International Studies with a Language: University of Birmingham

Courses available

• International Studies with French BA
  UCAS code: L2R1
• International Studies with German BA
  UCAS code: L2R2
• International Studies with Spanish BA
  UCAS code: L2R4

In a world of growing interdependence, the need for a wider understanding of international affairs becomes more crucial every day. International Studies with a Language is a uniquely diverse programme, allowing you to combine study of a modern language with international studies, which is itself interdisciplinary and covers such topics as politics, international relations, economics and the diplomatic history of the 20th century.

About the department

The Department of Political Science and International Studies, which teaches this programme, is one of the largest and best departments of its type in the UK. It received a score of 5 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise (maximum 5*/6) and the maximum score of 24 in the 2001 Teaching Quality Assessment. The department has also enjoyed a consistently high place in the Guardian league tables (never outside the top 10) since these were first published in 2000.

The department has a balance of expertise that covers all areas of the discipline and has long-established strengths in the fields of political theory, European politics, international relations theory, security studies, diplomatic studies, political sociology, political economy, Pacific Asian politics and British politics. It contributes to a wide range of undergraduate teaching programmes ranging from Political Science Single Honours to International Studies with a Language, as well as a range of Joint Honours degree schemes.

First year

This year consists of introductory modules in international studies and your chosen language. You either continue to study a language in which you have an A level or, in some cases, you can begin a new language. In addition, there is the opportunity to take one optional course.

Second year

The second year is designed to permit specialisation in areas of particular interest while deepening your language skills.

Third year

The third year is spent studying at a European university. You spend about half your time in language studies and half taking courses either in the history and politics of the country or in international relations.

Fourth year

When you return to Birmingham for your fourth year you study advanced courses in your language and in international affairs.

Career opportunities

There is an ever-increasing demand for graduates who have knowledge of a modern language, as well as grounding in international studies. Our students find careers in a wide range of fields.

Entry requirements

• Number of A levels required: 3
• Typical offer: BBB
• Required subjects and grades: A level French grade B (L2R1); A level German grade B (L2R2); evidence of language ability at A level for L2R4
• General Studies: accepted
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points including an appropriate language at HL

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Contact details

• Admissions Tutor: Dr Nicola Smith
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 7569
• Email: n.j.smith.1@bham.ac.uk

For general information about open days

• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3374
• Website: http://www.undergraduate.bham.ac.uk/visitsopendays/

Main University Switchboard

• Postal address: The University of Birmingham
  Edgbaston
  Birmingham
  B15 2TT
  United Kingdom
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
• Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

Admissions

• Email: admissions@bham.ac.uk
• Tel: +44 (0)121 415 8900
• Website: www.marketing.bham.ac.uk/admissions_recruitment

Student Recruitment

• Email: schools-liaison@bham.ac.uk
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3374
• Website: www.marketing.bham.ac.uk/recruitment

International Relations

• Email: international@bham.ac.uk
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 2894
• Website: www.international.bham.ac.uk