International Relations and Languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish)

Overview

Immerse yourself in global history, politics, language and culture. Understand the forces shaping how nations interact. Discover the role international relations plays in tackling the big issues facing society and the planet.

On this BA (Hons) International Relations and Languages degree, you’ll explore topics such as global migration, terrorism, climate change, the rise and fall of major powers, and global protest movements – and learn the skills needed to help enact change, shape opinions, and tackle inequality.

You’ll study a foreign language and spend a year abroad in a country and culture where your chosen language is spoken – and set yourself up for careers in international diplomacy, business, journalism, research and translation.

Course highlights
• Learn from staff at our Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), whose research impacts government policy



• Use our professional-grade conference interpreting suite and language labs



• Immerse yourself in the cultures of the country where your chosen language is spoken – in the classroom and on your work or study placement abroad in year 3



• Attend events and talks led by people working in NGOs, local, national and international government, and journalism



• Have the opportunity to take part in a Model United Nations as part of your course



• Go on field trips to locations such as the Houses of Parliament



• Create policy briefing papers offering recommendations to practitioners on major recent international issues, such as the Ukraine Crisis, the 'MeToo' movement, the rise of terrorist organisations and the Arab Revolutions, as part of a simulated ‘academic conference’



Careers and opportunities
The language skills you’ll gain can open up a world of opportunities: they’ll help you to work globally, and open up job opportunities across borders and cultures.

With technology continuing to develop at a frantic pace, there’s also an ever-increasing demand for graduates with the knowledge required to ensure new developments are ethical.

The analytical skills you’ll develop are in demand, too – your ability to understand complex issues and find solutions to them means that roles across government agencies, NGOs, charities, think tanks and international organisations are all within your reach.

When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills and cultural experience to work.

What can you do with an International Relations and Languages degree?

Graduates from this degree have gone on to careers in the following sectors:
- local and central government


- embassies


- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)


- security services


- international organisations, like the United Nations (UN)


- international charities like Amnesty International or the Red Cross


- policy research and think tanks


- media and international business consultancy


- political risk analysis


- public relations


- voluntary organisations


- management


- banking and financial services


- tourism


What jobs can you do with an International Relations and Languages degree?

Recent graduates have gone on to roles including:


- bilingual consultant


- multilingual project coordinator


- translator


- political researcher, Houses of Parliament


- civil servant, the Cabinet Office


- senior policy advisor, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government


- communications officer, House of Commons


- local government administrator, Government of Jersey


- public affairs consultant


- social researcher


- information officer


- conference producer


After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

Portsmouth offers accommodation to all Clearing applicants who accept an offer within 24 hours and apply for a room in halls by 19 August (terms and conditions apply).

By signing up for Priority Clearing, you can receive accommodation information straight to your inbox, along with exclusive access to Portsmouth’s Clearing Visit Day on Thursday 6 August. Priority Clearing applicants benefit from queue-jump status on Results Day, as well as exclusive updates, invitations to Clearing Webinars and personalised one-to-one application support.

The Clearing Visit Day offers you the chance to experience Portsmouth’s welcoming campus and vibrant student community first-hand before you enrol. With guaranteed accommodation, you can feel reassured that you’ll be at the heart of university life from day one.