Course summary
As technology, transport, and a complex international economy make our world smaller, the value of peaceful and cooperative relationships between nations is increasingly important. International relations are a vital aspect of citizenship in a global society, and our BA International Relations with Modern Languages degree is one of the most important degree programmes we offer. This interesting area of study explores globalisation and global institutions, development and human rights, International and regional politics, peace and conflict, political economy, security studies and strategic studies and you will learn how power, institutions and laws affect our day-to-day lives. You will also study a language at either advanced (post-A level) or beginners’ level - French, Spanish or German - as well as vocational modules in both translation and your language of study for the world of work. The third year of this 4-year course with a Year in Industry will be spent on placement. You will have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience and develop your employability skill set. We have a strong network of industry contacts, and you will receive dedicated support from our in-house employability team. Modern Languages at Swansea is ranked: • 1st in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025) • 1st for Learning Opportunities (NSS 2024) • 2nd for Teaching (NSS 2024) • 2nd for Student Voice (NSS 2024) • 5th in the UK Overall (Guardian University Guide 2025) This is a flexible degree offering a wide range of specialist modules that allow you to tailor your future career goals while developing your individual interests: • You will study the rich diversity of the language and will be taught by innovative experts who have strong national and international links. • You will gain excellent oral and writing skills and will develop strong research and analytical skills. • To enhance your study and career prospects you will have the opportunity to spend a year abroad in where you can study at a university, teach in a school or work in a business. • In your final year, you have the invaluable opportunity to opt for a place on the Welsh Assembly Placement Scheme and undertake the Parliamentary Studies Module with visiting speakers and trips to the House of Commons. Our graduates are employed all around the world and enter careers including: Education, Government and politics, Humanitarian organisations, Business, Media and public relations plus Law and public services Our students have also gained employment working for organisations such as: Westminster Forum Projects, Labour Party, Price Waterhouse Coopers
Modules
In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Introduction to International Relations, War and Peace in the Nuclear Age, Critical Reasoning, Fundamental Issues in Philosophy In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Anarchy and Order: Theories in International Relations, Globalisation, The History of Political Thought, Global Summit Simulation, Contemporary Wars and Conflicts You will have the opportunity to spend a year in industry between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experience. In your final year you will complete an independent dissertation project or you have the competitive option of undertaking a work placement module with the Sennedd Cymru/ Welsh Parliament. You will also complete a compulsory group work project plus optional modules chosen from a wide variety of subject areas including: The Russian Civil War, Philosophy, Capitalism and Justice, Clear and Present Danger: America and Terrorism, Digital Futures, Global Environmental Politics, Africa in International Relations
Assessment method
We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L2R1
- Institution code:
- S93
- Campus name:
- Singleton Park Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If you are an International Student, please visit our International pages for more information about entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/requirements/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 points
A level - BBB
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.
English Language Requirements at Swansea University
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP