BA Modern Languages with International Relations
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
BA in Modern Languages with International Relations, a humanities degree combining foreign language acquisition with the study of global politics and diplomacy. Core topics include Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme includes a compulsory year abroad and an optional placement year. The first year introduces foundational linguistic skills and international history through modules such as Critical Analysis for Linguists, Introduction to International Relations, French Ab Initio Oral I, and German Ab Initio Written I. The second year builds proficiency with targeted study in modules like International Relations Theory, Intensive French for Beginners II, French Language II, and Intensive Beginners’ German II. The third year is spent abroad completing the Year Abroad Placement: Intercultural Competency and Professional Skills module. The final year advances fluency and analytical depth through modules such as Pratique du Français III, German Language III, Advanced Italian III, and Spanish III.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB-BBB (Required subjects: A-level in the appropriate language(s) at grade B for the advanced level language pathway There is no language requirement for the beginners' language pathway but at least one essay-based subject is required at grade B and only one language can be studied at this level We require English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade 4 (C) Please note that if you choose to apply for this course you will need to provide details of which languages you wish to study on your UCAS application form. For further details on how to do this please visit our How to apply page.) IB: 6,5,5, in Higher Level or 32 points overall including 5 in the appropriate language if taken at Higher Level if the advanced level language pathway is required or 5 in an essay based subject for the beginners level.
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 79%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 100 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 43%
- South East: 31%
- South West: 8%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Critical Analysis for Linguists
- Introduction to International Relations
- French Ab Initio Oral I
- French Ab Initio Written I
- French Advanced Oral I
- French Advanced Written I
- German Ab Initio Written I
- German Ab Initio Oral I
- German Advanced Written I
- German Advanced Oral I
- Italian Ab Initio Written I
- Italian Ab Initio Oral I
- Italian Advanced Written I
- Italian Advanced Oral I
- Spanish Ab Initio Written I
- Spanish Ab Initio Oral I
- Spanish Advanced Written I
- Spanish Advanced Oral I
- International Relations Theory
- Intensive French for Beginners II
- French Language II
- Intensive Beginners’ German II
- German Language II
- Advanced Italian II for Post Beginners
- Italian Language II
- Intensive Spanish II
- Spanish Language II
- Year Abroad Placement: Intercultural Competency and Professional Skills
- Pratique du Français III
- German Language III
- Advanced Italian III
- Spanish III
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Modern Languages with International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London earn?
The median salary is £28,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £38,500. The £31,000 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of BA Modern Languages with International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Modern Languages with International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Modern Languages with International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 123 UCAS points.
Does BA Modern Languages with International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Modern Languages with International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.