BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Languages Bachelor's degree at the University of Exeter
BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Languages at University of Exeter. International relations rarely happens in one language, and this course is built around that reality: rather than studying global politics through English alone, you'll pair your International Relations training with sustained study of a…
About this course
Explore what Exeter graduates do | Career Zone | University of Exeter Section links Career Planning Reflect on yourself Explore your options Exploring Postgraduate Study Employment Sectors Explore what Exeter graduates do Anthropology Arab and Islamic Studies Archaeology Art History and Visual Culture Biosciences Class From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Languages is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Exeter, based in Streatham Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Politics graduates from this provider, 88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 76% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,500. (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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 88% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (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 25 modules
- Globalisation of World PoliticsCompulsory15 credits
- The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First CenturyCompulsory15 credits
- French LanguageCompulsory30 credits
- French Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- German LanguageCompulsory30 credits
- German Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- Italian LanguageCompulsory30 credits
- Italian Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- Beginners ChineseCompulsory30 credits
- Portuguese Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- Contemporary Russian Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Russian Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- Spanish LanguageCompulsory30 credits
- Spanish Language for BeginnersCompulsory30 credits
- Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle EastOptional15 credits
- Power and DemocracyOptional15 credits
- Classical Political ThoughtOptional15 credits
- Early Modern Political ThoughtOptional15 credits
- Introduction to Comparative PoliticsOptional15 credits
- International Politics of the Global SouthOptional15 credits
- The State of the UK: Identifying Marginalised Identities and Addressing InequalitiesOptional15 credits
- Global Sustainability Policy and GovernanceOptional15 credits
- Population and SocietyOptional15 credits
- Introduction to Artificial IntelligenceOptional15 credits
- Introduction to Social DataOptional15 credits
Year 2 23 modules
- Contemporary Theories of World PoliticsCompulsory15 credits
- The Politics of the World EconomyCompulsory15 credits
- French Language, Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Intermediate FrenchCompulsory30 credits
- German Language, Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Intermediate GermanCompulsory30 credits
- Italian Language, Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Intermediate Chinese (One)Compulsory30 credits
- Intermediate PortugueseCompulsory30 credits
- Contemporary Russian Written and Oral ICompulsory30 credits
- Intermediate RussianCompulsory30 credits
- Spanish Language, Written and OralCompulsory30 credits
- Spanish Language (ex-beginners)Compulsory30 credits
- Work and Study AbroadCompulsory120 credits
- Study Abroad at a Partner University (with Assessment in the Foreign Language)Compulsory120 credits
- Internship Abroad Combined with Study at a Partner University AbroadCompulsory120 credits
- Advanced French Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced German Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Italian Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Chinese Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Portuguese Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Russian Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
- Advanced Spanish Language SkillsCompulsory30 credits
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
The course is structured to build language and analytical competence together rather than in isolation. You'll start with core theory in International Relations, the concepts and frameworks used to understand states, institutions, conflict and cooperation, alongside foundational language teaching. Research & methods modules introduce you to how political scientists and linguists actually gather and interpret evidence, which matters once you get to your independent project later in the course. Applied practice modules push you to use theory on real cases, and as your language skills progress you'll take specialist options, such as modules focused on a particular region, policy area or aspect of the language and culture you're studying. Professional skills modules run alongside these, helping you translate your degree into practical competencies, written analysis, presentation, cross-cultural communication, that are relevant whether you're heading into diplomacy, business, journalism or further study. The independent project towards the end of the degree lets you bring the language and IR strands together in a single, self-directed piece of work.
Who it's for
This suits someone who's genuinely curious about how the world is governed and argued over, but who doesn't want to study that purely in English, someone who enjoys the discipline of learning a language properly, not just picking up a few phrases. You might already be strong at essay writing and enjoy following news about international affairs, but you should also be prepared to put in the steady, cumulative work that language learning demands: vocabulary, grammar, listening practice, and the slower confidence-building that comes from speaking regularly. If you like connecting abstract ideas to concrete, on-the-ground detail, reading a policy debate in its original language rather than in translation, this will feel rewarding. Expect a mix of lecture-based theory and smaller, more conversational language classes, plus independent study as you get further into the degree. It also suits people thinking about careers that cross borders, whether in government, international organisations or global business, and who want a degree that keeps both options, the political and the linguistic, genuinely open rather than choosing one over the other early on.
Careers & job market
Nationally, across Politics & International Relations courses, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, and 60% of those in work are in roles classed as highly skilled. These are national Graduate Outcomes figures rather than numbers specific to this course or university, but they give a general sense of the destinations open to people with this kind of degree. National earnings data (LEO) for graduates from this field show starting salaries in the region of £24,000–£32,000 at 15 months, with figures of £21,675–£30,600 after three years and £27,200–£38,400 after five years, again, national ranges rather than a guarantee tied to any individual or institution. Around 90% of students nationally continue past their first year, which is a useful indicator of course sustainability. Graduates combining IR with a modern language often move into areas where both skill sets are valued together, such as diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, translation-adjacent roles, journalism, and international business, though your specific path will depend on the language and specialisms you choose along the way.
University & format
The University of Exeter is a public, research-intensive university and a member of the Russell Group, founded in 1955, with this course based at the Streatham Campus. It holds a Gold award in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality and was. Degrees are nationally recognised UK qualifications. The course runs full-time over three years, taught in English. Among recent accepted students, 95% held A-levels or an equivalent qualification, and the most common UCAS tariff among entrants was 160–175 points, this reflects typical entrant profiles rather than a stated minimum requirement.
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.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
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 | 95% |
| a Baccalaureate | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
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. 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
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Exeter →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 | £30,500 | £27,000 – £35,000 | 50 |
| 3 years after | £30,500 | £24,000 – £39,000 | 275 |
| 5 years after | £41,000 | £32,000 – £57,500 | 300 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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 · 24% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
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: 95; response rate: 55%. 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
88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,500. 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 9.0 out of 10: NSS 85.7% · in work or study 88% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Exeter
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 Streatham Campus
1,452 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 University of Exeter from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Exeter; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 University of Exeter’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 University of Exeter and gov.uk before you apply.
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