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  • Architecture
  • Art
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  • Biological Sciences
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  • Business and Management

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  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
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  • Museum Studies

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  • Agriculture
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  • Art
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  • Biomedical Sciences
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  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise
  • Creative Writing

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  • Economics
  • Education
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  • Engineering
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  • English Literature
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

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  • History
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  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
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  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

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  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teacher training
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

BA Politics and Economics with a Placement Year

  • UCAS code
    L2L1
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

Develop a deep understanding of the political and economic issues that shape our world, and gain professional experience, with our BA Politics and Economics with Placement Year degree.

At the University of Reading, our four-year joint course is offered by the School of Politics and International Relations and the Department of Economics.

In politics, our wide range of core and optional modules will give you a strong foundation in topics such as:

  • comparative government and politics
  • political theory
  • international relations
  • contemporary democracy.

In economics, you will examine practical economic issues and, more widely, the relationship between economics and society, focusing on topics such as:

  • macroeconomics
  • microeconomics
  • economic institutions
  • economics of social policy.

You will focus on how economic tools can be applied to different markets and situations, acquiring the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable you to solve the problems that are challenging policy makers and businesses all over the world.

You will also analyse economic issues using a range of economic theories and methods, including the theory of games and strategic interactions, and natural and behavioural experiments.

Choose economics at the University of Reading

  • Established for more than 50 years.
  • 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the world for Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Placement year

This course features an integrated professional placement between your second and last year of study, an opportunity to enhance your employability and build your network. We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.

Learn from active participants in the world of politics and economics

You will benefit from a learning environment driven by high-quality research:

  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for research output in Politics and International Studies, with 97% of research output rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output).
  • In Economics, 100% of our research impact rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Excellence Framework [REF] 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies).

Our research has real-world applications and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank. What you study throughout your degree will be aligned with our research clusters, keeping you up to date with the latest developments in economics.

Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues and engaging in real-world politics. As such, our teaching is research-led and relevant.

In your final year, you can construct your own portfolio of specialist, research-led modules in both subjects and write a dissertation in either politics or economics.

Shape your degree with real-world modules

You will be able to bring your studies to life and relate to what is happening outside the classroom, with optional modules, such as:

  • 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.
  • Media and Politics – Introduce yourself to key topics in the study of the media and media power and produce a politics radio show.
  • Economics of Sport and Games – Study how the competitive and controlled environments within sport can provide laboratories to study human behaviour, test theories, and observe the impacts of policy.
  • Public Economics – Assume the role of a government adviser and write policy briefs that address public policy issues.

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year or a term abroad at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe.

Overview

Develop a deep understanding of the political and economic issues that shape our world, and gain professional experience, with our BA Politics and Economics with Placement Year degree.

At the University of Reading, our four-year joint course is offered by the School of Politics and International Relations and the Department of Economics.

In politics, our wide range of core and optional modules will give you a strong foundation in topics such as:

  • comparative government and politics
  • political theory
  • international relations
  • contemporary democracy.

In economics, you will examine practical economic issues and, more widely, the relationship between economics and society, focusing on topics such as:

  • macroeconomics
  • microeconomics
  • economic institutions
  • economics of social policy.

You will focus on how economic tools can be applied to different markets and situations, acquiring the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable you to solve the problems that are challenging policy makers and businesses all over the world.

You will also analyse economic issues using a range of economic theories and methods, including the theory of games and strategic interactions, and natural and behavioural experiments.

Choose economics at the University of Reading

  • Established for more than 50 years.
  • 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the world for Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Placement year

This course features an integrated professional placement between your second and last year of study, an opportunity to enhance your employability and build your network. We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.

Learning

Learn from active participants in the world of politics and economics

You will benefit from a learning environment driven by high-quality research:

  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for research output in Politics and International Studies, with 97% of research output rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output).
  • In Economics, 100% of our research impact rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Excellence Framework [REF] 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies).

Our research has real-world applications and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank. What you study throughout your degree will be aligned with our research clusters, keeping you up to date with the latest developments in economics.

Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues and engaging in real-world politics. As such, our teaching is research-led and relevant.

In your final year, you can construct your own portfolio of specialist, research-led modules in both subjects and write a dissertation in either politics or economics.

Shape your degree with real-world modules

You will be able to bring your studies to life and relate to what is happening outside the classroom, with optional modules, such as:

  • 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.
  • Media and Politics – Introduce yourself to key topics in the study of the media and media power and produce a politics radio show.
  • Economics of Sport and Games – Study how the competitive and controlled environments within sport can provide laboratories to study human behaviour, test theories, and observe the impacts of policy.
  • Public Economics – Assume the role of a government adviser and write policy briefs that address public policy issues.

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year or a term abroad at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe.

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 including minimum 4 in Maths at standard level

GCSE

GCSE Mathematics grade B (6)

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.

  • Learn more about our International Foundation programme

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.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Year 4

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Politics of Climate Change
  • Introduction to Contemporary Democracy
  • Introduction to Political Ideas
  • Principles of Economics
  • Quantitative Economics
  • Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis 

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • The Study of Politics
  • Intermediate Microeconomics
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics

Optional modules:

  • Comparative Government and Politics
  • Global Order
  • American Government and Politics
  • Political Thinking
  • Model United Nations
  • War and Peace since 1800
  • Work Placement and Project
  • Political Classics
  • Contemporary Strategy
  • Global Politics and History
  • The Media and Politics
  • British Government and Politics
  • Business Economics
  • Games and Economic Behaviour
  • Economics of Social Policy
  • Economic History

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Professional Placement Year 

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Dissertation

Optional modules:

  • Karl Marx
  • Risk
  • International Terrorism
  • US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950
  • Populism
  • War, Peace and International Ethics
  • Gender and Politics
  • Feminism and Political Theory
  • Democracy, Division and Disagreement
  • The Politics of Nuclear Weapons
  • Politics and International Relations of the Middle East
  • International Political Economy
  • Public Economics
  • Environmental Economics
  • Behavioural Economics
  • Industrial Organisation
  • Financial Economics
  • International Economics
  • Development Economics
  • Money and Banking

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

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

New international students: £22,350

*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 degree will help you develop strong analytical and research skills and gain experience in delivering presentations and working as part of a group, which makes you suitable for a wide range of careers. Graduates with degrees in social science subjects such as politics and international relations are highly sought after by employers for their wide range of transferable skills.

Past students have put their skills to direct use in:

  • home and European civil services
  • political research units
  • think tanks
  • non-governmental organisations
  • journalism
  • media
  • retail
  • management consultancy
  • banking.

Hear from our alumni in Politics and Economics.

Miles discusses his experiences of BA Politics and Economics.

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

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