Politics and a Modern Language, BA (Hons)

Course summary

Our aim at the School of Law and Politics and the School of Modern Languages is for you to become a ‘global citizen’ who thinks critically, understands cultural diversity and has a wealth of transferable skillsOn our 4-year Politics and a Modern Language (BA) programme, you’ll develop high-level communication and critical-thinking skills, and foster resilience and independence through time spent in immersive foreign language contexts. The field of politics allows you to explore how parliaments and governments function and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom, democracy, conflict, legitimacy or accountability as well as incorporating international relations.Modules are varied, allowing you to explore how politics works in Wales, the UK, Europe, and across the globe, and to investigate how public policy is made. Other strands of work include justice, democracy, intelligence and security studies, human rights and international relations; providing you with a broad understanding of politics tailored to your own particular interests or future ambitions.On the languages side of the programme, you can choose to study one of the three different languages we offer. These are Chinese, French, and Spanish.We run 2 programme pathways. Those with an A-level or equivalent competence in a modern language will take an Upper Elementary pathway. Those with limited or no knowledge of a modern language take our Elementary pathway. You’ll explore the language you’re studying and its social, political, historical and cultural contexts from a global perspective. Through a variety of language learning resources and materials, and range of student-centred learning activities, you’ll develop your reading, writing, oral, listening and mediation skills.An integral part of this programme is the opportunity to spend time working or living abroad to experience life in the culture of the language you are studying. You’ll have the choice of either studying at a partner university or completing a work placement in each semester.It’s important to remember that studying languages is not just about the language itself, it involves the integrated study of language, culture and society. As a Politics and Modern Languages (BA) student, you’ll find that often there are complementary issues and perspectives that link these subjects. Our joint honours programme offers challenging and stimulating modules emphasising diversity and celebrating cultural and linguistic mobility. Graduating with a range of academic and practical skills – including teamworking, leadership and communication – the confidence to use them and the ability to see the big picture, you’ll be valued by employers and ideally placed to progress into a range of careers.Distinctive FeaturesExtra-curricular activitiesA vibrant programme of events – such as language cafes and student societies - supports your language learning and immersion into the culture. Skills for the future A structured skills programme embeds academic, transferable and employability skills into learning from the very beginning. Employability focus Option of taking a credit-bearing work placement. The world is your classroom Spend your third year studying or working in the country of your chosen language. Language ambassadors Work with local schools and communities to promote language learning and provide mentorship. Political engagement Benefit from excellent links with the Welsh Government and Senedd Cymru/the Welsh Parliament, Westminster, the EU and NATO.