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BA International Relations and Economics with Placement Year

  • UCAS code
    LL22
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2022/23 See 2021/22 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

Study BA International Relations and Economics with Placement Year and you will develop a deep understanding of the critical political and economic issues that dominate the news agenda and shape the world in which we live.

Address some of the contemporary world's most pressing problems and explore ideas, theories and values that permeate politics and international relations. 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.

Your learning is informed by our research and is led by expert staff who have direct experience of the world of politics and international affairs.

Most of your teaching time will be spent in 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 politics in the Middle East. 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.

For more information, please visit the Department of Politics and International Relations website.

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.

The skills and knowledge these opportunities provide will prepare you for your future career, whether related to politics or in an entirely different field. We have a specialist placement officer who can provide you with one-to-one support in securing and preparing for a placement.

For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*

New international students: £19,500

*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 – including professional and research placements and industrial experience – you’ll pay a discounted tuition fee for that year.

For UK/Republic of Ireland 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 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.

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, PR, media and banking.