Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of Leeds
If you’re passionate about languages and curious about how the world works, this degree is perfect for you. It combines in-depth study of international relations with learning a global language, giving you the tools to understand cultures, politics, and global issues in a practical, hands-on way.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year lays the foundations in both international relations and your chosen language. You’ll explore global politics, international organisations, and key theories while starting intensive language classes—whether it’s French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, or another language. This year sets you up with the essential skills you’ll build on in later years.
Year 2
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into international relations, looking at security, global governance, and international law. Your language studies continue, alongside cultural modules that explore history, literature, and society in the region where your language is spoken. By the end of this year, you’ll see how language and politics connect on a global scale.
Year 3
This is your year abroad—a chance to live and study in a country where your language is spoken. Whether you’re studying at a university, working, or volunteering, this immersive experience boosts your language skills and gives you real-world insight into international relations.
Year 4
Your final year focuses on specialising and refining your skills. You’ll complete a Final Year Project in either international relations or your language, and take advanced modules that strengthen your analytical and communication abilities. By the end, you’ll be ready to step into a global career with confidence.
Focus Areas
International Relations, Global Politics, Security Studies, International Law, Cultural Studies, Translation and Interpreting, Social Movements, Regional Studies.
Learning Outcomes
Achieve advanced language proficiency, understand international relations in depth, analyse political and cultural contexts, communicate effectively across cultures, and prepare for careers that span the globe.
Professional Alignment
The program includes opportunities for study abroad and optional work placements, giving you real-world experience that employers value.
Reputation
The University of Leeds ranks highly for Politics and Development Studies in the UK and internationally, giving your degree strong recognition in the job market.
Studying Modern Languages and International Relations at Leeds isn’t just about lectures and textbooks—you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience that brings your learning to life. From immersive language practice to real-world cultural exposure, the program equips you with skills you can actually use in global careers. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert guidance, and opportunities to work on projects that mirror real professional challenges. Here’s a closer look at how you’ll learn by doing:
Language Zone – A dedicated space full of multimedia resources where you can practise your language skills, watch films, listen to music, and explore culture in a fully interactive way.
Study Abroad Opportunities – Spend your third year living, studying, or working in a country where your language is spoken, boosting both fluency and cultural understanding.
Final Year Project – Carry out your own research in international relations or your chosen language, applying theory to real-world questions and honing your analytical skills.
Language Centre – Offers extra support, including pre-sessional English and general English courses, to make sure you reach your full language potential.
Collaborative Learning – Work in groups on projects and seminars that build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, all vital for careers in diplomacy, NGOs, or international business.
Research Institutes & Expert Staff – Engage with the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies’ research hubs, getting first-hand experience in academic inquiry and professional-level projects.
Graduates from this program leave Leeds with a powerful combination of language skills and global political knowledge, ready to step confidently into the professional world. You’ll find doors open in areas where understanding cultures and international affairs really matters. Typical roles include:
Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer – representing your country abroad and engaging in international negotiations.
International Development Officer – working with NGOs or governments to make a real difference in communities worldwide.
Policy Analyst – researching and shaping policies for think tanks or global organizations.
Multilingual Communications Specialist – helping multinational companies communicate across cultures effectively.
The University of Leeds makes sure you’re fully supported in launching your career:
Career Services – personalised guidance, CV workshops, interview prep, and job search support to help you land the right role.
Graduate Outcomes – 91% of UK-based graduates from related programs are in graduate-level jobs or further study within 15 months.
Industry and Global Partnerships – study abroad opportunities and connections with over 300 partner institutions worldwide.
Long-term Accreditation – a degree recognised internationally, giving your career global credibility.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue studying, there are plenty of options. You could pursue a Master’s in International Relations, Political Science, or Language and Intercultural Communication, take a Postgraduate Diploma in Translation, International Development, or International Law, or even go on to doctoral research in global politics, language policy, or cultural diplomacy. Leeds’ strong academic support and alumni network mean you’ll have a solid foundation for further study and career growth.
A-level - ABB. For post-A level language routes, B in the relevant language is needed. Chinese or Japanese requires a GCSE in any modern language. Beginner routes in other languages do not require prior experience.IB - 34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level. Post-A level language route requires 5 HL points in that language. Chinese or Japanese needs a GCSE in any modern language; other beginner languages require no prior experience.IELTS - 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.TOEFL - 80 overall and no less than 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 19 in writing.For India - 75–90% in Standard XII, with English at Standard XII required; sometimes Standard XII Maths is also needed instead of Standard X Maths.Indian students: English requirement: Standard XII English 70–75% (depending on board), or IELTS 6.0, or GCSE English grade C/4, or an equivalent qualification.USA students (AAB requirement) - High School Diploma with two Honors classes at A, plus either one AP (grade 4), one IB HL course (grade 5), or one Dual Enrolment course (grade B).USA students - High School Diploma with a minimum 3.0 GPA and two Honors classes (grades A+ to B).USA students - AP exam at grade 4 or 5, covering any language or subject-specific requirement; APs can replace one Honors class if necessary.USA students - IB Higher Level course (grade 4–6) to meet subject-specific requirements or replace an Honors class.USA students - SAT II (grades 650–750), or a two-year Associate Degree (3.0+ GPA) may also be considered to meet general or subject-specific requirements.USA students: English requirement can be met with Grade 12 English (2.0 GPA / 70%), AP English (grade 3+), SAT 1290 (650 Reading/Writing + 620 Math), ACT 26 in English, or a two-year Associate Degree with 3.0+ GPA.Students outside the USA: Minimum of three AP subjects with grades 4 or 5, fulfilling any subject-specific requirements.For this course, a work placement is optional, while studying abroad is mandatory.You must indicate your chosen language combination when applying. Please enter your language choice in the Further Details section of your UCAS application.DiplomatForeign Service OfficerInternational Development OfficerPolicy AnalystMultilingual Communications SpecialistIntelligence AnalystInternational Business ConsultantHuman Rights OfficerCultural Affairs OfficerInternational NGO Project ManagerTranslator/InterpreterInternational Marketing SpecialistGlobal Policy AdvisorLanguage TeacherEuropean Union or United Nations Officer
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