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Studying politics and international relations at Reading is not just about learning what other people already know. It is about developing an in-depth knowledge and understanding, and having the opportunity to put your ideas to the test.
You will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, and learn how to work both independently and in a group.
In our small-group seminars, you'll have plenty of opportunities to develop your own ideas, present them, and hear what others make of them, as well as interact directly with our academics.
Our lectures will give you a framework of knowledge within which you can develop your thinking.
To complement our academics’ expertise, we have hosted a variety of guest speakers, including Alastair Campbell, former political aide; Dame Margaret Hodge, Labour MP; and Matthew Barzun, United States Ambassor to the UK.
Interacting with our regular visitors provides an insight into the different opportunities available to you after graduation and gives you the chance to build your network.
In each module you will read material (and sometimes also watch films or videos), then analyse what you have found in order to develop answers to particular questions in written assignments.
The biggest piece of analysis you will do is your final-year dissertation, when you will write a paper of 8,000-10,000 words on your own original research project.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to work in groups with fellow students on projects and presentations.
For example, in the first-year Freedom module, you will work in small teams to give presentations on key issues.
Numeracy and IT skills are increasingly important in the contemporary workplace, which is why we give you opportunities to hone these skills during your degree.
Our Study of Politics module requires students to learn Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, while Politics of the Welfare State tasks you with engaging with data about social policies.
We provide extensive research training to our undergraduate students, including how to collect and make sense of various types of data.
You'll learn the different theoretical approaches to politics, as well as different methodological approaches to political analysis. You will also have opportunities to develop core skills of political research.
Olivia Highwood
BA Politics and International Relations graduate
Doing a work placement allows you to gain practical experience and transferable skills that employers value, so we encourage our students to undertake placements during their degree.
We have connections all over the world in our field, including in government, charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This means we can help you to find exceptional placement opportunities that reflect your ambitions.
You can undertake a short placement as part of a module or over the summer vacation, or undertake a year-long placement in industry and turn your degree into a four-year course.
We offer several modules with embedded placement opportunities, where you can gain experience in the UK or abroad in a field relevant to your career ambitions. For example, in the British Government and Politics module, you could have the opportunity to undertake a two-week placement at a charity, media organisation, or with an MP or local councillor.
Securing a placement can be competitive, which is why we have a dedicated placement co-ordinator who'll provide you with one-to-one support in applying for opportunities.
Read about Martina Mabale De Burgos's placement
We offer a number of exciting practical modules that enable you to follow your passions, develop relevant, practical skills and gain real-world experience.
Examples of our innovative modules include:
Our staff have exceptional knowledge in an impressive range of political topics and issues. Many of our academics are directly involved in international politics, sharing their expertise with governments and policymakers.
Dr Alice Baderin is bringing problems of risk and insecurity to the forefront of thinking about social justice, in the third-year undergraduate module that she has designed on risk.