BA War, Peace and International Relations with a Placement Year
-
UCAS code
L253 -
A level offer
Course closed for September 2023 entry -
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 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 with a Placement Year.
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.
Integrated Placement Year
This four-year course features a year-long placement in industry between your second and final year of study.
This is an opportunity to enhance your employability, build your network and develop excellent professional contacts. A successful industry placement can also lead to a job offer with your placement company upon graduation.
We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.
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
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 with a Placement Year.
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.
Integrated Placement Year
This four-year course features a year-long placement in industry between your second and final year of study.
This is an opportunity to enhance your employability, build your network and develop excellent professional contacts. A successful industry placement can also lead to a job offer with your placement company upon graduation.
We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.
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
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 Course closed for September 2023 entry
Applications for 2023/24 entry (September start dates) are now closed. Please view the 2024/25 course page for information about the next year of entry.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
PO1DCC | Degree Core Competencies | DR Amanda Hall |
PO1ICD | Introduction to Contemporary Democracy | DR Kiwi Ting |
PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Andrew Reid |
PO1IRS | Politics: International Relations and Strategic Studies | DR Amanda Hall |
PO1PCC | Politics of Climate Change | DR David Marshall |
PO1PLA | Placement Support | MRS Purnima Darji |
PO1WAR | War and Warfare | DR Vladimir Rauta |
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 |
AP1A35 | Towards Sustainability: Positive Action for a Better World | PROF Julian Park |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1EM2 | The Fundamentals of Business and Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
AR1EMP | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome | PROF Roger Matthews |
AR1EMP10 | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome [10 credits] | PROF Roger Matthews |
AR1FOR | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death | DR Gundula Müldner |
AR1FOR10 | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death [10 credit] | DR Gundula Müldner |
AR1RAT | Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day | PROF Steve Mithen |
AR1RAT1 | Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day | PROF Steve Mithen |
AR1SOC | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology | DR Alanna Cant |
AR1SOC10 | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology [10 credits] | DR Alanna Cant |
CL1SO | Ancient Song | PROF Ian Rutherford |
CL1TR | Texts, Readers, and Writers | PROF Eleanor Dickey |
FA1DSS | Drawing Skills | MISS Beverley Bennett |
FA1MM | Modernisms & Mythologies | MS Kelly Lloyd |
FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Matt McFrederick |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Tonia Kazakopoulou |
FT1WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
GV1B1 | Introduction to Environmental Science | DR Hazel McGoff |
IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MRS Daniela Standen |
IL1GMB | Modern Britain: Society, History and Politics | DR Lucy Watson |
LS1ELS | English Language and Society | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
MC1PP | Presenting the Past | DR Rhi Smith |
ML1GEC | Greats of European Cinema | DR Marta Simo-Comas |
MM1F10 | Student Enterprise | MS Linghe Lei |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PP1GJ | Global Justice | MISS Michela Bariselli |
PP1ML | The Meaning of Life | DR Luke Elson |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR George Mason |
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 |
PO2PLA | Placement Support | MRS Purnima Darji |
PO2SOP | The Study of Politics | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
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 Victor Araujo Silva |
PO2MUN | Model United Nations | DR Sarah Von Billerbeck |
PO2PHC | Political Classics | DR Rufaida Al Hashmi |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PO2TMP | The Media and Politics | DR Dawn Clarke |
PO2WPP | Work Placement and Project | DR Kenton White |
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 |
---|---|---|
PO2PPY | Professional Placement Year | DR Kenton White |
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 |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
PO3GAP | Gender and Politics | DR Rose De Geus |
PO3INT | Intelligence, War and International Relations | DR Geoff Sloan |
PO3IOG | International Organizations in Global Politics | DR Scott Edwards |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3ITE | International Terrorism | DR Amanda Hall |
PO3MEA | Politics & International Relations of the Middle East | DR Younis Lahwej |
PO3NUK | The Politics of Nuclear Weapons | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO3PPL | Populism | DR Kiwi Ting |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO3WPE | War, Peace and International Ethics | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
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.
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.
Placement year fees
If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or 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 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.