BA War, Peace and International Relations
-
UCAS code
L252 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Specialise in warfare and strategy within international politics, drawing on the research strengths of strategic specialists with our BA War, Peace and International Relations.
Learn about the role of military force and defence policy, study war in a historical context and consider challenging questions such as whether the use of military force can ever be justified or whether peace should be maintained at all costs.
As a student at the University of Reading’s Department of Politics and International Relations you will benefit from a learning environment driven by high-quality research. Our Department of Politics and International Relations is ranked 6th in the UK for research outputs and 97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output). Learn more about our research impact.
Our areas of strength include:
- Strategy and Conflict and Security
- International Relations
- Applied Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
- Public Policy Analysis.
Real world modules
Bring your studies to life and relate to what is happening outside the classroom, with compulsory modules such as:
- Contemporary Strategy – Explore the theoretical foundation of strategy and examine real-world examples of military strategy and its relationship with war and politics.
- Modern International Relations – Analyse the main theoretical approaches to international politics, and cover a selection of major issues on the international stage, including globalisation, conflict, nuclear weapons and terrorism.
- Intelligence, War and International Relations – Examine the relevance and diversity of the intelligence function within war, strategy and international politics.
The specialist focus of this programme can be complemented with modules in either political theory or comparative politics, while you also have the opportunity to take modules from other departments, tailoring your study around the subjects you're most passionate about. Optional modules can include:
- International Terrorism – Examine what terrorism is and what distinguishes it from other forms of conflict and warfare in the international system before tracing the causes and consequences of terrorism throughout history.
- Model United Nations – Visit an overseas conference and take part in a simulation of the United Nations in action engaging with students and academics from other universities across Europe and the UK.
- US Foreign Policy – Explore historical and contemporary cases and analyse how foreign policy decisions are made, who influences them, and how this has evolved overtime.
Please note, our modules vary by year and may be subject to change and availability.
How you’ll learn
Most of your teaching time will be spent in small group seminars. This allows you to interact directly with faculty as well as other students and add your own voice to the discussion.
Find out more about how you will learn
Work placements with BA War, Peace and International Relations
Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree. If you are interested in doing a year-long placement, you can opt for our four-year BA War, Peace and International Relations with a Placement Year degree, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and final years of study.
We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.
Learn from experts
At Reading, you will learn from researchers with deep expertise in their subject. Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues. As such our teaching is research-led and relevant.
We have an exceptional faculty who conduct world-leading research on military strategy and international relations, such as:
- Dr Geoff Sloan, who researches the development of geopolitical ideas in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and how this affects the use of military force. He teaches a module on War and Peace since 1800.
- Dr Vladimir Rauta who explores how proxy wars act a vehicle in the delegation of war from states to armed non-state actors in the contemporary security environment. He teaches a module on the Dynamics of Civil Wars.
- Dr Kenton White, who examines how military strategy moves from theory into practice, and how the use of military force enables political policy goals to be achieved. He teaches a module on Contemporary Strategy.
Overview
Specialise in warfare and strategy within international politics, drawing on the research strengths of strategic specialists with our BA War, Peace and International Relations.
Learn about the role of military force and defence policy, study war in a historical context and consider challenging questions such as whether the use of military force can ever be justified or whether peace should be maintained at all costs.
As a student at the University of Reading’s Department of Politics and International Relations you will benefit from a learning environment driven by high-quality research. Our Department of Politics and International Relations is ranked 6th in the UK for research outputs and 97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output). Learn more about our research impact.
Our areas of strength include:
- Strategy and Conflict and Security
- International Relations
- Applied Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
- Public Policy Analysis.
Learning
Real world modules
Bring your studies to life and relate to what is happening outside the classroom, with compulsory modules such as:
- Contemporary Strategy – Explore the theoretical foundation of strategy and examine real-world examples of military strategy and its relationship with war and politics.
- Modern International Relations – Analyse the main theoretical approaches to international politics, and cover a selection of major issues on the international stage, including globalisation, conflict, nuclear weapons and terrorism.
- Intelligence, War and International Relations – Examine the relevance and diversity of the intelligence function within war, strategy and international politics.
The specialist focus of this programme can be complemented with modules in either political theory or comparative politics, while you also have the opportunity to take modules from other departments, tailoring your study around the subjects you're most passionate about. Optional modules can include:
- International Terrorism – Examine what terrorism is and what distinguishes it from other forms of conflict and warfare in the international system before tracing the causes and consequences of terrorism throughout history.
- Model United Nations – Visit an overseas conference and take part in a simulation of the United Nations in action engaging with students and academics from other universities across Europe and the UK.
- US Foreign Policy – Explore historical and contemporary cases and analyse how foreign policy decisions are made, who influences them, and how this has evolved overtime.
Please note, our modules vary by year and may be subject to change and availability.
How you’ll learn
Most of your teaching time will be spent in small group seminars. This allows you to interact directly with faculty as well as other students and add your own voice to the discussion.
Find out more about how you will learn
Work placements with BA War, Peace and International Relations
Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree. If you are interested in doing a year-long placement, you can opt for our four-year BA War, Peace and International Relations with a Placement Year degree, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and final years of study.
We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.
Learn from experts
At Reading, you will learn from researchers with deep expertise in their subject. Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues. As such our teaching is research-led and relevant.
We have an exceptional faculty who conduct world-leading research on military strategy and international relations, such as:
- Dr Geoff Sloan, who researches the development of geopolitical ideas in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and how this affects the use of military force. He teaches a module on War and Peace since 1800.
- Dr Vladimir Rauta who explores how proxy wars act a vehicle in the delegation of war from states to armed non-state actors in the contemporary security environment. He teaches a module on the Dynamics of Civil Wars.
- Dr Kenton White, who examines how military strategy moves from theory into practice, and how the use of military force enables political policy goals to be achieved. He teaches a module on Contemporary Strategy.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO1DCC | Degree Core Competencies | DR Amanda Hall |
PO1ICD | Introduction to Contemporary Democracy | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Andrew Reid |
PO1IRS | Politics: International Relations and Strategic Studies | DR Amanda Hall |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO1BRI | British Society | DR Dawn Clarke |
PO1INE | Inequality | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO1PCC | Politics of Climate Change | DR David Marshall |
PO1WAR | War and Warfare | DR Vladimir Rauta |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
CL1RH | Roman History: the rise and fall of the Republic | DR Andreas Gavrielatos |
CL1SO | Ancient Song | PROF Ian Rutherford |
CL1TR | Texts, Readers, and Writers | PROF Eleanor Dickey |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
FA1MM | Modernisms & Mythologies | DR Jenny Chamarette |
FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Matt McFrederick |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MS Joan McCormack |
LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
ML1GEC | Greats of European Cinema | PROF Julia Waters |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
MM1F10 | Student Enterprise | DR Lebene Soga |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PP1GJ | Global Justice | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP1ML | The Meaning of Life | DR George Mason |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
PY1IPY | Introduction to Psychology | DR Katie Barfoot |
TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Rob Banham |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO2ADC | Advanced Degree Competencies | DR Amanda Hall |
PO2COS | Contemporary Strategy | DR Kenton White |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2SOP | The Study of Politics | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO2WAP | War and Peace Since 1800 | DR Geoff Sloan |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO2AMG | American Government and Politics | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO2BGP | British Government and Politics | DR Rose De Geus |
PO2CGP | Comparative Government and Politics | DR Kiwi Ting |
PO2GPH | Global Politics and History | DR Kerry Goettlich |
PO2MUN | Model United Nations | DR Sarah Von Billerbeck |
PO2PHC | Political Classics | PROF Alan Cromartie |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO2RTW | Russia in the World | DR Vladimir Rauta |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PO2TMP | The Media and Politics | DR Dawn Clarke |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO3DIS | Dissertation | DR Adam Humphreys |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO3BFD | British Foreign and Defence Policy since 1945 | DR Kenton White |
PO3CSS | Introduction to Critical Security Studies | DR Andreas Behnke |
PO3DCW | Dynamics of Civil Wars | DR Vladimir Rauta |
PO3FAR | The Far Right | PROF Daphne Halikiopoulou |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Sarah Goff |
PO3GAP | Gender and Politics | DR Rose De Geus |
PO3INT | Intelligence, War and International Relations | DR Geoff Sloan |
PO3IOG | International Organizations in Global Politics | DR Martin Binder |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3ITE | International Terrorism | DR Amanda Hall |
PO3MAR | Karl Marx | PROF Alan Cromartie |
PO3MEA | Politics & International Relations of the Middle East | DR Younis Lahwej |
PO3NUK | The Politics of Nuclear Weapons | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO3WPE | War, Peace and International Ethics | PROF Alan Cromartie |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
You can undertake a two-week placement as part of our British government and politics module. This is an opportunity for you to gain first-hand experience working with an MP, charity, pressure group, local councillor or media organisation. You can also carry out longer placements during summer vacations, or spend a year in industry.
We have a specialist placement officer who can provide you with one-to-one support in securing and preparing for a placement.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £20,300
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
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.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK 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.
Careers
Our combination of skills development, placements and practical modules has meant that 91% of our graduates from the Department of Politics and International Relations are in work or further study 15 months after graduating.*
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 skills to direct use in:
- the Armed Forces
- British and European civil services
- political research units
- think tanks
- non-governmental organisations
- advertising
- management consultancy
- media
- banking.
Some of our recent graduates have put their political analysis skills to direct use in the Civil Service and in the media:
- Find out how Felix Johnston-Brunn is enjoying a rewarding career as Policy and Secretariat Manager in the Civil Service
- Read about Fiona Paterson’s journey, taking her from her time at Reading to her current role in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
- Read about Evan Hall’s career in journalism as a Production Journalist with ITV News
*Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree, Postgraduate (Taught) and Postgraduate (Research) responders from Politics and International Relations.