Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The University of SheffieldIf you’re passionate about understanding how politics shapes our world while also gaining the ability to live, work, and connect across cultures, this degree is an excellent fit. At Sheffield, you’ll study everything from international relations to political theory, while also becoming fluent in one or two modern languages and immersing yourself in the culture, film, and literature of the societies that speak them.
Curriculum Structure
First Year
You’ll begin by building a strong foundation in both subjects. On the politics side, modules like Political Analysis 1: An Introduction to Research and Scholarship will show you how to think like a political scientist and approach debates critically. Alongside this, you’ll start (or continue) your chosen language through either Advanced or Beginner Intensive courses, while also exploring cultural topics such as literature, media, or linguistics—making sure you’re developing both practical skills and cultural awareness.
Second Year
In your second year, you’ll dig deeper into politics with options such as British Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Security Studies. Your language learning will move to the next level, and you’ll choose cultural modules around themes like film, identity, or migration, giving you the chance to shape your studies around what excites you most.
Third Year (Year Abroad)
This is the highlight for many students—you’ll spend around 30 weeks abroad in one or two countries where your language is spoken. You could study at a partner university, work as a teaching assistant, or even gain professional or voluntary experience. It’s a chance to truly live the culture, improve your fluency, and grow your independence.
Fourth Year
Back in Sheffield, you’ll return with sharper language skills and a global outlook. In politics, you’ll take advanced modules on pressing global issues or political theory. In languages and cultures, you’ll dive into specialist modules on topics such as literary analysis, media, or cross-cultural politics. Many students also complete a dissertation, giving you the chance to bring your two subject areas together in an independent project.
Focus Areas
Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, British Politics, Security Studies, Modern Languages (advanced or beginner), Cultural Studies (film, literature, migration, identity), Year Abroad.
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you’ll have:
Near-fluent language skills
A sharp understanding of global politics and cultures
Research and analysis skills that employers value
Confidence to work in international and multicultural environments
Professional Alignment
This course isn’t tied to a single accreditation, but it’s designed to open doors to careers where language skills, cultural insight, and political awareness are key. Graduates go on to work in diplomacy, NGOs, government, education, international business, and the media—all fields where Sheffield graduates are in demand.
Reputation & Employability
Sheffield’s Department of Politics and International Relations is ranked Top 10 in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2024–25).
Over 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021–22).
This means you’ll graduate not only with valuable skills, but also with a degree recognised for its quality and outcomes.
At Sheffield, this course goes far beyond the classroom. You won’t just study politics and languages in theory — you’ll live them. From your first year you’ll take part in interactive seminars, group discussions, and real case studies, while your language skills grow through small-group teaching, often led by native speakers. By the time you graduate, you’ll have both the confidence and practical experience to use your knowledge in real-world settings.
Here’s what makes the learning experience stand out:
Year Abroad: Your third year is spent living, studying, or working in a country where your chosen language is spoken. Whether it’s studying at a partner university, teaching, or volunteering, this year transforms your fluency and cultural awareness.
Hands-on Politics Modules: From day one, modules like Political Analysis get you working on real political questions, building research and critical thinking skills that employers value.
Small-Group Language Teaching: Learn languages in an interactive way with native-speaking tutors. You’ll join tailored classes (beginner, advanced, or post-A-level), with plenty of practice in speaking, writing, and translating.
Collaborative Projects: Group work, presentations, and even creative media tasks — like translations, short films, or digital portfolios — give you a chance to practice teamwork and communication.
Independent Research: In your final year, you’ll dive into a dissertation that can combine both politics and your chosen culture or language, guided by expert researchers.
Special Facilities: Make the most of Sheffield’s learning spaces —
The Diamond with its creative media resources, editing suites, and even a TV studio.
Information Commons and Western Bank Library, open late with thousands of resources and spaces to study.
The Modern Languages Teaching Centre, designed specifically to support your language learning.
Global Partnerships: With a wide network of universities across Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia, and Australia, you’ll have exciting choices for your year abroad.
Cultural & Research Events: Join lectures, film screenings, and talks through specialist centres like the Centre for Dutch and Flemish Studies or the Bakhtin Centre, which bring academic ideas to life.
You’ll also be supported with digital tools and online resources at every step, making it easy to blend independent study with group work and creative projects.
Studying this degree opens doors to a truly global career. Employers value graduates who can think critically about politics, communicate across cultures, and adapt in international settings. Many of our students go on to roles such as policy advisor, international development officer, translator or interpreter, and journalist — using their skills to make a real impact.
And it doesn’t stop there — here’s how Sheffield helps you take the next step:
Careers Service support: From one-to-one career guidance to CV clinics and employer networking events, you’ll have access to tailored advice that helps you stand out.
Graduate success: 92% of Sheffield graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with 86% in graduate-level roles. Politics graduates typically earn around £26,000 soon after graduation, rising to £33,000 within five years.
Year abroad advantage: You’ll spend a full year in a country where your chosen language is spoken. Whether studying at a partner university, working in a placement, or teaching English, this experience builds confidence, cultural fluency, and independence.
Industry relevance: Graduates from this programme move into government departments, NGOs, intelligence services, publishing, media, and international business sectors, where Sheffield’s strong academic reputation is well recognised.
Long-term value: A Russell Group qualification combining politics and languages gives you the credibility and flexibility to pursue careers across the UK and worldwide.
Further Academic Progression
If you’d like to continue studying after your BA, you’ll have plenty of options. Many graduates choose a Master’s in International Relations, Public Policy, Global Development, or Translation and Interpreting. Others go on to professional qualifications in teaching, journalism, or certified translation. And if you’re drawn to research, you can even progress to an MPhil or PhD, specialising in politics, languages, or cross-disciplinary topics that connect both.
A Level entry requirements for this course are: ABBInternational Baccalaureate 33, typically with 5 in a Higher Level modern foreign language; 32, typically with 5 in a Higher Level modern foreign language, and B in the extended essayIndian High School Leaving Certificate (from CBSE and CISCE boards only) from Standard XII with75% overall.(GPA 8)American Curriculum- 544 from three APs plus Pass in HSGD with minimum GPA 3.0 IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component;TOEFL Overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 23 in Speaking and 22 in WritingCivil servicePolicy advisory rolesSocial researchInternational organisationsBusiness developmentdata analysiseditorial workCharities and NGOs
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