International Relations and Modern Languages

International relations and modern languages is a combination that equips you to engage with world affairs in the languages in which they actually take place, rather than entirely through the filter of translation. International relations examines the dynamics of global politics, the behaviour of states and other actors, the role of international institutions and law, and the forces reshaping the international order. A modern language gives you direct access to one of those states or regions on its own terms, to its media, its scholarship, its political culture and its population, in ways that deepen your analytical understanding of international affairs considerably.

At the University of Exeter both the three-year and four-year versions of this programme offer comprehensive and in-depth study of modern languages and cultures. The three-year programme, studied full time, includes a sandwich year and a year abroad as well as work-placement experience, meaning the programme as a whole provides substantial professional and international experience alongside academic study. The combination of theoretical grounding in international relations and practical language study at advanced level creates a distinctive graduate profile that is particularly valued by employers in international organisations, government and international business.

You will develop advanced language proficiency alongside the analytical tools of international relations, engaging with the political, historical and cultural contexts of your chosen language region while building the frameworks needed to understand global dynamics more broadly.

Graduates pursue careers in the diplomatic service, international development, international organisations including the European Union and United Nations, journalism, international business, the civil service, think tanks and NGOs. The combination of language fluency and international relations knowledge is highly valued in any career with a substantive cross-border dimension. Postgraduate study in international relations, a modern language or related area is also a well-established route.