| UCAS code | LR06 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
| UCAS code | LR07 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
Overview
- You’ll gain a sound knowledge of the four principal areas of politics: political thought, international relations, comparative government, and public policy
- You’ll develop strong written and spoken skills in your modern language whilst gaining an understanding of other cultures
- Option to spend your third year studying or working abroad in a country where you can develop your chosen language
- Our broad range of modules in your second and final years gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions
- Get involved with the Politics and various Language student societies, make friends, attend socials and seminars and hear from guest speakers
- Get ready for your future career by developing a range of skills valued by a wide range of employers from the media to teaching and the public, private and charity sectors
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
11th in The Complete University Guide 2025
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
81% of politics graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation*
*based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22
Option to spend a year abroad studying at a partner university or in employment
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
11th in The Complete University Guide 2025
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
81% of politics graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation*
*based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22
Option to spend a year abroad studying at a partner university or in employment
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB-ABB | Dependent on subjects chosen (see below) |
| IB | 34/665-32/655 | Dependent on subjects chosen (see below) |
| BTEC | DDD-DDM | Dependent on subjects chosen (see below) |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | Dependent on level chosen the required L3 credits in Modern Foreign Language subject area |
| T-Level | Distinction | Dependent on subjects chosen, GCE A-Level in a Modern Foreign Language will also be required. |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB-BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Language requirements
- No previous language qualifications are required.
- You may only choose one language.
- French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish can be studied either from A level or beginner’s level, with both cohorts reaching degree level in the final year. Portuguese and Chinese can normally only be studied from beginner’s level, not from A Level; students of these two languages reach degree level in final year.
- If you choose a beginners language, you must take the four-year variant of the course with an International Placement.
Languages and levels available for Combined Honours courses
|
I want to study a new language at beginner level alongside my other subject (excluding programmes with Arabic) |
|
| Modern Languages requirements | No previous language qualifications required. We strongly recommend that students who want to start a languages degree with no previous linguistic experience should contact us. |
| Advanced level languages available | n/a |
| Beginners level languages available | Chinese (Mandarin); French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Russian; Spanish |
|
I want to study my A level (or equivalent) language at advanced level alongside my other subject (including programmes with Arabic) |
|
| Modern Languages requirements | A level grade B or IB HL5 or SL6 (or equivalent) in the language chosen at advanced level |
| Advanced level languages available | French; German; Italian; Russian; Spanish |
| Beginners level languages available | n/a |
Completing your UCAS form
In the section named ‘further details’ on your UCAS application form please indicate in the ‘choices’ field the language and route you wish to study using the abbreviations below, separated by a space:
| French | Fren |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Chin |
| German | Germ |
| Italian | Ital |
| Portuguese | Port |
| Russian | Russ |
| Spanish | Span |
Course content
The degree is made up of compulsory and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
You will take half your credits in International Relations and the remaining credits in your chosen language.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language and 90 credits of optional modules (including 60 credits of Politics modules, and 30 consisting of content related to your chosen language.
Compulsory modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
a - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Languages Stage 1 Compulsory Language Modules [See note a above] | ||
| MLF1001 | French Language | 30 |
| MLF1052 | French Language for Beginners | 30 |
| MLG1001 | German Language | 30 |
| MLG1052 | German Language for Beginners | 30 |
| MLI1001 | Italian Language | 30 |
| MLI1052 | Italian Language for Beginners | 30 |
| MLM1052 | Beginners Chinese | 30 |
| MLP1052 | Portuguese Language for Beginners | 30 |
| MLR1001 | Contemporary Russian Written and Oral | 30 |
| MLR1030 | Russian Language for Beginners | 30 |
| MLS1001 | Spanish Language | 30 |
| MLS1056 | Spanish Language for Beginners | 30 |
Optional modules
b select 60 credits of optional Politics modules. Politics and International Relations modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.
b - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; on the Modern Languages side of your programme, you may select a maximum of 15 credits of either the SML- or HUM-coded modules for the year. Please note that certain modules may only be available to students on Single Honours programmes, or to students who have taken a particular language module. This information will be given in the pre-requisites or co-requisites section of the relevant module descriptor.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| MLM1010 | China of the Senses: Approaching Chinese Culture and Environments | 15 |
| PHL1010 | Introduction to Asian Philosophy | 15 |
| SML1208 | Language, Culture, and International Relations | 15 |
| French Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| MLF1017 | The Making of Modern France | 15 |
| MLF1018 | The Devil is in the Detail: An Introduction to the Short Story in French | 15 |
| SML1207 | Introduction to Film | 15 |
| MLF1103 | The French Language, Present and Past | 15 |
| MLF1121 | French Visual History | 15 |
| MLF1105 | An Introduction to French Thought | 15 |
| SML1208 | Language, Culture, and International Relations | 15 |
| German Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| MLG1017 | Turning Points in German History 1200 - 2000 | 15 |
| MLG1021 | Outside In: An Introduction to Outcasts and Outsiders in German-language Literature and Film | 15 |
| SML1207 | Introduction to Film | 15 |
| MLG1014 | A Nation Remembers: Issues in German Cultural Memory | 15 |
| MLG1022 | Divided Germany in Film and Visual Culture 1949-1990 | 15 |
| SML1208 | Language, Culture, and International Relations | 15 |
| Italian Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| MLI1016 | Italy Inside Out: Popular Visual Narratives about Italy | 15 |
| SML1207 | Introduction to Film | 15 |
| MLI1121 | A Thousand Faces: Cultures and History in 19th-Century Italy | 15 |
| Portuguese Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| SML1207 | Introduction to Film | 15 |
| MLP1002 | Introduction to the Lusophone World | 15 |
| SML1208 | Language, Culture, and International Relations | 15 |
| Russian Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| MLR1023 | Russia: Empire and Identity | 15 |
| SML1207 | Introduction to Film | 15 |
| MLR1006 | An Emotional Experience: Russian Literature and the Expression of Feeling | 15 |
| Spanish Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above] | ||
| MLS1067 | Ideology in the Hispanic World | 15 |
| MLS1068 | An Introduction to the Literature and Film of Spain | 15 |
| SML1207 | Introduction to Film | 15 |
| MLS1066 | The Making of Modern Latin America: History Through Literature and Culture | 15 |
| MLS1164 | A Journey of Discovery: Hispanic Global Culture | 15 |
| SML1208 | Language, Culture, and International Relations | 15 |
30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 60 credits of optional modules in Politics and 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language.
Compulsory modules
Subject to selecting 120 credits in the stage overall, you must:
c - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Languages Stage 2 Compulsory Language Modules [See note c above] | ||
| MLF2001 | French Language, Written and Oral | 30 |
| MLF2152 | Intermediate French | 30 |
| MLG2001 | German Language, Written and Oral | 30 |
| MLG2052 | Intermediate German | 30 |
| MLI2001 | Italian Language, Written and Oral | 30 |
| MLI2051 | Italian Language | 30 |
| MLM2052 | Intermediate Chinese (One) | 30 |
| MLP2052 | Intermediate Portuguese | 30 |
| MLR2001 | Contemporary Russian Written and Oral I | 30 |
| MLR2030 | Intermediate Russian | 30 |
| MLS2001 | Spanish Language, Written and Oral | 30 |
| MLS2156 | Spanish Language (ex-beginners) | 30 |
Optional modules
select 60 credits of optional modules in Politics. Politics and International Relations modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.
d - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; on the Modern Languages side of your programme, you may select a maximum of 15 credits of either the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year. It is your responsibility to ensure that credit for SML modules can be counted towards the language of your study, where this is necessary for your credit count.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above] | ||
| HUM2005 | Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence | 15 |
| MLM2003 | Chinoiserie and Europeenerie: Artistic and cultural exchanges between China and Europe | 15 |
| MLM2008 | Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature | 15 |
| SML2246 | Intercultural Communication | 15 |
| SML2244 | Multilingualism in Society | 15 |
| French Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above] | ||
| MLF2012 | Evolution of the French Language | 15 |
| MLF2069 | East is East? Cross-Cultural Encounters in Medieval French Literature | 15 |
| MLF2076 | Subversive Texts: Baudelaire and Rachilde | 15 |
| HUM2005 | Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence | 15 |
| HIH2208A | Medieval Paris | 30 |
| MLF2070 | Violence and Virtue: Early Modern French Theatre | 15 |
| MLF2029 | Varieties of French | 15 |
| MLF2006 | French-language Road Movies: Space, Place and Identity | 15 |
| HIH2591 | Philip Augustus and the Making of France, 1180-1223 | 30 |
| SML2246 | Intercultural Communication | 15 |
| SML2244 | Multilingualism in Society | 15 |
| German Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above] | ||
| MLG2003 | Youth and Age: Generations in German Fiction and Film | 15 |
| MLG2018 | Berlin - Culture, History and Politics | 15 |
| MLG2019 | Gender, Race and Migration in 20th and 21st-century German Literature | 15 |
| SML2246 | Intercultural Communication | 15 |
| SML2244 | Multilingualism in Society | 15 |
| Italian Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above] | ||
| MLI2019 | Italian(s) in the World | 15 |
| HUM2005 | Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence | 15 |
| MLI2004 | From Page to Screen: The Italian Female Detective in Literature, Film, and Television | 15 |
| SML2246 | Intercultural Communication | 15 |
| SML2244 | Multilingualism in Society | 15 |
| Portuguese Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above] | ||
| SML2004 | Contemporary Latin American Cinema | 15 |
| SML2246 | Intercultural Communication | 15 |
| SML2244 | Multilingualism in Society | 15 |
| Russian Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above] | ||
| MLR2023 | A Russian Carnival of the Animals | 15 |
| MLR2026 | The Deceptive City: the Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature | 15 |
| MLR2021 | Understanding Russia | 15 |
| MLR2025 | Imperfect Murder: Reading Crime and Punishment | 15 |
| SML2246 | Intercultural Communication | 15 |
| SML2244 | Multilingualism in Society | 15 |
| Spanish Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above] | ||
| MLS2044 | How to be a Knight: Political Lessons from 14th-Century Spain | 15 |
| MLS2072 | Place and Identity in Contemporary Venezuelan Culture | 15 |
| SML2004 | Contemporary Latin American Cinema | 15 |
| HIH2145A | Spain from Absolutism to Democracy | 30 |
| MLS2045 | Federico Garcia Lorca: Theatre and Poetry | 15 |
| MLS2061 | The Latin American Short Story | 15 |
| MLS2073 | Literary Non-Fiction in Argentina: When Writing Meets the Real | 15 |
| MLS2158 | "What is Love? And Do I Need It?" An Introduction to Spanish Renaissance Love Poetry | 15 |
| SML2246 | Intercultural Communication | 15 |
| SML2244 | Multilingualism in Society | 15 |
If you choose the with International Placement variant of this course, your placement will take place in Year 3.
120 credit compulsory placement module
Compulsory modules
e - You must take one of these modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SML3010 | Work and Study Abroad [See note e above] | 120 |
| SML3020 | Study Abroad at a Partner University (with Assessment in the Foreign Language) [See note e above] | 120 |
| SML3025 | Internship Abroad Combined with Study at a Partner University Abroad [See note e above] | 120 |
60 credits of optional Politics modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language and 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language
Compulsory modules
Subject to selecting 120 credits in the stage you must:
e - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Languages Final Stage Compulsory Language Modules [See note e above] | ||
| MLM3111 | Advanced Chinese Language Skills | 30 |
| MLF3111 | Advanced French Language Skills | 30 |
| MLG3111 | Advanced German Language Skills | 30 |
| MLI3111 | Advanced Italian Language Skills | 30 |
| MLP3111 | Advanced Portuguese Language Skills | 30 |
| MLR3111 | Advanced Russian Language Skills | 30 |
| MLS3111 | Advanced Spanish Language Skills | 30 |
Optional modules
select 30-60 credits of option modules in Politics. Politics and International Relations modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.
f - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; you may select a maximum of 15 credits of the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year, these are additional to SML3015. You may, alternatively, take SML3030. Please note you may only select one dissertation module across the two programmes. It is your responsibility to ensure that credit for SML modules can be counted towards the language of your study, where this is necessary for your credit count
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| HUM3015 | The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Britain and China | 15 |
| SML3015 | Dissertation | 15 |
| SML3013 | Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind | 15 |
| SML3043 | Migration and Multilingualism | 15 |
| SML3041 | Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures | 15 |
| MLM3008 | Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature | 15 |
| SML3042 | Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration | 15 |
| SML3009 | Intercultural Communication in a Global World | 15 |
| HUM3002 | Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature | 15 |
| SML3030 | Extended Dissertation | 30 |
| French Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| SML3015 | Dissertation | 15 |
| SML3030 | Extended Dissertation | 30 |
| SML3013 | Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind | 15 |
| SML3043 | Migration and Multilingualism | 15 |
| SML3041 | Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures | 15 |
| MLF3034 | Sociolinguistics of French | 15 |
| MLF3079 | Sex, Subversion and Censorship: Libertine Literature in Seventeenth-Century France | 15 |
| MLF3007 | Multilingualism, Audiovisual Translation and Power in Cinema-monde | 15 |
| MLF3078 | Philosophers, Prophets, and Mystics in French Culture | 15 |
| MLF3046 | Dialectology in France | 15 |
| MLF3080 | Les Miserables from the Nineteenth Century to the Present Day | 15 |
| SML3042 | Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration | 15 |
| SML3044 | Migration in World Cinema | 15 |
| SML3009 | Intercultural Communication in a Global World | 15 |
| German Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| MLG3040 | Sex, Sciences and the Arts | 15 |
| SML3015 | Dissertation | 15 |
| SML3013 | Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind | 15 |
| SML3034 | Contemporary French Visual Culture | 15 |
| SML3041 | Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures | 15 |
| MLG3036 | Dictatorships on Display: History Exhibitions in Germany and Austria | 15 |
| SML3042 | Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration | 15 |
| SML3009 | Intercultural Communication in a Global World | 15 |
| SML3030 | Extended Dissertation | 30 |
| Italian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| MLI3199 | Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend | 15 |
| SML3015 | Dissertation | 15 |
| SML3013 | Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind | 15 |
| SML3043 | Migration and Multilingualism | 15 |
| SML3041 | Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures | 15 |
| MLI3033 | Multicultural Italy | 15 |
| HUM3002 | Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature | 15 |
| SML3042 | Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration | 15 |
| SML3009 | Intercultural Communication in a Global World | 15 |
| SML3030 | Extended Dissertation | 30 |
| Portuguese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| SML3013 | Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind | 15 |
| SML3015 | Dissertation | 15 |
| SML3043 | Migration and Multilingualism | 15 |
| SML3041 | Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures | 15 |
| SML3044 | Migration in World Cinema | 15 |
| SML3014 | Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa | 15 |
| SML3042 | Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration | 15 |
| SML3009 | Intercultural Communication in a Global World | 15 |
| SML3030 | Extended Dissertation | 30 |
| Russian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| MLR3026 | The Deceptive City: The Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature | 15 |
| MLR3123 | A Russian Carnival of the Animals | 15 |
| SML3015 | Dissertation | 15 |
| SML3013 | Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind | 15 |
| SML3043 | Migration and Multilingualism | 15 |
| SML3041 | Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures | 15 |
| MLR3021 | Women Writers in Twentieth - century Russian Literure | 30 |
| MLR3025 | Apocalypse/Utopia: The Russian Roots of Revolution | 15 |
| SML3009 | Intercultural Communication in a Global World | 15 |
| SML3042 | Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration | 15 |
| HUM3002 | Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature | 15 |
| SML3030 | Extended Dissertation | 30 |
| Spanish Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above] | ||
| MLS3037 | Women and Feminism in 20th Century Spain | 15 |
| MLS3057 | Cross Currents: Memory, Myth and Modernity in Latin America | 15 |
| MLS3071 | The Chilean Road to Socialism (1970-1973): What Happened and Why? Elements for a Debate | 15 |
| SML3015 | Dissertation | 15 |
| SML3013 | Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind | 15 |
| SML3043 | Migration and Multilingualism | 15 |
| SML3041 | Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures | 15 |
| MLS3072 | Unlawful Sex: Sexualities on Trial in Medieval Spain | 15 |
| SML3031 | Advanced Translation Skills | 15 |
| SML3009 | Intercultural Communication in a Global World | 15 |
| SML3014 | Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa | 15 |
| SML3042 | Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration | 15 |
| SML3044 | Migration in World Cinema | 15 |
| HUM3002 | Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature | 15 |
| SML3030 | Extended Dissertation | 30 |
Course variants
International Placement (work or study)
Study/Work Abroad in Year 3
A pivotal part of all Modern Language programmes is the International Placement, either studying at one of our prestigious partner universities, teaching on a British Council placement, or working in other employment. By immersing yourself in the culture you study, you will not only enhance your language skills, but cultivate:
- strong intercultural understanding
- improved communication skills
- the ability to think and study in different ways
- resilience and confidence
- analytical skills and the ability to make cross-cultural comparisons
- adaptability, independence and valuable life experience
During your International Placement, you will still be registered as an Exeter student and therefore supported in several ways. You will retain your personal tutor and be expected to keep in contact with them. You will also have the support of the Exeter Global Opportunities team for advice on any matter.
Our four-year “with International Placement” degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, either working or studying abroad.
You will need to confirm how you intend to spend your International Placement during the first semester of the second year. We will help you in the process. During your first year you will be invited to an introductory presentation about your International Placement options. In your second year, there is an extensive orientation programme to help you prepare for your International Placement.
Ways to spend the International Placement (work or study)
- You must spend 6-15 months abroad, maximising the opportunities available to you
- You can work, study, or split the year on two or more placements
- Students going to China or Russia can currently only study (work abroad is not available)
- If you study Portuguese, the only options available are study or work abroad (not a British Council assistantship)
Study Abroad
Studying abroad offers a range of possibilities, with over 40 different partner universities worldwide available to Modern Languages students. This can provide you with the opportunity to experience a different academic environment with local and other international students, broadening your knowledge of the language and culture you study.
Please note that Study Abroad placements at partner universities are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. The allocation of these places is competitive and based on first-year marks.
Work Abroad
Internships are very rewarding in that they can offer you valuable workplace experience. Placements can be sourced via our Employability and Placements webpages, but you can also source your own internship externally, though it must be approved by the Employability and Placements team.
Some of our students have spent their international placement working in translation, tourism, marketing, fashion, commerce, journalism, heritage and many other sectors.
British Council English Language Assistantship
Becoming an English Language Assistant with the British Council is a brilliant opportunity to explore both the world of working and, more specifically, the idea of working as a teacher. An academic year is spent supporting teachers in a primary or secondary school in the country of the language you are studying.
Please note that these assistantships are organised by the British Council and placements are subject to their criteria and availability.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subject(s) you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Global Opportunities website.
What will I study whilst I am abroad?
Whilst overseas, you will complete predominantly Modern Languages-related modules that supplement the academic content of the modules offered at Exeter.
For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the departmental Study Abroad Coordinator.
Does it count towards my degree?
Yes - the International Placement is an assessed year and the marks obtained count towards your final degree classification. If you begin a language in your first year at Exeter and intend to take that language in your final year, you must do your International Placement in that language. If you are a beginner and decide not to do an International Placement, you will be moved to Single Honours Global Cultural Studies for the final year.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For your International Placement you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. You will also continue to receive any Student Finance support for which you are eligible.
How do I apply?
You may apply directly to the four-year BA Modern Languages with International Placement programme via UCAS – these students will be given priority of available study abroad placements. Alternatively, you may apply to the three-year BA Modern Languages programme and are able to request to apply to change onto the four-year programme once you are at Exeter, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Please note that study abroad placements at partner universities are subject to availability and are not guaranteed on either option. The allocation of study abroad places is competitive based on your first-year average grade along with your successful completion of Years 1 and 2.
What happens if I am unable to secure a study placement?
Once at Exeter, if students cannot go or are unwilling to go on their International Placement year, they can apply to move to either a three-year BA Modern Languages programme or a three-year BA Global Cultural Studies programme (dependent on their language level by the final year). This would need to be approved by the department.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
Politics
We use a wide range of teaching methods as well as encouraging independent study with an increasing emphasis on seminar discussion and project work in your second and third years
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Project and group work
- Independent study
Modern languages
In Modern Languages our teaching aims not to just improve your production and comprehension of the language but also help to develop your language-learning skills.
- Written language taught through weekly classes of about 18 students
- Weekly oral practice in classes of around eight with native speakers
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
Assessment
- Essays and projects
- Practical assignments
- Oral language tasks
- Fieldwork notebooks
You must pass your first-year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
The Language Centre
All language students have access to the language-learning facilities provided by the Language Centre, which include satellite television channels in each of our languages and audio, computer and multi-media language-learning packages
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
Develop skills valued by employers
Combining Politics with a Modern Language will not only develop your understanding of complex political and cultural issues but you will also graduate with language skills that are particularly valued by a wide range of employers within finance, law, the media as well as the business and public sectors. Alongside this you will gain a range of academic and professional skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Discussion and group work
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
- Assertiveness and enterprise
- Commercial awareness
- Communication and leadership
Career paths
The broad range of transferable skills gained on a International Relations and Modern Languages degree enable graduates to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:
- Politics and the civil service
- International organisations
- Interpreter/translator
- Journalism and media
- Finance and commerce
- Teaching
- Business and Management
- Marketing and communications
- The voluntary and charity sector
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in The Exeter Award and The Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
Further study
A Modern Languages degree is also excellent preparation for postgraduate study, and recent graduates have progressed to a range of courses, including: MA European Politics, Graduate Diploma in Law, PGCE Secondary French, MA International Relations, MSc Globalisation and Latin American Development and MA Translation and Professional Language Skills.
