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International Relations and Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese)

BA (Hons)

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Key information

Key information for 2027-28

Start date:
October 2027
Study route:

  • Three years full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: L295

  • Four years part-time, on campus

  • Four years full-time, on campus with Foundation Year


    UCAS code: L296

  • Six years part-time, on campus with Foundation Year

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus | with Foundation Year

Course Overview

This BA International Relations and Language trains you to become a skilled analyst of global political trends and data. It is designed to immerse you in the latest research in contemporary international relations and global politics alongside rigorous study in a modern language and its associated culture.

  • Why choose this course?
    • We have built a strong reputation over more than five decades for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics and languages.
    • You will benefit from the insights and experience of academics who publish in major academic journals and contribute to public debate in the wider arena, including engaging with politicians and others who play a key role in today’s political landscape.
    • You can study international relations along with either French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean or Mandarin Chinese.
    • The diversity of our staff and student body provides a unique learning environment for you to gain insight into evolving regional political and cultural dynamics around the globe.

  • What will I learn?

    This course offers you a truly global view of contemporary and historical developments. You will learn about:

    • the history of the state and the international system
    • the contemporary international political and economic system
    • the major theories of global politics and international relations
    • the relationship between war and global social relations.

    It also draws on a wide range of resources from political theory and philosophy, political science, and the traditions of political and historical sociology.

    The languages component of this degree is designed to give you the chance to gain competency in a modern language of your choice and study the associated culture of that language. You can choose French, German, Italian, Spanish or Japanese, starting at the level of language learning that suits you, whether you are a complete beginner or a native speaker.

    We offer Korean and Mandarin Chinese from beginner up to intermediate level only. If you decide to take either of these languages, your final degree award will be a ‘with’ degree, for example, BA International Relations with Korean.

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable, with some language classes taking place on Saturdays, depending on the language.

    We value critical thinking, skills development and guided independent learning. Teaching is via lectures, seminars and workshops in small groups.

    You will also benefit from the input of guest speakers and the vibrant programme of public events we organise. These and our associated research centres provide further opportunities to meet others from across our diverse community, to hear from scholars, politicians and practitioners from the world of politics and policy.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Three evenings a week, October to July

    Part-time: Two evenings a week, October to July

    Full-time with Foundation year: Two evenings a week, October to July

    Part-time with Foundation year: One to two evenings a week, October to July

  • Foundation year

    If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study during an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This option is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

    Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main full-time degree.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More Highlights

  • Birkbeck is a distinguished centre of research and teaching excellence in international relations, politics and languages.
  • Our central London location puts us at the heart of the UK's political life and at the centre of academic London. Our courses are designed to encourage independent thinking and hone your argumentative, analytical and critical skills, while our teaching uniquely moves across the boundaries between subjects, encompassing, among others, economics, history and sociology.
  • You will also be taught by specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence in languages, a community of scholars with shared interests in interdisciplinary topics and cross-cultural research. Our affiliated research centres, the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS) and the Centre for Iberian and Latin American Visual Studies (CILAVS), provide an important platform for this exchange.

Modules and Teaching

School of Social Sciences

The school offers an invigorating and enriching educational experience, and students are taught by internationally renowned researchers with an exciting range of expertise. 

Visit the school

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

Clearing for 2026 is open
Apply now

Fees

Three years full-time, on campus

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students: £19,320 per year

Four years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £7,530 per year
Part-time international students: £14,490 per year

Four years full-time, with Foundation Year, on campus

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students: £5,760 per year
Full-time international students: £19,320 per year

Six years part-time, with Foundation Year, on campus

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students, Year 1 and 2: £2,880 per year
Part-time international students, Year 1 and 2: £9,660 per year
Part-time home students, Year 3+: £7,530 per year
Part-time international students, Year 3+: £14,490 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see our Fees Policy.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this BA International Relations and Language you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • a robust understanding of theoretical and policy approaches to international political affairs and dynamics
  • competence in another language and understanding of its associated cultures
  • critical analytical thinking and independent research skills to convey complex arguments in a concise and effective manner.

Graduates can pursue career paths in academia through a master’s or PhD, or roles in:

  • local and national government
  • the diplomatic service
  • the voluntary sector
  • policy work
  • journalism.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student Support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to Apply

You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses. For more detailed, step-by-step guidance on how to apply, visit our How to apply page.

  • How do I apply to study full-time (UCAS entry)?

    If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck you apply through UCAS. Use the Apply now button on this course page which will direct you to UCAS. There you will be prompted to sign in and create an account. You will have to give UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

    The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

  • How do I apply to study part-time?

    If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (usually four or six years), you apply directly to Birkbeck online by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply.

    Please note that online application opens in September.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

  • How can I get help with my application?

    Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

    Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

  • International agents

    If you are an international agent applying to Birkbeck on behalf of an international student, please use Birkbeck's agent portal.

Related courses

Study routes for International Relations and Language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese) (BA (Hons))

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Important: Applications to study part-time in 2027/28 will open in October 2026.

2027-28

Full-time