Modern Languages and International Relations BA (Hons)

Our Modern Languages and International Relations BA is ideal for you if you enjoy learning a language and want to explore your abilities while expanding your knowledge of European politics. You’ll benefit from our teaching excellence and our political expertise - politics has been taught at Leicester since the 1940s and we have always been at the cutting edge of British political science.<br/><br/>You can choose to specialise in French and Francophone Studies, Italian Studies, or Spanish and Latin American Studies, or a combination of two of these languages and subject areas. If you choose to study two languages, only one language can be taken at beginner-level. When you study a language at beginner-level you will receive an intensive language course that brings you up to post-GCSE standard within a year. The other language must be taken from post-A-level standard.<br/><br/>The course is designed to be very flexible, letting you tailor your programme to your individual interests. There are three main elements to the Modern Languages and International Relations degree:<br/><br/>Language skills<br/>Contemporary European Politics<br/>Option modules related to your chosen language, or a second language.<br/><br/>Our language classes are taught predominantly by native speakers with colloquial insight into the languages they teach and the cultures they represent. Meanwhile, the wide range of cultural studies modules you can choose from are taught by tutors who are experts in their respective areas of knowledge.<br/><br/>Developing your foreign language skills gives you a powerful advantage in business and opens up a wide and exciting range of careers. You will be able to immerse yourself in a rich culture of learning-led experience in a supportive learning environment and you will be supported by our team of personal tutors to help you make the best of your time here.<br/><br/>You will study abroad for a year, during which time you can live as a student or work as a teaching assistant, with tutors on hand to help throughout the year. We have links with universities in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and Latin America. Alternatively, you can take up an approved work placement. It is even possible to split the year between study abroad and work placement, giving you the best of both worlds. However, it is possible, in exceptional cases, to complete this degree in three years, without a year abroad.<br/><br/>Here at Modern Languages at Leicester, we offer a rich and diverse learning experience, with great facilities, knowledgeable staff who are experts in their fields, and a unique chance to study abroad and build your international communication skills.

Leicester isn't just a TEF-Gold rated (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023), a top 25 UK university (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025) and Daily Mail's University of the Year 2025. It's cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, an incredible network of expert teaching staff, a warm campus community, and a place to call home.<br/> <br/>What's more, all Clearing applicants are guaranteed a place in Leicester's accommodation! Expect modern furnishings, speedy Wi-Fi and cosy lounge areas - all at a range of costs and sizes. To secure a spot, make sure you've completed your application before 1st September.<br/> <br/>With a student body made up of Midlanders, Brits, and people from across the world, you're bound to make friends for life at Leicester. Whatever you're passionate about, there are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people, with societies including Film, Debating, Art, Bollywood, Archery & Tennis. Leicester is also one of the most student-friendly cities in the UK. You've got music venues, bars, pubs & clubs all on your doorstep!