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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of East AngliaIf you’re passionate about understanding global politics and want to stand out with strong language skills, this course is designed for you. At UEA, you’ll study international relations in depth while becoming fluent in a modern language like French, Spanish or Japanese, with the chance to immerse yourself through a year abroad.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll start by building a solid foundation in global politics — exploring how countries interact, why conflicts arise, and how cooperation happens. Alongside this, you’ll dive into your chosen language from day one, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while also learning about the culture and society where it’s spoken.
Year 2
In your second year, the focus shifts to deeper questions in international relations — how power works in the global system, the role of organisations like the UN, and issues such as conflict, development, and security. At the same time, your language studies will advance, giving you more confidence in grammar, fluency, and even cultural analysis through literature, film, or media.
Year Abroad
This is where everything comes to life. You’ll spend a year living and studying (or sometimes working) in a country where your chosen language is spoken. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to practise your language every day, experience a new culture first-hand, and grow personally and academically.
Final Year
In your final year back at UEA, you’ll bring it all together. You can specialise in areas of international relations that interest you most — like global security, diplomacy, or political economy — while pushing your language skills to near-professional level. You’ll also have the chance to work on a dissertation or major project, showcasing your ability to research, analyse, and communicate complex ideas.
Focus Areas
“Global politics and diplomacy, international conflict and cooperation, cultural understanding, language fluency in French/Spanish/Japanese, cross-cultural communication, year abroad immersion”
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to analyse and explain global political issues, speak and write confidently in another language, adapt to different cultural environments, and carry out independent research — all skills that employers and international organisations value highly.
Professional Alignment
While not tied to a single accreditation body, the degree is designed with your career in mind. The year abroad and bilingual skills make graduates highly attractive to employers in fields like diplomacy, NGOs, policy, and global business. UEA also offers tailored employability support throughout your degree.
Reputation
UEA has an excellent track record of graduate success, with more than 80% of students going into professional roles or further study soon after finishing their degree. The university is also well-respected nationally and internationally for its politics and international relations courses, making your degree a strong asset in the job market.
This degree is about much more than lectures and textbooks — you’ll be learning by doing. From your first year, you’ll practise your chosen language in real settings, debate international issues in small group seminars, and make the most of specialist centres and resources on campus. The highlight is the year abroad, where you’ll live and study in a country where your language is spoken, giving you cultural immersion and daily practice you simply can’t get in a classroom.
Here’s how UEA makes your learning hands-on and practical:
Year Abroad Immersion – Spend your third year in a country where French, Spanish, or Japanese is spoken. You’ll study or work there, gaining first-hand cultural experience and improving your language skills every day.
UEA Language Programme – Beyond your core modules, you can join daytime or evening classes through UEA’s Language Programme, designed to give you extra opportunities for fluency and confidence.
The EAST Centre – This specialist centre runs seminars, talks, and workshops on politics, culture, and languages of Eastern and Central Europe. It’s a chance to engage with cutting-edge research and broaden your perspective beyond the classroom.
Interactive Teaching – Most modules are taught through seminars, workshops, and tutorials, where you’ll debate, present, and work in groups. This makes your learning active and collaborative, not just note-taking in lectures.
World-Class Library and Digital Resources – UEA’s library gives you access to international political databases, research archives, and a wealth of language learning tools. These resources are essential for research essays, group projects, and independent study.
Optional Cultural Modules – You’ll also get to explore literature, film, and media in your chosen language, connecting international relations with cultural studies and making your degree truly interdisciplinary.
With a degree that combines international relations and a modern language, you’ll graduate ready for a career that’s truly global. Many students go into roles in diplomacy, NGOs, policy research, and international business — or use their language skills to build careers in translation, interpreting, or international communications. Employers are drawn to the mix of analytical thinking and cultural fluency this course gives you, and UEA makes sure you’re supported every step of the way:
CareerCentral support – UEA’s careers service offers tailored advice, CV reviews, interview preparation, and access to internships or placements. You’ll also benefit from employer networking events and alumni mentoring, helping you connect with professionals working in politics, NGOs, and language-related careers.
Employment outcomes – According to national data, UEA graduates in languages and area studies earn around £25,000 three years after finishing, and the majority are in skilled employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Practical opportunities – Through CareerCentral, you can take part in internships, work experience, and employer-led workshops, all designed to help you build the confidence and experience employers look for.
Long-term career value – Your degree builds skills that last: language fluency, cross-cultural awareness, political knowledge, and research ability. Even after you graduate, UEA continues to support you with careers advice and job opportunities for up to three years.
Graduate success – Many graduates progress into professional and managerial roles across the public sector, private organisations, and international institutions, making this course a strong platform for an international career.
Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep studying after your BA, you’ll have plenty of options. Many students choose to specialise further with a Master’s in International Relations, Diplomacy, or Security Studies, while others focus on postgraduate study in Translation, Interpreting, or Applied Linguistics. You could also explore Area Studies linked to your chosen language, or take advanced degrees in fields like International Development, Human Rights, or Peace and Conflict Studies.
GCSEs required: English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above (Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics also accepted), plus grade 5/B in any Modern Language.ELTS - 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) TOEFL iBT (including Special Home Edition) overall score 79, with individual minimum scores of Reading 18, Writing 17, Listening 17, and Speaking 20.India – 70%+ in Standard XII (requirements vary by board)India - english language requirement : Standard XII — CBSE or CISCE (covering ISC and ICSE), or state boards from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, or West Bengal — minimum of 70% in English Language.USA – High School Diploma with a 3.5 GPA, plus 3 AP exams with scores of 3+, or ACT: 27+ SAT:1280+Students on this course have the option to choose their modern language, typically French, Spanish, or Japanese, tailoring their studies to their interests and career goals.Year Abroad fee — Home students: £1,430; International students: £5,575.If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may consider UEA’s Foundation Year programmes, such as the BA Modern Language with a Foundation Year, which provide a pathway into the full degree.Diplomatic ServicesInternational Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)Translation and InterpretationInternational Business and TradePublic Policy AnalysisForeign Correspondence and JournalismIntelligence and Security AgenciesInternational Development and AidCultural Exchange ProgramsLanguage Teaching and EducationTourism and Hospitality ManagementInternational Marketing and Communications
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