BA Politics and Portuguese

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bristol

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by politics and want to add a powerful global skill to your profile, this degree is a brilliant choice. By combining political theory and international relations with Portuguese—one of the world’s most widely spoken languages—you’ll graduate with a unique combination of critical insight and cultural fluency that opens doors across Europe, Latin America, and beyond.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year is about building strong foundations. You’ll start learning Portuguese from scratch, focusing on grammar, conversation, reading, and translation through intensive language units. At the same time, you’ll discover Portuguese-speaking cultures with modules like Key Moments in Lusophone History and Culture, giving you both the words and the context to express yourself confidently.

Year 2
As your language skills progress, you’ll branch out into exciting cultural and political themes. Options such as Visual Politics: Latin American & Iberian Cinema and Art or Mobility and Displacement in the Lusophone World let you connect politics, society, and creativity. This is also when you deepen your political studies—exploring political systems, international relations, and theory in more detail.

Year 3 (Year Abroad)
This is the highlight of your degree—a year spent living and learning in a Portuguese-speaking country. Whether it’s studying at a partner university, gaining work experience, or teaching, you’ll put your language and cultural skills into practice every day. It’s an unforgettable chance to grow academically and personally, while building global networks.

Year 4 (Final Year)
You’ll return to Bristol ready to take on advanced language study and research. Your dissertation or extended translation project gives you the freedom to dive into a topic you truly care about, whether it’s politics in Brazil, literature from Mozambique, or social change in Portugal. By the end, you’ll be working at a near-native level in Portuguese while mastering complex political debates.


Focus Areas

Political theory; international relations; Portuguese language and translation; Lusophone history, film, and visual culture; year abroad experience


Learning Outcomes

Fluency in Portuguese; the ability to analyse and debate global politics; intercultural awareness; strong research and communication skills; readiness for international careers


Professional Alignment

While not a professional accreditation, this program is built by two of Bristol’s strongest schools—Politics and Modern Languages. Employers value this mix of political knowledge, research skills, and multilingual ability, especially in fields like diplomacy, journalism, and global business.


Reputation

The University of Bristol is consistently ranked among the UK’s top 10 universities and is one of the most targeted by leading employers. It also sits within the world’s top 60 universities (QS 2024), giving your degree strong global recognition.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the best things about studying Politics and Portuguese at Bristol is how much you get to put your learning into practice. This isn’t just about reading books and writing essays—you’ll actually use your language skills in real settings, work on creative projects, and get the chance to experience life in a Portuguese-speaking country. The combination of political study and language immersion means you’ll graduate with both academic depth and practical confidence.

Here’s what that looks like in real terms:

  • Specialist Multimedia Centre – Learn Portuguese with access to thousands of films, magazines, and a recording studio where you can practise using real cultural material.

  • Creative assessments – Go beyond traditional essays with podcasts, video essays, group presentations, debates, and even collaborative projects that help you express ideas in dynamic ways.

  • Year abroad – Spend your third year living, studying, or working in a Portuguese-speaking country, giving you everyday fluency and cultural awareness that no classroom alone can provide.

  • Interactive teaching – Politics modules are taught through a mix of lectures, small-group seminars, and workshops, where you actively debate and test ideas.

  • Cultural activities – Get involved in language cafés, visiting speaker events, and student societies to practise Portuguese informally and build confidence outside class.

  • Research-led learning – Benefit from academics who bring the latest political and cultural research into the classroom, so what you’re learning is fresh and relevant.

This blend of classroom learning, hands-on practice, and international experience makes the programme both exciting and highly practical—helping you build the kind of skills that employers really notice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Politics and Portuguese from Bristol sets you up for a truly global career. You’ll graduate not only with a deep understanding of politics and international affairs but also with the ability to communicate confidently in one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. This combination is highly valued by employers, opening doors to roles such as policy advisor, diplomat, NGO officer, or international communications specialist.

And the opportunities don’t stop there:

  • Careers support that works for you – Bristol’s Careers Service runs tailored workshops, CV guidance, and one-to-one coaching. You’ll also benefit from employer networking events and internship opportunities that are designed to get you noticed.

  • Proven results – Over 86% of Bristol graduates go into skilled employment or further study within just 15 months of graduating, reflecting the strength of the university’s reputation with employers.

  • Global experience built in – Your third year abroad in Portugal, Brazil, or another Portuguese-speaking country is more than just study; it’s a chance to live the culture, gain work experience, and return with the kind of intercultural confidence employers love.

  • Long-term value – A Bristol degree is internationally recognised and respected, giving you a solid foundation whether you choose to work in the UK, Europe, or further afield.

  • Where graduates go – Alumni step into careers in government, diplomacy, NGOs, international development, media, education, and global business—anywhere that needs people who can think critically, navigate politics, and work across cultures.


 Further Academic Progression

If you decide to continue your studies, you’ll find plenty of exciting options. Many graduates go on to master’s programmes in Politics, International Relations, Translation Studies, or Development Studies. Some even pursue PhDs in politics or language studies, building academic careers or moving into think-tank and policy research roles.

Program Key Stats

£24,800
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


59 %

Eligibility Criteria

AAB
3.2 - 3.4
34
80 - 90

NA
NA
7.0
95

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Working in embassies
  • Consulates
  •   International government organisations
  • NGOs
  •  Civil Service
  • Communications or Media specialists
  • International Business & Trade specialists
  • Interpreters or translators

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts