BA Politics and Modern Languages (RL20)
2027 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
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.
Course structure
The degree lasts four years, with years 1, 2 and 4 spent in Bristol. Year 3 is spent abroad in a country where your chosen language is spoken, refining your language skills and cultural knowledge and gaining valuable work experience. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.
In each of Years 1, 2 and 4, you take a combination of units from the School of Modern Languages and the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies.
Year 1 introduces foundational theoretical and analytical approaches to the study of politics. Alongside this, you will follow a structured language course in your chosen language and gain a grounding in key historical and cultural aspects of communities in which it is spoken.
In Years 2 and 4, the core and optional units of the politics side of your degree will help you to develop your analytical approach to studying politics and apply your deepening understanding to a choice of national, regional or situational contexts.
On the language side of the degree, you will continue your language study and take a combination of core and optional units that extend your understanding of the cultures in which your language is spoken. Units on offer covers topics such as history, literature, politics, linguistics, film and visual art. In Year 2, you may also have the option to begin a new, non-degree language, such as Arabic, Catalan, Japanese, Korean or Mandarin.
Teaching styles differ from unit to unit, but include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. You will encounter a range of assessment styles over the course of your degree, such as presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts and video essays.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
More about Access to HE entry requirements
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Politics and Modern Languages can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2026 entry. The statement for 2027 entry will be available in summer 2026.