Languages and International Relations, BA Hons
Our languages and international relations degree offers you language skills and an understanding of how international relations shape our world view - ideal if you're looking for global careers.
You can expand your knowledge of culture and politics with our degree in languages and international relations. You can also study up to two languages, chosen from Mandarin, Spanish, French or Italian, at a level that suits you. This will enable you to take a final-year work placement in an international organisation. Taking part in an Erasmus+ student exchange is also an option.
Our languages and international relations graduates develop valuable transferable skills that are attractive to employers, including an ability to communicate across cultures. Possible careers include roles in national and international government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), public services, management, education, business, tourism, PR, translation and media.
UCAS points
104 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
LT22 G BA/IS
Department
Campus
Duration
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
- 4 years sandwich
Start month
September
Home/international fees
2021/2022 fees
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
You will be taught by an experienced team of experts, which includes senior academics and practitioners with industry experience. Trained postgraduate researchers may also contribute to seminar teaching with the module leader. Teaching is informed by our research and writing.
Come and meet us
Given the current situation with Covid-19, we are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
For entry in September 2021, you will require:
- 104 UCAS points from A-Levels (we also accept UCAS points from alternative Level 3 qualifications including: BTEC Nationals, the International Baccalaureate and Scottish and Irish Highers)
AND YOU WILL ALSO REQUIRE:
- GCSE English (Language or Literature) AND GCSE Maths at grade 4/C or above. We also consider equivalent qualifications in English and Maths at Level 2, in place of GCSEs.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Alternatively, please contact us:
- By telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136.
- By email: international@gre.ac.uk.
Further information about entry
If you have any query on - and for more information about - our entry requirements, please contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or call 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use prior learning?
For entry: applicants with non-traditional qualifications or appropriate professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For exemption: If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from modules of this degree.
How you will learn
This section helps you understand more about how you'll learn based on standard delivery of teaching and learning on campus.
However, as a response to COVID-19 we are currently operating a 'blended model' of teaching and learning (except for distance-learning courses). This means a combination of face-to-face sessions on our campuses with online lectures. There is additional support for any students who are unable to attend campus because they are ill or shielding. We'll continue to offer blended learning to all our students, in line with government guidelines, for as long as we are advised to. If government or local authority rules require it, we may be limited to offering online-only learning but will return to blended learning as soon as we are safely able to do so.
You can find out more about how we are supporting our students.
Teaching
In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:
- Timetabled learning
- Independent study
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your elective courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
The typical student intake per year averages 60-80. Typically, language classes may have 25-30 students per class. Lectures usually are attended by larger groups and seminars/tutorials by smaller groups. This can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate time to self-study. This may involve further reading and research, preparing coursework and presentations, preparing for tests and exams, and independent language learning.
You can use Stockwell Street Library, online resources, and our language centre to support you in these activities.
In addition, during the week you can also:
- Attend additional support classes in some modules
- Attend guest lectures from industry experts
- Take part in employability and enterprise workshops
- Join student societies.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Each module you study towards this degree is worth 30 credits. These represent around 300 study hours. If you receive 72 contact hours for a 30-credit module, you should expect to commit 228 hours to independent study to complete it successfully.
Assessment
On this course, on average, students are assessed by:
- Examinations
- Coursework
Students are assessed through a combination of course work, exams and practical assessment where relevant. You can view more information about how each module on this course is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Full time
Part time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2021/2022 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time (per 30 credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
Fees information International fees
Fees are assessed based on your country of domicile, with students domiciled in the EU charged international fees. If you are unsure, find out more about how your fee status is assessed.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive. EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Course texts and other study resources are available from our Stockwell Street Library, but you may wish to purchase your own copies.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
This course can be taken in sandwich mode, which means you can take a year to work in industry between your second and final years of study. Sandwich placements are relevant to your degree subject and are paid roles. It is the very best way of preparing you for successfully finding a job quickly when you graduate.
You will also have the option to select a module for which you will be required to undertake a short-term placement. The module will be assessed on your reflection on this placement and how you can apply your knowledge to the workplace. Many placements are found through our network of industry contacts, and students are supported in securing these.
How long is my placement?
Sandwich placements last for between 9-13 months. Work-based learning module placements are normally one day a week for either one or two terms depending on the number of credits available from the module.
What are the financial arrangements?
Sandwich placements are paid roles whereas work-based learning module placements are normally unpaid.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
The skills you acquire through studying our courses will prepare you for careers in a wide range of industries and jobs. Graduates of this course have gone on to work in areas as diverse as national and international government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), management, public services, education, business, tourism, PR, translation and media.
You may also go on to further study at Master's level or take a teacher-training qualification (PGCE).
Are internships available?
Students are encouraged to take up Summer internships during the Summer holidays, though it is up to the student to find them. Support is available to students from the Employability and Careers Service when applying for placements and internships.
Do you provide employability services?
Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible. The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops. In addition, your School has a dedicated Employability Officer who will be organising work-related activities throughout the year which will help you to build you industry knowledge and networks.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Accommodation information
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our undergraduate prospectus or check our related courses below.
International relations at the University of Greenwich
Where better to study international relations than Greenwich, an area steeped in maritime history? You’ll have the chance to undertake work placements at the House of Commons or international organisations.
Visit our international relations subject page.
Nobel prize for Greenwich alumnus
Mr Abiy was instrumental in Ethiopia reaching a peace deal with Eritrea last year. This brought to an end a 20-year military stalemate following the two-year border war which began in 1998.
International relations courses
International relations subject page Subject page Search our international relations courses All undergraduate courses
Mode of study
Select from the dropdown below.
| Course level | |
| UCAS code | |
| Duration | |
| Location |
Need more help?
020 8331 9000• Live chat• courseinfo@gre.ac.uk• More information