Modern Languages and International Relations BA Honours
- UCAS code: TL12
- Full time
- 4 years
This degree combines the study of one or two languages with key concepts in international relations and politics.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Our Modern Languages and International Relations BA Honours degree will give you the opportunity to explore other languages, cultures and societies whilst developing a better understanding of the nature and significance of politics and international relations. Languages play a central role in international relations by facilitating the sharing of ideas and negotiation. The course will prepare you for an international or internationally focused career.
During your course you’ll develop proficiency in reading and listening, writing and speaking, and mediating skills in one or two languages.
You can choose from French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, as well as Chinese or Japanese.
Alongside this you’ll study global issues such as power, race and gender, allowing you to expand your international outlook and gain a wider perspective on international affairs and interactions.
You will have the option of spending the third year of your degree abroad, so you can develop your language skills among native speakers and experience a different culture.
Alternatively, you'll have the options to undertake a Careers Placement Year in the UK or to complete your degree in 3 years without either a Year Abroad or a Careers Placement Year.
Regardless of what you choose to do, you will confirm this with us in Stage 2.
Find out more about our undergraduate programmes on the School of Modern Languages website
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
This degree is run by the School of Modern Languages with either half or a third of your modules taught by the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology. You can combine your languages in one of three ways:
- one language at beginners' level
- one or two languages at post-A level (or equivalent)
- two languages – one at post-A level (or equivalent) and one at beginners' level
Stage 1 of your degree lets you study your language(s) at post-A Level or beginners' level, depending on your current language ability. You can choose from Chinese or Japanese, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
You will also study modules in the culture, history, cinema or linguistics of the countries where your chosen languages are spoken.
In addition you will study compulsory International Relations modules, providing you with a foundation in the discipline.
If you study two languages in your first year, you may reduce this to just one language for the remainder of your degree before moving on to Stage 2.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Key Concepts in International Politics | 20 |
| Becoming a Political Analyst | 20 |
| Academic Study and Research Skills | 0 |
You will continue to develop your language skills at an advanced/intermediate level. You will again choose optional modules that explore the cultures and histories of the countries where your chosen languages are spoken.
You’ll also study Becoming a Political Researcher and further optional international relations modules including Political Geography, Power and Poverty in the Global Economy and The Politics of Race.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to study beginners’ modules in:
- Catalan or Italian if you study Spanish
- Catalan or Italian if you study French
- Dutch if you study German
- Korean if you study Chinese or Japanese as a single language
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Becoming a Political Researcher | 20 |
Year abroad
Studying abroad is a great way to immerse yourself in local cultures, meet new people and improve your language skills.
Our year abroad is optional, meaning you can choose to study abroad in your third year (making your degree four years) or you can opt out (which will make your degree three years). You do not have to choose right away, and you can talk through your options with your Degree Programme Director once you arrive at Newcastle.
The way you spend your year abroad is up to you. You can:
- work as a British Council teaching assistant in a school (UK nationals only)
- study at a partner university
- undertake an approved work placement
The year abroad is highly flexible and students can choose to either spend their year abroad in one country or divide it between two countries. You can also study at a partner university in one semester and undertake a work placement in another.
Careers placement year
Work experience can enhance your career prospects beyond university. All modern language students not taking a year abroad have the opportunity to undertake a Careers Placement Year in the UK. This will be in the third year of your study and will make your degree four years long in total.
With a placement year you can choose to do:
- one placement lasting 9-12 months
- two placements which last at least 4.5 months each
Again, you don't need to decide now if you'd like to choose a Placement Year and you'll have the chance to talk to staff about your options.
Your language studies build on the levels you developed in Stage 2 or during your Year Abroad and you also develop more professional skills and for European languages will choose to study language for professional and academic purposes or translation and interpreting.
As in Stages 1 and 2, you choose optional modules to further develop your knowledge of the countries where your chosen language(s) are spoken as well as choosing from optional international relations modules that include Cities and World Politics, International Political Thought and Political Citizenship.
Modules
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2023-24.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You will be taught via a combination of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group discussions
- Online based group work
- One-to-one tutorials
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Presentations
-
Reports
Skills and experience
Research skills
You have the option of writing a dissertation in your final year, which allows you to explore and discuss a topic of interest in detail, while developing your research skills.
Opportunities
Optional Year Abroad
This Modern Languages degree includes an optional Year Abroad, meaning the degree can be 3 or 4 years.
Students studying a European language can:
- study at one of our partner universities
- undertake a work or voluntary placement
- undertake a combination of both (ensuring they do not overlap)
You usually divide the year between the countries relating to your chosen languages, although it may be possible to spend the entire year in one country.
If you're studying Chinese or Japanese, you'll spend either a semester or the full academic year studying at one of our partner universities in China or Japan. If you also study European languages you can split your time and do one of the options above for your European language.
Support for Year Abroad
You will receive lots of help to prepare for your year abroad, including:
- briefings covering practicalities like insurance, student safety and country-specific information
- support in finding a work placement
- a Tandem Learning Scheme, to practice conversation in your foreign language and make in-country contacts, before you travel
- a training course for British Council language assistants
There are also events in your second year where you can meet students who have already done their year abroad and students from our partner universities in Europe, Latin America, China and Japan.
You'll be in contact with our Year Abroad team during your time abroad, and will communicate with your personal tutor. You'll also write compulsory blog posts, reflecting on your linguistic, personal and professional development.
Optional Careers Placement Year
Work experience can enhance your career prospects beyond university. If you choose not to take a year abroad, you can undertake a Careers Placement Year in the UK. This will be in the third year of your study and will make your degree four years long in total.
With a placement year you can choose to do:
- one placement lasting 9-12 months
- two placements which last at least 4.5 months each
You don't need to decide right away if you'd like to choose a Placement Year and you'll have the chance to talk to staff about your options once you arrive.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a Modern Languages student, you'll be based at our city centre campus. We've been teaching languages in Newcastle for more than 100 years.
You will have access to PC-equipped rooms and the award-winning Language Resource Centre, with self-study resources for over 50 languages.
You'll also have access to:
- specialist language learning software
- films
- live foreign-language TV channels
- online or on-campus tandem schemes
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
This course will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the private, public or voluntary sector, in the UK or abroad.
Ability in languages is highly regarded by employers across all sectors, including industry and business. Employers value the linguistic, interpersonal, intercultural and skills of language graduates. International businesses need employees who not only speak another language but also understand the history, politics and culture of the region.
The international outlook and knowledge our students develop alongside advanced language skills will allow you to consider career options in a range of fields. Our graduates find employment in sectors such as business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking and communication.
Some work as researchers, internet consultants, United Nations translators, in local government, with community groups or in refugee support. Many work in the digital industries or the arts. Teaching is also a popular choice, undertaking primary or secondary Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or teaching English abroad.
You’ll also be able to think critically, assess complex material and data, carry out research and construct well-informed arguments. Our graduates have used these skills to progress into careers in politics, economics, and international relations, for employers such as:
- the Houses of Parliament
- HM Treasury
- Local government
- the Civil Service
- inter-governmental organisations
- public affairs consultancies
Make a difference
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Careers support
The School of Modern Languages works with the University’s Careers Service to run an annual Employability Week, including an opportunity to network with recent graduates.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)
The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed (see ‘Home Fee Students’ information below).
| Qualification: BA Honours | |
|---|---|
|
Home students full time 4 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
Not set |
|
International students full time 4 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
23800 |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
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Get in touch
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