International Development and Languages

International development and languages is a degree that combines the study of global inequality, poverty, and development with the linguistic and cultural knowledge needed to engage with the world's communities on their own terms. International development examines the economic, political, and social forces that shape the life chances of people around the world, evaluating what works and what does not in efforts to reduce poverty, improve health and education, promote human rights, and build sustainable livelihoods. Languages add the critical dimension of direct communication, enabling you to work and live in the communities you study rather than observing them from a distance.

At the University of Portsmouth, this four-year, full-time degree allows you to work towards fluency in one or two foreign languages while exploring solutions to global social challenges such as poverty and hunger, environmental sustainability, universal education, and healthcare. The combination is well designed for students who want to pursue a career in international development but recognise that language skills are among the most valued and least common capacities that development organisations seek. The programme includes a year abroad, which gives you the opportunity to develop your language skills in context and to gain direct experience of the regions and communities your studies engage with.

Graduates from international development and languages programmes work in NGOs, development agencies, international organisations, the civil service, diplomacy, journalism, research, and the voluntary sector. The combination of development knowledge with linguistic competence is particularly valued in field-based and project management roles where direct community engagement is essential. Postgraduate study in international development, area studies, or a specialist field such as humanitarian action or global health is a common route for those wanting to deepen their expertise.