BA Politics and Modern Languages
| UCAS code | LR07 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
| UCAS code | LR06 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
Why study BA Politics and Modern Languages at Exeter?
- You’ll gain a sound knowledge of the four principal areas of politics: political thought, international relations, comparative government, and public policy
- You’ll develop strong written and spoken skills in your modern language whilst gaining an understanding of other cultures
- Option to spend your third year studying or working abroad in a country where you can develop your chosen language. Students studying beginners languages are required to study the 4-year “with International Placement” course.
- Our broad range of modules in your second and final years gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions
- Get involved with the Politics and various Language student societies, make friends, attend socials and seminars and hear from guest speakers
- Get ready for your future career by developing a range of skills valued by a wide range of employers from the media to teaching and the public, private and charity sectors
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
14th in The Complete University Guide 2026
88% of politics graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2022/23 (published 2025)
Top 100 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2025
Choose our 4 year course to spend a year abroad, studying at a partner university or in employment
Course duration
Did you know that there are both 3-year and 4-year degree programmes in Modern Languages at Exeter?
There are significant benefits of choosing the 4-year with International Placement programme, particularly in enhancing your language proficiency.
Both the 4-year and 3-year programmes offer a comprehensive and in-depth study of modern languages and cultures. However, the 4-year degree includes a valuable international placement year, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture of your chosen country while either studying or working.
We know that graduates who have studied the 4-year course with a year abroad have benefitted from a range of key skills that have been vital in shaping their early careers:
- Enhanced language proficiency – Evidence shows that speaking your chosen language in the country where it is the main language helps improve proficiency significantly.
- Cultural immersion – Spending time on an international placement will give you a deeper understanding of the nation’s cultures and broaden your appreciation of individuals from different backgrounds.
- Personal and professional development – You will have the opportunity to independently build intercultural communication skills and experience a range of professional sectors. These are key skills highly valued by today’s employers.
- Competitive edge – Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations across the globe, and they tell us that gaining skills and experiences while on the international placement is the most important factor when applying for jobs after graduating.
Please also note that, if you are starting a language from beginner level, you must take the 4-year programme to ensure you develop the necessary language skills. If you are studying languages post-A-Level, it is possible to choose the 3-year programme. You can apply to both the 3- and 4-year courses via UCAS.
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB-ABB | Dependent on language level chosen (see below) |
| IB | 34/665-32/655 | Dependent on language level chosen (see below) |
| BTEC | DDD-DDM | Dependent on language level chosen (see below) |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | Dependent on language level chosen (see below) |
| T-Level | Distinction | Dependent on language level chosen (see below), GCE A-Level in a Modern Foreign Language may also be required. |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB-BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. . |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Choosing a language
You may choose one language to study alongside Politics. Find out more about the languages we offer below.
Check subject requirements for different language levels
It may be possible to study further languages to a lower level of proficiency than degree level in the Language Centre, subject to demand: this is arranged on registration at Exeter.
Completing your UCAS form
When completing your UCAS form you must indicate the language you want to study with us under ‘further details’ in the ‘choices’ section of the application form, using the below abbreviations.
| French | Fren |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Chin |
| German | Germ |
| Italian | Ital |
| Portuguese | Port |
| Russian | Russ |
| Spanish | Span |
For further information on completing your UCAS form, please .
Course content
The?degree is made up of compulsory and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
You will take half your credits in Politics?and the remaining credits in your chosen language.
Students studying beginners languages must take the 4-year “with International Placement” course.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
If you choose the with International Placement variant of this course, your placement will take place in Year 3.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Our languages
Combined Honours students can choose from one of the seven languages we offer at Exeter.
All languages are available at beginners level. French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish can be studied at advanced level.
In addition, there is also the possibility to take modules in an extra language through the
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: ?9,790 per year
International students: ?24,950 per year
Scholarships
国产传媒 of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with ?7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
Politics
We use a wide range of teaching methods as well as encouraging independent study with an increasing emphasis on seminar discussion and project work in your second and third years
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Project and group work
- Independent study
Modern languages
In Modern Languages our teaching aims not to just improve your production and comprehension of the language but also help to develop your language-learning skills.
- Written language taught through weekly classes of about 18 students
- Weekly oral practice in classes of around eight with native speakers
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
Assessment
- Essays and projects
- Practical assignments
- Oral language tasks
- Fieldwork notebooks
You must pass your first-year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
The Language Centre
All language students have access to the language-learning facilities provided by the?, which include satellite television channels in each of our languages and audio, computer and multi-media language-learning packages
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Your future
Develop skills valued by employers
Combining Politics with a Modern Language will not only develop your understanding of complex political and cultural issues but you will also graduate with language skills that are particularly valued by a wide range of employers within finance, law, the media as well as the business and public sectors. Alongside this you will gain a range of academic and professional skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Discussion and group work
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
- Assertiveness and enterprise
- Commercial awareness
- Communication and leadership
Career paths
The broad range of transferable skills gained on a International Relations and Modern Languages degree enable graduates to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:
- Politics and the civil service
- International organisations
- Interpreter/translator
- Journalism and media
- Finance and commerce
- Teaching
- Business and Management
- Marketing and communications
- The voluntary and charity sector
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in The Exeter Award and The Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
Further study
A Modern Languages degree is also excellent preparation for postgraduate study, and recent graduates have progressed to a range of courses, including: MA European Politics, Graduate Diploma in Law, PGCE Secondary French, MA International Relations, MSc Globalisation and Latin American Development and MA Translation and Professional Language Skills.
