Full Time: 4 Years
Study BA Politics and International Relations with Placement Year and ask, why do countries go to war? How much tax should we pay? And can foreign policy ever be wholly ethical?
If these are the kind of questions that interest you then you'll love exploring them through this stimulating, discussion-based degree course in Politics and International Relations with Placement year.
You will learn about the fundamental elements of politics and international relations, address some of the contemporary world's most pressing problems and explore the ethical and moral issues that arise when political authority is exercised.
Most of your teaching time will be spent in small group seminars, allowing you to interact directly with staff and other students, and add your own voice to the discussion. You will learn about the fundamental elements of politics and international relations, address some of the contemporary world's most pressing problems and explore the ethical and moral issues that arise when political authority is exercised.
You will be able to pursue your own interests through a wide range of specialist optional modules, which cover topical issues such as the politics of the welfare state, international terrorism and the Middle East crisis. You will also have the option to take modules in other subjects, such as economics and history, to broaden your knowledge and learn other skills.
Our Model United Nations and Middle East simulations give you the opportunity to get a direct feel for the political process and apply your knowledge and skills to a scenario that mimics real life. You can also take part in other activities that are related to politics. For example, you can contribute to the Department of Politics and International Relations' weekly politics radio show through our Media and Politics module, learning other useful skills such as presenting and audio editing.
Placement
As part of this degree, we provide you with the opportunity to go on a one year placement in industry between your second and final year of study, which we encourage students to do.
A successful industry placement can also lead to a job offer with your placement company upon graduation. You will also have plenty of opportunity to develop excellent professional contacts that will stand you in good stead for the future.
For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.
Typical offer A Level BBB | IB 30 points overall
What will you study?
How much will it cost?
New UK/EU students: £9,250* per year
New international students: £17,320 per year
* UK and EU fee changes
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK and EU** students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
From 2020, the UK government may link tuition fees to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
**EU students
For more information on fees, loans and grants for EU students, see fees and funding for home/EU students.
Additional costs
These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Placement Year fees
If you spend a full year on placement – including professional and research placements and industrial experience – you’ll pay a discounted tuition fee for that year.
For Home/EU students, the discounted fee is subject to parliamentary approval and is currently capped at £1,385.
For International students, the discount is 15% of your normal tuition fee.
For more information, please contact placements@reading.ac.uk.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
What career can you have?
Through this course you will develop strong analytical and research skills, as well as become experienced in delivering presentations and working in a group. These skills are valued by employers in many industries, giving you the option of roles that are directly related to your degree or in completely different fields.
Past students have put their political analysis skills to direct use in the British and European civil services, political research units, think tanks, non-governmental organisations and journalism. Others have gone into advertising, retail, management consultancy, media and banking.