We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.
Combine the study of philosophy with international relations, and develop a deeper understanding of the world we live in with our BA Philosophy and International Relations.
Studying philosophy at the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. We will give you an understanding of the central principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures of philosophy. You will be taught by leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, especially Indian philosophy.
Your first year will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. In your second and third years, you'll have the opportunity to explore your interests in more depth, with modules such as Ethical Argument, Global Philosophies and Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy.
Studying international relations will give you a strong grounding in fundamental elements of the subject, such as political ideas and international relations theory. You will have the opportunity to learn about international relations both in breadth and in depth, through a range of specialist core and optional modules, which cover topical issues such as European political integration, international terrorism, and politics in the Middle East.
You will be taught in small interactive seminar groups, in which discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students is encouraged. Our small class sizes ensure that you will receive dedicated, individual attention.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake work placements and study abroad in your second or final year.
We are ranked in the top 125 universities in the world for Arts and Humanities and those offering History, Philosophy and Theology’. (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024.)
We encourage you to take placements as they provide you with a chance to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice, as well as allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience.
You can undertake a placement at any point in your degree and work in a company or charity relevant to your studies. For example, a previous student worked at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals.
You can also choose our four-year BA Philosophy and International Relations with Placement Experience course, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third year of study.
Other students have chosen to study abroad for one semester in their second or final year. Partner institutions include universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia.
