global arena.

Focus Areas

Politics • International Relations • Global Diplomacy • European Studies • Spanish Language & Culture • Translation & Communication

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the degree, you’ll be able to think critically about world affairs, express ideas fluently in English and Spanish, conduct independent research, and communicate confidently across cultures — all skills that open doors in diplomacy, business, and international development.

Professional Alignment

This program is led by two renowned departments — Politics, International Relations & Philosophy and Languages, Literatures & Cultures. While there’s no formal accreditation, it’s designed to prepare you for roles in diplomacy, policy, journalism, translation, and international NGOs, or further study in political science or language specializations.

Reputation & Employability

Royal Holloway’s Politics and International Relations department ranks 2nd in the UK for research quality (REF 2021). Graduates go on to careers in the Foreign Office, international media, global think tanks, and major NGOs — thanks to the university’s strong academic reputation and global alumni network.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Royal Holloway, your learning goes far beyond lectures. You’ll actively experience how politics, international relations, and language shape the real world — from simulating diplomatic negotiations to living and studying in a Spanish-speaking country. The program is built to help you do what you learn — to think globally, communicate across cultures, and grow through real-world practice.

You’ll get to explore both the political and cultural sides of international relations through immersive opportunities such as:

Year Abroad in a Spanish-speaking country – Spend an entire year studying or working overseas, fully immersed in the culture and language. It’s the most powerful way to gain fluency and confidence while building international connections.
Specialist Language Labs and the Language Centre – Practise speaking and listening with native speakers, refine your writing, and use advanced translation tools and interactive multimedia resources to strengthen your Spanish every day.
Model NATO Simulation at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) – Represent a country, negotiate global issues, and experience how diplomacy really works. These simulations are part of the department’s real-world engagement activities.
Research-led Learning – Join workshops and guest lectures led by professors working on cutting-edge topics like global security, migration, or political communication. You’ll learn directly from experts shaping current debates.
Digital Learning through Moodle – Access recordings, quizzes, and discussion boards that complement your classroom learning and let you stay connected to your studies wherever you are.
World-class Resources – Make full use of Royal Holloway’s state-of-the-art library, digital archives, and interdisciplinary research centres that support your academic and professional growth.

Together, these experiences make your degree a genuine journey — one that blends academic excellence with hands-on global exposure.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Politics, International Relations and Modern Languages (Spanish) from Royal Holloway opens doors to exciting global careers. Graduates are valued for their ability to analyse international issues, communicate across cultures, and adapt to complex political and economic environments. With fluency in Spanish and a strong grounding in global affairs, you’ll stand out in roles such as diplomatic officer, policy analyst, international communications manager, or journalist covering global politics.

Royal Holloway equips you with real-world experience, employability support, and connections that make your next step clear and achievable:

Career & Employability Service – You’ll receive personalised guidance, from one-to-one career coaching and CV reviews to interview practice and networking events with employers. The university continues to support you for up to two years after graduation, helping you transition smoothly into work or postgraduate study.
Politics in Action Placement Scheme – This unique opportunity lets you spend one day a week working within a real political or public-policy organisation — from Westminster offices to NGOs and embassies — applying classroom learning directly to professional settings.
Graduate Outcomes & Salary – According to national graduate data, Royal Holloway Politics and Languages graduates earn a median salary of around £26,000 just fifteen months after finishing their degree, and the unemployment rate is among the lowest in the UK.
Strong Links with Industry & Policy Networks – The Department of Politics & International Relations maintains close connections with policymakers, NGOs, think tanks, and business leaders — ensuring your studies stay relevant to real-world developments.
Long-Term Value – Backed by two highly respected departments and a strong research reputation, this degree carries long-term recognition. Employers and postgraduate programs alike view Royal Holloway graduates as confident communicators and globally minded thinkers.

Further Academic Progression

Many students choose to continue their academic journey after graduation. You could pursue a Master’s in International Relations, Global Diplomacy, Public Policy, or even Translation and Interpreting — either at Royal Holloway or other leading universities around the world. These advanced paths can further prepare you for leadership roles in government, global business, or international organisations.