BA Modern Languages and International Relations
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UCAS code
R9L2 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Study a modern language, and gain a broader view of the contemporary world’s most pressing problems, with our BA Modern Languages and International Relations degree.
This highly flexible degree enables you to study a modern language – choosing from our core languages of French, German, Italian and Spanish – alongside your studies in international relations.
Taught by experts from the Department of Languages and Cultures and the Department of Politics and International Relations, you’ll acquire transferable skills with an international focus.
Throughout, you’ll be encouraged to follow your interests as they develop and tailor your learning to your career goals.
Learn a language
At the University of Reading, you’ll join a lively, multilingual community and study alongside students from all over the world.
Learn from internationally recognised researchers whose wide-ranging expertise includes migration, literature, history, cinema, linguistics, publishing, and translation. 100% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Modern Languages and Linguistics).
Choose to study one of our four core languages:
These languages are offered at beginner’s, intermediate or advanced level, depending on your experience.
Our flexible, supportive teaching style will enable you to become confident and highly skilled in your chosen core language. You will master the fundamentals of the language – both written and spoken – graduating with near-native command.
Direct access to our staff for help and feedback ensures you develop your language skills to the best of your ability. 90% of our students agreed that staff are good at explaining things in the Department of Languages and Cultures [1].
The study of language includes cultural modules that develop your understanding of the cultures of the countries in which the language is spoken, from their literary and cinematic traditions to their history, politics and linguistics. As well as complementing your joint studies, this enables you to develop as a specialist with an international, comparative approach.
Optional modules also include introductory study of one of the following languages (subject to approval and availability):
- Arabic
- British Sign Language
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- French
- German
- Italian
- Modern Greek
- Japanese
[1] National Student Survey 2022
Overview
Study a modern language, and gain a broader view of the contemporary world’s most pressing problems, with our BA Modern Languages and International Relations degree.
This highly flexible degree enables you to study a modern language – choosing from our core languages of French, German, Italian and Spanish – alongside your studies in international relations.
Taught by experts from the Department of Languages and Cultures and the Department of Politics and International Relations, you’ll acquire transferable skills with an international focus.
Throughout, you’ll be encouraged to follow your interests as they develop and tailor your learning to your career goals.
Learn a language
At the University of Reading, you’ll join a lively, multilingual community and study alongside students from all over the world.
Learn from internationally recognised researchers whose wide-ranging expertise includes migration, literature, history, cinema, linguistics, publishing, and translation. 100% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Modern Languages and Linguistics).
Choose to study one of our four core languages:
These languages are offered at beginner’s, intermediate or advanced level, depending on your experience.
Our flexible, supportive teaching style will enable you to become confident and highly skilled in your chosen core language. You will master the fundamentals of the language – both written and spoken – graduating with near-native command.
Direct access to our staff for help and feedback ensures you develop your language skills to the best of your ability. 90% of our students agreed that staff are good at explaining things in the Department of Languages and Cultures [1].
The study of language includes cultural modules that develop your understanding of the cultures of the countries in which the language is spoken, from their literary and cinematic traditions to their history, politics and linguistics. As well as complementing your joint studies, this enables you to develop as a specialist with an international, comparative approach.
Optional modules also include introductory study of one of the following languages (subject to approval and availability):
- Arabic
- British Sign Language
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- French
- German
- Italian
- Modern Greek
- Japanese
[1] National Student Survey 2022
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO1ICD | Introduction to Contemporary Democracy | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Andrew Reid |
PO1IRS | Politics: International Relations and Strategic Studies | DR Amanda Hall |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FR1IFC | Introduction to French Culture | DR Veronica Heath |
FR1L1 | Beginners French Language | DR Marine Orain |
FR1L2 | Intermediate French Language | DR Marine Orain |
FR1L3 | Advanced French Language I | MRS Celine Biart |
FR1MMF | The Making of Modern France | DR Marjorie Gehrhardt |
GM1IMG | Icons of Modern Germany | DR Ute Wolfel |
GM1L1 | Beginners German Language | MS Regine Klimpfinger |
GM1L2 | Intermediate German Language | DR Claire Ross |
GM1L3 | Advanced German Language I | DR Alice Christensen |
GM1TG | German Texts and Genres | DR Ellen Pilsworth |
IT10MI | Making Italians: A Journey in the History and Culture of Modern Italy | PROF Daniela La Penna |
IT1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
IT1L1 | Beginners Italian Language | MS Rita Balestrini |
IT1L2 | Intermediate Italian Language | MRS Enza Siciliano Verruccio |
IT1L3 | Advanced Italian Language I | DR Chiara Ciarlo |
ML1COMP | What is Comparative Literature? | DR John McKeane |
ML1GEC | Greats of European Cinema | PROF Julia Waters |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
ML1TRANS | Thinking Translation: History and Theory | DR Claire Ross |
SP1I1 | Icons of Spain and Latin America: From conquest to independence; from revolution to globalisation | DR Cherilyn Elston |
SP1L1 | Beginners Spanish Language | DR Denisse Lazo-Gonzalez |
SP1L2 | Intermediate Spanish Language | MR Oscar Garcia Garcia |
SP1L3 | Advanced Spanish Language 1 | MS Angela Mira Conejero |
SP1SLAC | Introduction to Spanish and Latin American Culture | DR Maria Reyes Baztan |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Core modules include:
- Language modules in French, German, Italian or Spanish (depending on your chosen core language)
- Modern International Relations
- The Study of Politics
Optional modules may include:
- Political Thinking
- Work Placement and Project
- American Government and Politics
- Model United Nations
- British Government and Politics
- European Political Migration
At least one cultural module focusing on the countries where your core language is spoken, for instance:
- Global French Life-Stories (if studying French as a core language)
- Glorification, Denial and Contempt ; reconstructing Austria’s Past (if studying German as a core language)
- Italian Cinema (if studying Italian as a core language)
- Culture and Revolution in Modern Latin America (if studying Spanish as a core language).
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year abroad.
We offer a range of destinations that currently includes:- If you are taking French as a core language: Montpellier, Paris, Geneva, Toulouse, La Réunion
- If you are taking German as a core language: Augsburg, Regensburg, Vienna, Potsdam, Graz, Tübingen
- If you are taking Italian as a core language: Florence, Siena, Naples, Padua, Bologna, Pisa, Rome
- If you are taking Spanish as a core language: Havana, Madrid, Sevilla, Oviedo, Mexico (Puebla), Salamanca
Core modules include:
- Language modules in French, German, Italian or Spanish (depending on your chosen core language)
Optional modules include:
- Intelligence, War and International Relations
- War, Peace and International Ethics
- British Foreign and Defence Policy since 1945
- Contemporary Power Politics
- Crime and Punishment: Theoretical Approaches
- Democracy and Democracy Promotion
- Feminism and Political Theory
- Grand Strategy from Classical Rome to Modern China
- International Terrorism
- Introduction to Critical Security Studies
- Language and Power
- Nationalisam
- Politics and International Relations of the Middle East
- Politics of the International Economy
- Strategic Theory
- Strategy in the two World Wars
- The UN and International Order
- Toleration: Theory and Practice
- US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950
- United Kingdom Politics since 1960
At least one cultural module focusing on the countries where your core language is spoken, for instance:
- French Popular Music and Society
- Migration in Germany
- Crisis, Change, Opportunity: Italy from 1968 to the Present
- Writers and Publishers in Spain
You may choose to take one or more of our ‘comparative’ modules, which enable you to study the literature, cinema or history of not one but several countries in a comparative fashion, for example:
- Cinemas of the World
- Language and Power
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £20,300
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Year abroad fees
If you spend a full year abroad, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact studyabroad@reading.ac.uk.
Additional Costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Overall, 91% of graduates from Politics and International Relations, and 88% of graduates from Languages and Cultures, are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.*
Recent modern languages graduates have found careers in translation, teaching, business and finance, the arts, and marketing. Recent employers include Sony Europe, the Civil Service, Oxford University Press, BNP Paribas, Dow Jones, Vodafone and PwC.
Past graduates have put their political analysis skills to use in various governmental departments, political research units, think tanks, non-governmental organisations, and parliament. Others have found careers in media, management consultancy, and banking.
*Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Politics and International Relations responders and all Languages and Cultures responders.