Curious about studying Politics, International Relations and Modern Languages (Italian) - BA (Hons)at Royal Holloway, University of London? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Main Site
Full Time
Sep 2026
4 Year
Politics, International Relations and Modern Languages explores the key areas of contemporary politics and international relations and combines these with the in-depth study of Italian language, society and culture.Taught in partnership between the Department of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy, and the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, this course is informed by the outstanding research and international outlook of both departments.The politics element of the course provides an introduction to the working of international relations and political institutions. This includes research into areas such as security, international diplomacy, and the use of military force. Meanwhile, languages and cultures are covered on the other side of the curriculum.As a modern linguist, you will not only learn to speak and write fluently, you will also develop excellent communication and research skills and combine language proficiency with cross-cultural perspectives.Duration: 4 years full time
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Italian Language: Culture and Translation; Italian Ab Initio Written I; Italian Ab Initio Oral I; Italian Advanced Written I; Italian Advanced Oral I.
This module offers a broad introduction to theory and history in international relations since 1870. You will look at a variety of different theoretical lenses, ranging from orthodox to critical perspectives, in order to understand events from the collapse of the Bismarckian European order and the origins of World War 1 to the contemporary War on Terror. Along the way you will also explore the origins and the end of the Cold War, decolonisation and the End of Empire, the rise of international institutions, humanitarian intervention and new security issues.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Italian Language: Culture and Translation; Italian Ab Initio Written I; Italian Ab Initio Oral I; Italian Advanced Written I; Italian Advanced Oral I.
This module will introduce you to the academic study of politics and to the ?real world? of contemporary politics. As a foundational course, it will give you all the essential tools to understand the nature of politics and analyse the way different political systems work. You will be introduced to key concepts such as politics, power, rights, ideologies, democracy and representation, and will learn about the different actors, institutions and processes that make up politics today.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Italian Language: Culture and Translation; Italian Ab Initio Written I; Italian Ab Initio Oral I; Italian Advanced Written I; Italian Advanced Oral I.
The module aims to develop speaking and listening skills in Italian. Classes use Italian as much as possible and the module is assessed in Italian. The module uses a blended approach: it is based on a beginners' coursebook with additional material on Moodle and as weekly hand-outs based on authentic material. Themes studied vary from year to year but are likely to include every-day life in Italian-speaking countries, an introduction to Italian-speaking society and culture, regions and traditions.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Italian Language: Culture and Translation; Italian Ab Initio Written I; Italian Ab Initio Oral I; Italian Advanced Written I; Italian Advanced Oral I.
The module aims to develop reading and writing skills in Italian. Classes use Italian as much as possible and the module is assessed in Italian. The module uses a blended approach: it is based on a beginners' coursebook with additional material on Moodle and as weekly hand-outs based on authentic material. Themes studied vary from year to year but are likely to include every-day life in France, an introduction to Italian-speaking society and culture, regions and traditions.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Italian Language: Culture and Translation; Italian Ab Initio Written I; Italian Ab Initio Oral I; Italian Advanced Written I; Italian Advanced Oral I.
The module aims to expand students ability to express themselves in accurate spoken Italian. Students will work on a wide range of authentic material in Italian to expand their vocabulary and range of expressions and to introduce them to contemporary issues and culture. The module will be taught and assessed in Italian.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Italian Language: Culture and Translation; Italian Ab Initio Written I; Italian Ab Initio Oral I; Italian Advanced Written I; Italian Advanced Oral I.
The module aims to expand students ability to express themselves in accurate written Italian. Major grammatical issues will be taught and/or revised, and students will work on a wide range of authentic material in Italian to expand their vocabulary and range of expressions. Key linguistic features of the texts will be identified and discussed to improve the students language acquisition and analysis skills. The module will be taught and assessed in Italian.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Italian Language: Culture and Translation; Italian Ab Initio Written I; Italian Ab Initio Oral I; Italian Advanced Written I; Italian Advanced Oral I.
The module develops students command of both Italian-English translation and critical analysis of Italian-language material by exposing them to a range of source material which might include prose fiction, poetry, drama, film, graphic novels, multimedia and web content, and newspaper and magazine articles.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Advanced Italian II for Post Beginners; Advanced Italian II; Advanced Italian Translation: Skills and Practice.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Advanced Italian II for Post Beginners; Advanced Italian II; Advanced Italian Translation: Skills and Practice.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Advanced Italian II for Post Beginners; Advanced Italian II; Advanced Italian Translation: Skills and Practice.
Students will take one of the following modules in Italian depending on your language proficiency: Advanced Italian II for Post Beginners; Advanced Italian II; Advanced Italian Translation: Skills and Practice.
In this module you will analyse the contemporary politics of the European Union and its institutions, amid the challenges of the triple crisis of economics, migration and Brexit. You will learn about the political history of European integration after 1949 and the contemporary theory of European integration. The first term will begin with an introduction to the European Union as a political system followed by an overview of the European Union's historical development. The second term will focus on contestation of the European Union and the theories that underpin this, in order to explain how the EU developed and the challenges that it faces. Topics will include Euroscepticism, party politics, public opinion, Brexit and EU-UK relations, and European Parliament elections. The theory sessions comprise of federalism, neo-functionalism, liberal intergovernmentalism and the new institutionalisms.
Year Abroad
You will spend the third year of this degree programme abroad, either studying, working, or both. It is usually expected that you will spend at least 9 months in a country where the native language is the same as the language you are studying. The School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures will support you in finding a suitable study or work placement, but you will also be expected to explore opportunities independently. Alternatively, you may choose to enrol for modules at a partner university in your chosen country. This year forms an integral part of your degree programme. If you undertake a placement then you will be asked to complete assessed work which will be credited towards your degree, while in the case of those studying at a university, marks obtained for modules taken will be credited towards your degree. The same applies to your practical oral assessment on return to Royal Holloway from your year abroad.
Students will take the following module in Italian: Advanced Italian III.
Students will take the following module in Italian: Advanced Italian III.
In this module you will develop an understanding of regulation in the European Union, including delivery of policy and administration. You will look at how the world's largest market operates, with a focus on EU public policy, including de-regulation, re-regulation, budgets and spending. You will examine the concept of the single market, the Euro and its crisis, justice, home affairs and counter-terrorism, the EU budget, agriculture, regional development, and social and environmental policies.
3.9Royal Holloway, University of London was founded over 170 years ago. Since then, it has been at the forefront of social ...
