BA Politics and French

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bristol

Program Overview

The BA Politics and Modern Languages at Bristol is perfect if you’re passionate about global issues and want to pair that with advanced language skills. You’ll explore politics from local to international levels while gaining fluency in one of nine modern languages, preparing you for a truly international career.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year builds the foundations. In Politics, you’ll cover key themes like Democracy, Power and Resistance and Global Political Economy, giving you a solid understanding of how politics works at national and global levels. Alongside this, you’ll study your chosen language intensively (from beginner or advanced level), focusing on grammar, writing, and speaking, so you feel confident using it in real contexts.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll go deeper into political ideas and debates. Core units such as Comparative Government and Politics and Political Concepts allow you to explore different systems and philosophies, while optional Politics units let you begin shaping your own pathway. Language study continues with advanced modules in composition, translation, and oral work, preparing you for your upcoming year abroad.

Year Abroad
The third year is a highlight of the degree — you’ll spend it immersed in your chosen language through study or work abroad. Whether at a partner university, teaching placement, or internship, this year gives you first-hand cultural experience, boosts your fluency, and strengthens your independence.

Final Year
Back in Bristol, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned. Politics options like International Political Economy or Globalisation and the State allow you to specialize, while your advanced language study focuses on translation, essay writing, and critical analysis. You’ll also have the chance to write an independent dissertation in either Politics or Modern Languages, showcasing your expertise.


Focus Areas

Politics, international relations, global political economy, democracy and governance, comparative politics, modern language fluency, translation, intercultural communication, study abroad experience.


Learning Outcomes

Critical understanding of political systems and theories, advanced language proficiency (spoken and written), strong research and analytical skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability through study abroad, and effective communication across cultures.


Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While this degree does not carry professional accreditation, it is designed with international careers in mind, combining the analytical training of a Politics degree with the practical advantage of fluency in another language.


Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Bristol is ranked among the world’s top 60 universities (QS World University Rankings 2025) and is in the UK’s top 10 for employability. Modern Languages at Bristol is highly regarded, and the university is part of the prestigious Russell Group, giving you a degree that’s recognized worldwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the BA Politics and Modern Languages course at Bristol, learning goes way beyond the classroom. You’ll get hands-on with media tools, work closely with classmates and tutors, and even spend a year living abroad, fully immersed in another culture. It’s about picking up practical skills and real experiences that will shape your future.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

  • Modern Languages Multimedia Centre – a hub packed with a mini-cinema, language labs, and even a recording and video-editing studio where you can create podcasts, films, and presentations.

  • Interactive classes – expect a mix of lectures, small group seminars, workshops, and one-to-one guidance. You won’t just write essays—you’ll also debate, record podcasts, work on group projects, and create video essays.

  • Year abroad – in your third year, you’ll live in a country where your chosen language is spoken. That could mean studying at a partner university, teaching English, or taking on a local work placement. If you study more than one language, you can even split your year across different countries.

  • Student life and culture – there’s plenty happening outside of classes too: language cafés, film screenings, guest lectures, and even the chance to perform in foreign-language plays or write for student media.

  • Politics and language combined – you’ll link political study with language and cultural exploration, giving you both critical insight and the ability to communicate it across borders.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Politics and Modern Languages from Bristol opens doors to careers where global awareness and communication skills are highly valued. Many graduates step into roles such as policy advisors, international relations officers, translators or interpreters, and even diplomatic service professionals. It’s the perfect mix if you want a career that’s both internationally relevant and intellectually challenging.

Here’s how Bristol helps you get there:

  • Personal careers support: You’ll have access to the Careers Service for tailored advice, CV help, job applications, and exclusive networking events—not just during your degree, but for three years after graduation.

  • Strong employability record: 85% of Politics and International Relations graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

  • Employer connections: Bristol works closely with top UK and international employers—multinationals, NGOs, and government bodies—through job fairs, workshops, and direct employer visits.

  • A respected degree for life: With Bristol ranked among the UK’s top universities and highly regarded worldwide, your qualification carries weight long after you graduate.

  • Career destinations: Alumni go on to roles in government, NGOs, journalism, diplomacy, translation, and financial services—all areas where your political knowledge and language fluency make you stand out.


Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to keep studying after your BA, there are plenty of options. Many graduates choose a Master’s in international relations, political theory, or area studies to deepen their expertise. Others use their language skills in postgraduate translation or interpreting programmes. If teaching or research appeals to you, Bristol also offers pathways into MAs, MRes, or even PhDs. And because your degree is so versatile, you can branch out into areas like law, journalism, or public policy—fields where your blend of political insight and language skills gives you a real edge.

Program Key Stats

£25,500
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 25th Jan


59 %

Eligibility Criteria

AAB
3.2 - 3.4
34
80 - 90

NA
NA
7.0
95

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Politician
  • Diplomacy
  • International organisations
  • Media
  • Business
  • Political insight
  • consultancy
  •   NGOs
  • Journalism
  •  

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