International Relations (with a modern language)

This course gives you the opportunity to study international relations in combination with another language.

An international relations degree will help you to gain appreciation of how states, international organisations, and non-state actors interact on the global stage. This course is about using theories and models to best explain and understand power in the world, why the world is the way it is, and how we can change it. This takes place at all levels, from individuals to whole global systems, and understanding this allows us to question what we think we know, what we think matters, and how we can develop a better world. Supported by knowledgeable and passionate staff, you’ll start by looking at the core critical and emancipatory theories of international relations and their underlying methods.

This course gives you the opportunity to study international relations in combination with another language. Adding a modern language to your degree means you can develop as a more effective communicator, acquire linguistic skills and develop a wider cultural awareness. You can choose from French, Spanish, Modern Standard Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese.

After your second year you can choose to progress to your final year or take an optional year out going on placement or studying abroad. Both are great options to get more experience. We’ll help you arrange everything and give you all the support you’ll need.*

This course has a foundation year available.

*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

• Enhance your employability through activities including internships and volunteering - our award-winning ‘Rise at Manchester Met’ programme encourages you to learn career-ready skills beyond the focus of your course and potentially gain extra academic credits towards your degree.

• We coach practical skills for work including communication skills, presentation skills, essay and report writing, summary skills, interview and questionnaire techniques, and building digital literacy skills for your future employment opportunities.

• Language expertise – the majority of our 30+ academic, research and support staff are native speakers of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. We also have multiple connections with language groups across Manchester to ensure you can converse in your chosen language.

• Located in the University’s state of the art Grosvenor East building, you will have access to study spaces to practise and interact with languages students from across the programme. We also have a social space for language learners to set up informal language conversation clubs and exchanges.

• Experience the world - you will have the opportunity to spend your third year studying overseas or on placement.

• Research expertise - academic staff with research into languages specialisms such as Film, Languages and Media in Education (FLAME): a pioneering research group dedicated to the development of research and knowledge exchange activity in the areas of languages, film and media.

• Flexibility and choice is central to international relations with a variety of option units available, from human rights protection and global terrorism, to Brexit and climate change, giving you the opportunity to pursue the topics that interest you most.

• International relations staff are research-active staff and have expertise in areas including critical international relations, digital politics and US foreign policy. The course content is directly informed by these research specialisms of the teaching team.