Student profiles
The following quotes are from both current and past undergraduate students at the School of Politics and International Relations:
Conor Monk
Degree Programme: War, Peace and International Relations BA
I didn't really know what to expect when I first came to Reading, university seemed like such a big step up from sixth form but I can honestly say I've loved it. The people I've met are fantastic, the course is genuinely interesting and the experiences I've had are pretty much incomparable to anything I've done before.
I was a bit anxious about the course before I arrived, I'd never studied politics before, never mind War, Peace and International Relations, but I needn't have been concerned. The course brings together so many different ideas and strands concerning some of the most important and contemporary topics from around the world with lecturers who are interested in what your opinion is as well. From discussing the intricacies of British Government to debating nuclear weapons there's rarely a dull moment.
Outside of the course I joined the Model United Nations society in Fresher's Week and by the Easter Break I was on a plane to New York as part of a Delegation attending the largest Model United Conference in the world. I had never been to anything like it before and the opportunity to meet people from all around the world and debate genuine issues from around the world and visit the UN Headquarters was simply amazing. The social activities weren't too bad either!
I'm halfway through my time at University and if the second half is anything like the first, I can't wait.
Coralie Frost, 2nd Year
The BA Politics and International Relations course is very interesting, the teaching standard is high and the department is approachable and friendly; which really makes a difference to your learning at University.
Being a politics undergraduate I have found that studying at Reading and being so close to London has maximised my career and internship opportunities. I now live in Reading, so can easily commute to internships in the summer - something which I am currently applying for.
Moreover, The University of Reading is known for the variety of societies. However, in my second year I decided to set up a brand new society - The University of Reading Oxfam Society. It is very rewarding and challenging but also great fun!
I would recommend the University of Reading, and the BA Politics and International Relations degree. It has built up my confidence, ability to time manage between essays, exams and work; and so far it has been the best and most enjoyable year of my life."
Sophie Maudslay, 3rd Year
I chose Politics and International Relations simply because it sounded it interesting and I had desire to learn more about the way the world works. I had absolutely no prior knowledge of anything relating to politics, yet now I find myself debating current affairs with almost anyone who will listen! The first year of university was great fun, I choose not to live in halls yet I lived in a house of seven where there was always something lively going on!
Throughout the first year everyone has the same modules, which is useful when you need a little help and support from your friends. Having no prior knowledge of politics left me a little baffled at times, but through perseverance things started to click into place. The degree becomes more interesting in the second and third year as you are able to choose modules that are of interest to you and all the knowledge from different modules starts to link together.
At university you are allocated a personal tutor which I have found to be invaluable. In fact the whole department consists of very friendly and approachable staff who genuinely want to help you and see you succeed. I would also highly recommend joining a society as it is a great way to expand your friendship circles and try new activities. Personally I found having a mud fight underground in a cave in Wales with people you’ve just met was brilliant! Overall the course can be challenging at times, but it’s worth it in the end and the hard work does pay off!
Danielle Weekes, 3rd Year
When choosing what degree to read I really did not know where to start. I can’t really tell you why Politics and International Relations jumped out at me. I think it was because every discussion that anyone has essentially comes back to politics and in all honesty, I didn’t know anything about the subject! Regardless of my lack of knowledge I caught up with my peers quickly and now find myself instigating political debates amongst friends as if we are talking about soaps on the television! I thoroughly enjoy the course and all of the lecturers are really approachable and friendly. I actually come from Reading and in hindsight I know I made the right decision in attending Reading University. Politics and International Relations really challenges traditional thought and allows you to form your own opinions on any given matter. I would highly recommend this degree course!