International Relations and Languages (Hons) University of Portsmouth

Overview

Throughout this International Relations and Languages (Hons) course from University of Portsmouth , you’ll study a foreign language and spend a year abroad in a country and culture where your chosen language is spoken – and set yourself up for careers in international diplomacy, business, journalism, research and translation.

Career opportunities:

The British Council has stated that "an understanding of other cultures and languages will continue to be important for successful international relationships at all levels" (Languages for the Future, 2017). The language skills you’ll gain can open up a world of opportunities: they’ll help you to work globally, and open up job opportunities across borders and cultures.

With technology continuing to develop at a frantic pace, there’s also an ever-increasing demand for graduates with the knowledge required to ensure new developments are ethical. 

The analytical skills you’ll develop are in demand, too – your ability to understand complex issues and find solutions to them means that roles across government agencies, NGOs, charities, think tanks and international organisations are all within your reach.

When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills and cultural experience to work. 

What can you do with an International Relations and Languages degree? 

Graduates from this degree have gone on to careers in the following sectors:

• local and central government 

• embassies

• non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• security services 

• international organisations, like the United Nations (UN) 

• international charities like Amnesty International or the Red Cross 

• policy research and think tanks

• media and international business consultancy 

• political risk analysis 

• public relations 

• voluntary organisations 

• management 

• banking and financial services

• tourism 

What jobs can you do with an International Relations and Languages degree?

Recent graduates have gone on to roles including:

• bilingual consultant 

• multilingual project coordinator 

• translator 

• political researcher, Houses of Parliament

• assistant to Member of Parliament

• civil servant, the Cabinet Office

• senior policy advisor, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

• communications officer, House of Commons

• local government administrator, Government of Jersey

• public affairs consultant 

• social researcher 

• information officer 

• conference producer 

Placement year (optional)

After your second year, you'll do a year abroad based in one or more countries where your chosen language is spoken. 

This enables you to build linguistic and cultural fluency, and also provides an opportunity to study abroad and/or gain valuable longer-term work experience in international development. 

We'll give you all the support you need to find a work or study abroad placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

We have links with universities and employers in countries and regions including: 

• China 

• France 

• Germany 

• Italy 

• Latin America 

• Spain 

We also have partnerships with the British Senegalese Institute and development organisations in Dakar, which provides opportunities for work placements in Senegal on your year abroad. 

We’ll help you secure a study or work placement that fits your aspirations, and you’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.