International Development and Languages BA (Hons) (with Language Year Abroad)

We offer around 200 undergraduate courses. Many are taught full time on campus, but if you’d prefer to earn a salary while you qualify, we also offer degree apprenticeships and work-based degrees.

Outstanding teaching

Portsmouth is known for providing consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

You'll be taught by lecturers whose passion for their subject shines through in their teaching. Many of them carry out world-leading research in their field. Others have a background in industry and remain active in their professions. They’ll help you develop skills, knowledge and connections.

Every student is assigned a personal tutor, who provides pastoral care and supports your academic and professional development. They’ll help you perform at your best.

Employability

You care about the quality of opportunities in your future – and so do we. That’s why students and employers both get a voice in the design of our courses.

The subjects and modules you’ll study will be relevant and up-to-date. They’ll be crafted to help you engage and thrive as a person and a professional in the wider world.

And you’ll get excellent opportunities to get a real taste of the world that’s waiting for you – from work placements, to professional tech and facilities on campus.

Our students graduate with skills and experiences to complement their knowledge and understanding. Which means you’ll finish your course ready to thrive in employment or further study.

Support

As a student here, you tell us what you need – and we respond. Every student at Portsmouth gets outstanding support, tailored to them as an individual.

That includes everything from sport and recreation, through to counselling and wellbeing services. If you need help with money, housing or a part-time job, we have expert teams on hand to help.

And whether you want guidance to improve your performance or advice on how to stay on top form, you’ll also benefit from exceptional academic support.

We see you for the unique person you are. And we're here for you every step of the way.

At Portsmouth, we’re here to nurture a new generation of original thinkers and mould-breaking professionals.

Postgraduate taught courses

A stronger sense of direction. Specialist skills and expertise. A strong reputation and connections in industry. At Portsmouth, you’ll discover a Master’s or postgraduate taught degree to help you unlock career possibilities and achieve your ambitions.

We offer Master's degrees, postgraduate diplomas and certificates, and other postgraduate taught courses in a huge number of subjects. These include Master’s degree apprenticeships and flexible options such as work-based and distance learning, so you can advance your prospects without sacrificing your other responsibilities in life.

You’ll be taught by people who care about your experience and your future prospects. In the 2022 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), 86 per cent of our postgraduate taught students reported their satisfaction with our course quality.

Research degrees

A research degree at Portsmouth gives you confidence to pursue your ambitions. Opportunities to work on papers and experience conferences. Connections with people who can make a difference in your career. It shows the world you’re ready to make an impact.

You can choose from a range of PhD and research degree options at Portsmouth – from your own original ideas to pre-approved and funded PhD projects. We also offer routes such as Professional Doctorate and PhD by Publication.

If flexibility is important to you, we offer options including part-time, work-based and split-site study.

The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2021 ranked us in the top 25 per cent of universities for postgraduate research student experience.

Graduate School

To help you make the big jump to research degree study, our dedicated Graduate School offers a wide variety of training and resources. These range from the comprehensive Graduate School Development Programme, to convenient elearning options.

We’ll train you in research methods and skills that will help you stand out in your career - like how to manage a complex project. We also train supervisors to do a great job of guiding and supporting you.

Research at Portsmouth

You’ll pursue postgraduate study at a university where research has global impact. 77 per cent was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent research assessment exercise (REF 2021).

Recent research from Portsmouth has helped to: decode the language of violence against women, understand the impact of digital media on political activism, reveal complex challenges in the children’s social care system, shed new light on the history of our Universe through stellar modelling, and show how drones can support the response to natural disasters. 

Your supervisor will inspire you to innovate and solve problems that matter.

Support 

You’re not on your own when you study at postgraduate level at Portsmouth. We’re here to offer a wide variety of advice, guidance and support, if and when you need it. Our expert teams can help you with everything from funding and housing, to wellbeing and advanced study skills.