Explore global social, political and cultural challenges, whilst achieving fluency in another language.
This degree enables you to combine the study of a language at either beginner (ab initio) or advanced level with the study of international politics. This combination will give you strong skills in both areas and prepare you for an international career.
You can choose from either French, German or Spanish (intended for those who have studied to A level standard) or any beginner language (which you do not need to have studied before). These are French, German, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish.
In Year 1, you will develop your written and spoken language skills, as well as your understanding of key political concepts and theoretical tools for the study of international politics. Alongside this, you'll explore the history and culture of your chosen language.
In Year 2, you’ll continue with the advanced study of your chosen language, and the history, politics, culture and society of its primary countries as well as the international context. You’ll gain skills in research and design methods. You will also choose from optional units, enabling you to focus on areas of interest to you.
You'll spend Year 3 either studying or working abroad.
In your final year, alongside your language study, you will do a politics dissertation. You’ll also choose from a wide range of optional units that will allow you to focus on areas you are most interested in.
You can study this course with these languages:
The (ab initio) language streams will fast-track your first two years to help you prepare to study or work abroad in the third year.
If you study an advanced language, you will learn about political and cultural issues in the target language.
Please note: We are not currently recruiting to Russian language pathways.
You’ll learn from teaching staff with diverse backgrounds and expertise in contemporary political studies and modern languages. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching, aiming to enhance your learning experience.
Throughout the course, you will develop skills to prepare you for employment and further study. These include:
You will also develop advanced language skills.
Many of our politics graduates have gone on to careers in both the private and public sectors, working in the banking and finance industries, media, public administration, and European and international political institutions.
Examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include:
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
The units you study will vary depending on your language choices.
If you study an advanced language (French, German or Spanish), you’ll study the below units for your chosen language:
If you choose a beginner (ab initio) language pathway (Italian, French, Spanish, German or Mandarin), you’ll study:
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
15 credits
5 credits
10 credits
15 credits
25 credits
15 credits
15 credits
10 credits
25 credits
10 credits
10 credits
10 credits
5 credits
60 credits
15 credits
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25 credits
In Year 3, you’ll study or work abroad. During this, you'll be in a country that primarily uses your chosen language. You could spend this time:
You can combine two options or countries, spending half of Year 3 on each.
This will improve your language skills. Many students gain confidence, life experience and independence. It can also increase your professional network.
Your Year Abroad Officers and Tutor will support you during this time. If you choose to do a placement, our placements team will help you to find your role and support you during your time abroad.
Previous students have completed placements with:
Placements can’t be guaranteed but you will receive support from our dedicated placements team to help you. Study abroad opportunities are limited and are subject to availability at our partner institutions. Some placement and study abroad opportunities (including some within EU countries) might not be available to UK students because of visa restrictions.
Read more about studying or working abroad during your undergraduate language degreeYou’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, practical sessions, seminars and tutorials, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 10 and 14 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 21 to 30 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you may do a final year project in the final year.
You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge.
As a guide, 60-80% of assessment is by coursework or essays. The remaining will be through examination. There will also be an element of assessment through practical work.
The balance of examinations and coursework may depend on the optional units you choose.
The final degree classification is determined by your second, third and final year marks. Each contributes 24%, 8% and 68% respectively
You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group. The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘Being able to pick modules that really suit what I'm interested in has definitely made me more interested in the world of politics and the world around us.’
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for languages and politics, expressed through an interest and knowledge of certain social, political or economic aspects. This might include relevant reading, involvement in political or language societies, activism for a political party or an NGO or by participating in language exchange programmes.
You do not need to have studied Politics before to be suitable for this course. You will need a strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
We welcome students from a variety of backgrounds to our language courses. Language teaching in the first year of this degree for beginner languages is typically pitched at students who have little or no knowledge of the language. Teaching in the first year of this degree for advanced languages is intended for those who have studied the language to A level (or equivalent). If you have more advanced language skills you may want to contact us to discuss your options.
If you wish to study an advanced language you will need a strong performance in it as part of your entry qualifications. If you are not taking it as part of your entry qualifications, we can accept a relevant B2 level language qualification, such as DELF for French, TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat Deutsch or DSD for German or DELE for Spanish.
When completing your UCAS application for this course you will need to indicate the language and level you wish to study. You should do this under "further details" in the "choices" section of the application form, using one of our listed codes. The available language options are:
You can only choose to study one language through this degree.
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
AAB in three A levels.
For an advanced language option, your A level subjects must normally include that language.
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level (unless studied alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics alone). Read more about our approach to this qualification.
BBB or ABC in three A levels.
For an advanced language option, your A level subjects must normally include grade B in that language.
Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level (unless studied alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics alone). Read more about our approach to this qualification.
We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
ABB in three A levels plus one of:
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:
ABBB in three A levels and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
For an advanced language option, your A level subjects must normally include that language.
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
35 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
For an advanced language option, your Higher Level subjects must normally include that language but we can consider you if you study it at Standard Level. Our typical offer in this case would be 35 points overall with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects plus 7 in Standard Level in your chosen language.
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
To study an advanced language option, you will normally need a 5 at Higher Level or 7 at Standard Level in that language, or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.
To study an advanced language option, you will normally need a 5 at Higher Level or 7 at Standard Level in that language, or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
35 points overall and 5, 5, 5 or 6, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects.
For an advanced language option, your Higher Level subjects must normally include grade 5 in that language.
Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
For an advanced language option, your Higher Level subjects must normally include that language but we can consider you if you study it at Standard Level. Our typical offer in this case would be 35 points overall with 5, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects plus 7 in Standard Level in your chosen language.
DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) in a relevant subject area.
We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and are unable to consider qualifications in Public Services, Uniformed Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and other less relevant disciplines.
To study an advanced language option, you will need grade B in an A level in that language or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To study a beginner language option, you will need strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
Suitable applicants progressing via this route may be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
To study an advanced language option, you will need grade B in an A level in that language or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To study a beginner language option, you will need strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
D*DD in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in a relevant subject area.
We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and are unable to consider qualifications in Public Services, Uniformed Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and other less relevant disciplines.
To study an advanced language option, you will need grade B in an A level in that language or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To study a beginner language option, you will need strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
Suitable applicants progressing via this route may be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider OCR Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
To study an advanced language option, you will need grade B in an A level in that language or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To study a beginner language option, you will need strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
T Levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.
AB in two Advanced Highers.
For an advanced language option, your Advanced Highers must normally include that language.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAABB in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
A pass in the Access to HE Diploma with at least 33 credits achieved at Distinction and 6 credits achieved at Merit or above.
To study an advanced language option, you will need grade B in an A level in that language or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To study a beginner language option, you will need strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
Please contact us to discuss the content of the Access course you are studying to check that the units you are covering are suitable.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
To study an advanced language option, you will need grade B in an A level in that language or any suitable qualification or test at B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To study a beginner language option, you will need strong performance in a language other than your own of at least GCSE level (or equivalent).
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
For a beginner language option, you will typically need a good grade in at least one language GCSE (other than in your own language) if you do not study a language at A level (or equivalent).
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Fees and funding information for International Politics and Modern Languages BA (Hons) with study or work abroad
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusFee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
In Year 3, you will be required to spend time studying or working abroad. During this time, you are responsible for your travel, accommodation and living costs. These may vary depending on where you are based and your own personal choices.
If you study in China with one of our partner institutions, you will be required to pay additional tuition costs to that partner. These are not covered by UK Government tuition fee loans.
The exact fees may vary from year-to-year, but you should budget between £1,500 and £2,500-per-semester for this. There are no additional tuition costs for study as part of our other language options.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansYou could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsYou can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsYou will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.
Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you hold a language qualification that is not covered by our typical entry requirements we may invite you to attend an interview to assess your language level. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma or a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
This course was updated with a new structure, title and languages for applicants starting from September 2020 onwards. The data from Discover Uni is based on a previous version of this course with differences in the choices of languages offered. Some data has been grouped with similar courses where appropriate.
You can use these course profiles as a guide:
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