International Relations with Modern Languages, BA (Hons)

Clearing is open!

Apply now
international relations conference

This course is available through Clearing

Clearing Help and Support 0808 175 3071

Course Overview

As technology, transport, and a complex international economy make our world smaller, the value of peaceful and cooperative relationships between nations is increasingly important.

International relations are a vital aspect of citizenship in a global society, and our BA International Relations with Modern Languages degree is one of the most important degree programmes we offer.

This interesting area of study explores globalisation and global institutions, development and human rights, International and regional politics, peace and conflict, political economy, security studies and strategic studies and you will learn how power, institutions and laws affect our day-to-day lives.

You will also study a language at either advanced (post-A level) or beginners’ level - French, Spanish or German - as well as vocational modules in both translation and your language of study for the world of work.

The course can be studied as a three-year course, or you can extend your studies by one year by undertaking a Year Abroad or Year in Industry*. These additional options will allow you to further enhance your student experience by giving you access to unique cultural insights and skill-based opportunities.

Why international relations with modern languages at swansea?

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Have a year abroad in where you can study at a university, teach in a school or work in a business.
  • You will study a wide variety of modules including democracy, international development, politics, philosophy, and war studies.
  • You will be taught by Modern Languages research and teaching experts who specialize in language, film, gender studies, medieval and early modern literature, theatre studies and translation.

Modern Languages at Swansea is ranked:

  • 1st in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
  • 1st for Learning Opportunities (NSS 2024)*
  • 2nd for Teaching (NSS 2024)**
  • 2nd for Student Voice (NSS 2024)***
  • 5th in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2025)

*Based on the average positivity score across questions 5 to 9 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.
**Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.
***Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.

International Relations at Swansea:

  • 92% of graduates in employment &/or study, or doing other activities, such as travelling, 15 months after leaving Swansea University (HESA 2023)
  • Top 15 in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2025)

Your international relations with modern languages experience

This is a flexible degree offering a wide range of specialist modules that allow you to tailor your future career goals while developing your individual interests.

  • You will study the rich diversity of the language and will be taught by innovative experts who have strong national and international links.
  • You will gain excellent oral and writing skills and will develop strong research and analytical skills.
  • To enhance your study and career prospects you will have the opportunity to spend a year abroad in where you can study at a university, teach in a school or work in a business.
  • In your final year, you have the invaluable opportunity to opt for a place on the Welsh Assembly Placement Scheme and undertake the Parliamentary Studies Module with visiting speakers and trips to the House of Commons.

International relations with modern languages employment opportunities

Our graduates are employed all around the world and enter careers including:

  • Education
  • Government and politics
  • Humanitarian organisations
  • Business
  • Media and public relations
  • Law and public services

Our students have also gained employment working for organisations such as:

  • Westminster Forum Projects
  • Political Parties
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers

Modules

In your first year you are encouraged to study areas that will introduce you to international relations, alongside courses on politics and the people; war and peace in the nuclear age; politics and society; ethics, justice and society as well as your language modules

In year two you will explore areas such as contemporary wars and conflicts; international security, globalisation and anarchy and order, naturally you will also continue with your language studies.

In your third year you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions working as a teaching assistant, increasing your language skills while experiencing a different culture.

In year four you will undertake either an independent research-based dissertation or gain a placement at the Senedd (Welsh Government). In addition to undertaking your language courses, you will have the opportunity to study more specialised modules in areas such as genocide, terrorism, and global environmental politics – all developing the knowledge and skills to become a research-effective practitioner in the field of international relations.

International Relations with Modern Languages, BA (Hons)

International Relations with Modern Languages with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

International Relations with Modern Languages with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)