BA (Hons) Politics, International Relations and Modern Languages (Italian) Bachelor's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London
BA (Hons) Politics, International Relations and Modern Languages (Italian) at RHUL. You'll engage with core theory in politics and international relations, research methods, and practical application, including specialist options and an independent project, while developing professional skills relevant to careers in…
About this course
Develop your knowledge of contemporary issues and dynamics which have shaped our lives and the European continent since the end of World War Two, and enhance your understanding of Italian language, literature and culture. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Politics, International Relations and Modern Languages (Italian) is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at RHUL, based in Egham Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Politics graduates from this provider, 78% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Politics & International Relations, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 78% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 92% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 8 modules
- Introduction to International RelationsCore
Module details
A broad introduction to theory and history in international relations since 1870. Covers a variety of different theoretical lenses to understand events from the collapse of the Bismarckian European order to the contemporary War on Terror.
- Introduction to Politics and GovernmentCore
Module details
Introduces you to the academic study of politics and contemporary politics. Gives essential tools to understand the nature of politics and analyse political systems. Covers key concepts including politics, power, rights, ideologies, democracy and representation.
- Italian Language: Culture and TranslationCore
Module details
Develops command of Italian-English translation and critical analysis of Italian-language material through exposure to prose fiction, poetry, drama, film, graphic novels, multimedia and web content, and newspaper and magazine articles.
- Italian Ab Initio Written ICore
Module details
Develops reading and writing skills in Italian using a blended approach with a beginners' coursebook, Moodle materials and authentic material. Themes include everyday life in Italy and introduction to Italian-speaking society and culture.
Assessment: Assessed in Italian
- Italian Ab Initio Oral ICore
Module details
Develops speaking and listening skills in Italian using a blended approach with a beginners' coursebook, Moodle materials and authentic material. Themes include everyday life in Italian-speaking countries and introduction to Italian-speaking society and culture.
Assessment: Assessed in Italian
- Italian Advanced Written ICore
Module details
Expands students' ability to express themselves in accurate written Italian. Covers major grammatical issues and work on authentic material to expand vocabulary and range of expressions.
Assessment: Taught and assessed in Italian
- Italian Advanced Oral ICore
Module details
Expands students' ability to express themselves in accurate spoken Italian. Works on authentic material to expand vocabulary, range of expressions and introduce contemporary issues and culture.
Assessment: Taught and assessed in Italian
- Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio and their HeritageOptional
Module details
Introduction to themes and ideas in literature of the Middle Ages. Covers Dante's Vita Nuova, selection of stories from Boccaccio's Decameron, and Petrarch's poems. Includes visual and dramatic interpretations of these three authors.
Year 2 6 modules
- Understanding the European Union: Politics and TheoryCore
Module details
Analyzes contemporary politics of the European Union and its institutions. Covers political history of European integration after 1949, theories of European integration, Euroscepticism, party politics, public opinion, Brexit and EU-UK relations.
- Italian Language IICore
Module details
Conducted in Italian adopting a communicative approach. Written component focuses on reading comprehension and essay writing; oral component includes oral presentations and informal discussions.
- Democracy in BritainOptional
Module details
Explores theory and practice of modern British politics. Familiarizes students with how British democracy has evolved and operates today. Covers character, development and institutions of Britain's democratic system, political parties, political behaviour and voting.
- Contemporary Political TheoryOptional
Module details
Covers theories underlying discussion of political problems and issues today. Topics include liberty, equality, human rights, punishment, democracy, gender, race, multiculturalism, civil disobedience, resistance and political violence.
- International Political EconomyOptional
Module details
Examines relationship between states and markets, power and wealth. Covers globalisation of trade, finance and production, development, governance in the world economy. Explores history of regimes, crises and competing theories from the nineteenth century to present.
- War and Security in World PoliticsOptional
Module details
Comprehensive overview of Security Studies as a field of International Relations. Examines security issues, theories of security especially in age of terrorism, and military innovation studies.
Year 3 1 modules
- Year AbroadCore
Module details
Spend the third year abroad studying, working, or both. Expected to spend at least nine months in a country where the native language is Italian. Expands linguistic competencies and develops intercultural competency and employability skills. Formally assessed.
Year 4 2 modules
- European Union Public PolicyCore
Module details
Develops understanding of regulation in the European Union, including delivery of policy and administration. Covers EU public policy, single market, the Euro and its crisis, justice, home affairs and counter-terrorism, EU budget, agriculture, regional development, and social and environmental policies.
- Advanced Italian IIICore
Module details
Close correlation between written and oral classes. Structured cohesive written commentaries on set Italian texts, reading comprehension and paraphrasing skills. Oral presentations and debate on Italian current affairs. Grammar lectures revise complex features.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll develop knowledge of contemporary political issues and European history since the end of World War Two, alongside Italian language, literature and culture. A course like this typically moves from foundations in Year 1, political systems, institutions and ideologies, alongside International Relations theory and research skills, to specialist study in Years 2 and 3. You'll usually explore comparative politics, international security and political research methods in your second year. Later, you'll choose from specialisations such as global governance, human rights, political theory and public policy, culminating in a supervised dissertation or independent project on a political question you select. Italian language study runs throughout.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding how nations, institutions and cultures interact on the world stage, with particular interest in modern Europe and Italy. You're comfortable with rigorous textual and analytical work, and you want to become fluent in Italian whilst mastering political and international frameworks. This course suits those who value both language immersion and critical thinking about power, governance and global events, and who thrive in combining humanities and social-science perspectives.
Careers & job market
Across Politics and International Relations courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National data shows typical starting salaries in the range of £24,000–£32,000 at 15 months, rising to £27,200–£38,400 after five years. Paths include international organisations, government departments, NGOs, journalism, teaching and research.
University & format
This degree is offered at Royal Holloway, University of London, a higher education college based on the Egham Campus. The course runs for 4 years full-time and is taught in English. As a UK degree-awarding body, the qualification is nationally recognised. The university held a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 98% |
| another higher-education qualification | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code LR23). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at RHUL →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Politics & International Relations graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £26,000 | £24,000 – £30,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £27,500 | £21,500 – £35,000 | 80 |
| 5 years after | £35,500 | £25,500 – £45,500 | 95 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in politics & international relations · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Politics & International Relations nationally
National figures for Politics & International Relations graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Politics & International Relations courses at the same study level.
Compared with 690 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 35; response rate: 75%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Politics & International Relations graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Politics & International Relations graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Government & civil service (FCDO)
- Think tanks
- NGOs
- Public-affairs agencies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Politics & International Relations graduates.
Head of History & PoliticsProspero TeachingExaminer - GCE A Level Politics (2017 specification).PearsonA Level PoliticsBURNLEY COLLEGESocial & Audience Engagement Producer (Politics & World News)SkyHead of the School of Area Studies Sociology History Politics and LiteratureUniversity of PortsmouthHead of History and politicsCV-LibraryIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
78% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: NSS 83.7% · in work or study 78% · continued 92%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
Social sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Egham Campus
437 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Politics & International Relations right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to RHUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £26,800 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check RHUL’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with RHUL and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
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How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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