Politics and Modern Languages

About this programme

Work, travel, relationships, politics, diplomacy... In an increasingly globalised world, multilingualism and intercultural understanding have never been more important. This exciting joint honours degree allows you to bring all of this together, by combining politics with the study of a language and its related culture(s): French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.All languages can be studied from beginners' level or post-A level (or the equivalent), apart from Portuguese, which is offered from beginners' level only. You choose your language after you have been made an offer and have accepted a place.The politics side of the degree explores power, who exercises it, for whom, how it is distributed, and with what consequences. You will gain insight into the politics of different countries, regions and systems, as well as global and local political issues and movements.On the language side of your degree, you will follow a structured language course in your chosen language, as well as explore the richness of the cultures in which it is spoken, choosing from a range of units in areas such as literature, film, history, thought, linguistics, politics and visual culture. Studying your chosen language will also give you direct access to cultural production and political debates in the countries and cultures in which it is spoken.Combined, the study of Politics, language and culture will enable you to build invaluable interpersonal and intercultural skills that will support your personal and professional development and open up a world of international career opportunities, whichever sector you go on to work in.The schools of Modern Languages, and Sociology, Politics and International Studies are both vibrant academic communities that will give you the opportunity to participate in research and extracurricular activities such as talks, workshops, student societies, language cafés, student newspapers and talent shows. As a modern languages student, you will also have access to the school's wonderful Multimedia Centre, complete with a video editing suite, language lab facilities, extensive foreign-language film collection and mini-cinema.