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BA Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year

UCAS code
L259
A level offer
BBB
Year of entry
2026/27 See 2025/26 entry
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years

Year of entry
2026/27 See 2025/26 entry
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years

Address some of the contemporary world’s most pressing problems, and explore ethical and moral issues that arise when political authority is exercised, with our BA Politics and International Relations degree.

Why is the world not solving the climate emergency? Why do politicians seem to be so bad at their jobs? Are our societies descending into authoritarianism? Are we responsible for the safety and welfare of civilians in Afghanistan?

If you care about questions like these – and want to learn about the fundamental elements of politics and international relations – then our four-year degree can get you started.

As a student in the Department of Politics and International Relations, you will benefit from a learning environment driven by high-quality research. 97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, meaning that the University of Reading is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output). Our areas of strength include:

applied political theory
comparative politics
public policy analysis
conflict
security
strategy
international relations.

Study at one of the UK’s top-ranking universities for politics (ranked 5th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025).

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. We also offer an exciting range of optional modules across all of our degrees, giving you the flexibility to choose to study the subjects you're most passionate about.

Most of your teaching time will be spent in small group seminars. This allows you to interact directly with both our experts and other students, and add your own voice to discussions. In the National Student Survey 2024, 98% of our students said that teaching staff are good at explaining things (97.62% of responders from the Department of Politics and International Relations). And 90% of our students said teaching staff have supported their learning well (90.48% of responders from the Department of Politics and International Relations).

Find out more about how you will learn

Real-world modules

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

International Terrorism – Examine what terrorism is and what distinguishes it from other forms of conflict and warfare in the international system.
Feminism – Explore theoretical controversies surrounding the definition, subject matter, and aims of feminism.
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, encompassing both theory and reality in a range of countries around the world.
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.

Integrated Placement Year

Enhance your employability and build your network with an integrated year-long placement in industry, taken between your second and final year of study.

You will have plenty of opportunity to develop excellent professional contacts that will stand you in good stead for the future. A successful industry placement may 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.

Past placement destinations have included the Cabinet Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Office for National Statistics, Disney and Microsoft.

Read about Peter Stockdale’s placement experience as a Student Economist at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Learn from experts

At Reading, you will learn from researchers with deep expertise in their individual subjects. We have an exceptional faculty who conduct world-leading research across the field of politics and international relations. For example:

Professor Daphne Halikiopoulou, who is fascinated by why ordinary people engage in extreme acts. This sparked her research into the rise of populism and the far‑right across Europe. She teaches a class on The Far Right.
Dr Alice Baderin, who is facing up to the fact that we live in an uncertain world, a world full of risk – from economic insecurity to threats associated with climate change and the development of new technologies. She teaches a class on Risk.
Dr Joseph O’Mahoney, who wants to know why our ideas about nuclear weapons have changed so drastically over time. For example, information about nuclear explosives, once handed out for free, is now regarded a closely guarded secret. He teaches a class on Politics of Nuclear Weapons.

Overview

If you care about questions like these – and want to learn about the fundamental elements of politics and international relations – then our four-year degree can get you started.

applied political theory
comparative politics
public policy analysis
conflict
security
strategy
international relations.

Learning

Study at one of the UK’s top-ranking universities for politics (ranked 5th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025).

Find out more about how you will learn

Real-world modules

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

International Terrorism – Examine what terrorism is and what distinguishes it from other forms of conflict and warfare in the international system.
Feminism – Explore theoretical controversies surrounding the definition, subject matter, and aims of feminism.
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, encompassing both theory and reality in a range of countries around the world.
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.

Integrated Placement Year

Enhance your employability and build your network with an integrated year-long placement in industry, taken between your second and final year of study.

We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.

Past placement destinations have included the Cabinet Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Office for National Statistics, Disney and Microsoft.

Read about Peter Stockdale’s placement experience as a Student Economist at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Learn from experts

Professor Daphne Halikiopoulou, who is fascinated by why ordinary people engage in extreme acts. This sparked her research into the rise of populism and the far‑right across Europe. She teaches a class on The Far Right.
Dr Alice Baderin, who is facing up to the fact that we live in an uncertain world, a world full of risk – from economic insecurity to threats associated with climate change and the development of new technologies. She teaches a class on Risk.
Dr Joseph O’Mahoney, who wants to know why our ideas about nuclear weapons have changed so drastically over time. For example, information about nuclear explosives, once handed out for free, is now regarded a closely guarded secret. He teaches a class on Politics of Nuclear Weapons.

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.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications

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.

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

Compulsory modules

International Relations

Investigate the main theories of international relations and discover how to critically examine and evaluate competing theoretical arguments. You’ll master the ability to reach and defend clear conclusions about such arguments and explore the contemporary international order through a theoretical lens.

Politics of Climate Change

Explore the political challenges and debates on climate change, analysing how and why decisions are made, their consequences, and underlying ethical issues. Through analysing climate change across various interconnected settings, you’ll reflect on the relevance of climate change across the wider discipline of political science.

Introduction to Contemporary Democracy

Delve deeper into how democracy works, or does not work, around the world today, and explore different types of democracies. You’ll examine topics such as the Arab Spring, varieties of executive and electoral systems, political parties, voting behaviour, and the welfare state.

Introduction to Political Ideas

Explore some of the major debates in political theory through the study of four themes: authority, freedom, democracy, and social justice. You’ll focus on conceptual and normative debates about politics and critically analyse, deconstruct, and develop arguments.

Degree Core Competencies

Develop key academic skills and coping strategies to support your undergraduate studies and discover how they transfer to the workplace. You’ll learn core competencies underpinning your academic progression, including writing, referencing, presenting, teamwork, and engaging with feedback.

Optional modules

British Society

Delve deeper into contemporary British society, examining how it has changed since the second world war and why, and analysing the changing relationship between the state, social institutions and citizens. You’ll explore topics such as multicultural Britain and Britain as a class society, crime and deviance, the role of the mass media, and the increasing power of the food industry.

War and Warfare

Acquire a grounding knowledge of the role of war in international relations. You’ll focus on concepts and types of war, their causes, and how they relate to real-world issues in international relations and international security.

Inequality

Analyse and understand the evolution of inequality, both over time and across developed countries. You’ll explore the economic, normative, and political implications of different forms of inequality, particularly in relation to gender and race.

These are the modules that we current offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

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.

Compulsory modules

The Study of Politics

Learn how to identify different methods and approaches to the study of politics and international relations. You’ll study qualitative and quantitative methods of research, as well as methods of political theory, to prepare you for more advanced study in the subject.

Comparative Government and Politics

Examine and compare the origins of political systems, political institutions, regime formation, and democratisation from all regions of the world. You’ll learn how to nuance, unpack, and conceptualise some of the contemporary challenges that democratic nation-states face.

Global Order

Discover what international order is, how orders function, and the variety of different ways that relations among political communities can be, and have been, organised. You’ll explore key dilemmas and trade-offs that characterise international relations and how contemporary problems are best addressed.

Political Classics

Discover thinkers, ideas and traditions that have always played a central role in the study of politics. Through the writings of a selection of classic thinkers, you’ll explore difficult debates around private property, democracy, individual autonomy, and other topics that have never been resolved.

Advanced Degree Competencies

Familiarise yourself with the academic expectations associated with your course and explore common challenges and strategies for overcoming them. You’ll learn how these advanced study skills transfer to the world of work, while reflecting on your career goals and how to achieve them.

Optional modules

American Government and Politics

Discover how ideas and values, such as liberty and individualism, influence the American system of government and politics, both at national and local level. You’ll learn about all the institutional actors in the US political landscape, and explore central policy issues such as gun control, immigration, and environmental policy.

Political Thinking

Deepen your understanding of the ethical dimensions of contested political issues, from how societies should deal with statues of historical wrongdoers, to whether inheritances should be taxed. You’ll explore how political decisions are made and the substance of such decisions, with weekly focus on a concrete policy question.

Model United Nations

Explore the structure and function of the United Nations in a changing global context. You’ll put your knowledge, understanding, and diplomatic skills to the test as you analyse, debate, and strive to reach collective agreement on key global issues, via in-class simulation and representation of the University at a Model UN conference in the UK.

War and Peace since 1800

Examine the high and low points of human conflict over a 200-year period, using historical evidence to analyse strategic ideas. You’ll explore the theory and practice of war and peace, with a focus on both force and its social and political context.

Work Placement and Project

Undertake a work placement or an internship with an external organisation broadly related to the general sphere of your degree studies. You’ll deliver an oral presentation directly based on your experience, including findings from a project undertaken within the placement.

Contemporary Strategy

Explore a series of contemporary problems and how they stand in the field of modern strategy. Through examples and practical simulations, you’ll gain an understanding of strategic problems and their relevance in the contemporary world.

Global Politics and History

Learn how the study of history and the analysis of past events influence the study, contemporary debates, and practice of world politics.

The Media and Politics

Develop your understanding of the role and influence of media in contemporary politics and society through a combination of lectures and media. You’ll refine your ability to engage broad audiences in political debate by producing a pre-recorded documentary that you’ll present as part of a radio broadcast.

British Government and Politics

Discover the workings of British government and parliament and explore a range of related topics, such as elections, political parties, and the relationship between government and the judiciary. You’ll discuss current events and put your knowledge into practice through a micro-placement.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

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.

Compulsory modules

Professional Placement Year

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

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.

Compulsory modules

Dissertation

Produce your own piece of work in consultation with an expert supervisor. You’ll plan and execute a project of your own devising, making use of ideas, materials and methods introduced in the first half of the year.

Optional modules

Dynamics of Civil Wars

Explore the dynamics of political violence in civil wars through theoretical and empirical analysis of key problems, such as participation, recruitment, organisation, external support, rebel diplomacy, and rebel governance.

International Terrorism

Learn what terrorism is and what distinguishes it from other forms of conflict and warfare in the international system. You’ll discover the causes and consequences of terrorism throughout history, which factors influence terrorist target selection and modus operandi, and the options available to counterterrorism.

British Foreign and Defence Policy since 1945

Learn the theory and practice of how foreign and defence policy is made and explore real-life examples of these policies, from the end of the British Empire to Brexit. You’ll also examine a series of post-war challenges, from the Suez crisis to the conflict in Ukraine, and UK’s role in the world today.

War, Peace and International Ethics

Examine the ethical questions involved in war through real-world case studies and philosophical thought-experiments. You’ll discuss different moral issues, such as humanitarian intervention, the role of individual and collective self-defence, civilian immunity, terrorism, torture, and the punishment of war crimes.

Karl Marx

Explore the Marxist interpretation of history and its political implications with a focus on the questions of alienation, ideology, exploitation, class struggle, and revolution. Discover where Marxist thought has continuing value and where its more vulnerable to criticisms.

Risk

Delve deeper into a wide range of issues in the ethics and politics of risk, focusing on the debates around how societies and individuals should act in the face of risk. You’ll explore the links between theoretical arguments and real-world cases and apply your knowledge to concrete problems, such as self-driving cars, and pandemic policy responses.

US Foreign Policy

Analyse how American foreign policy decisions are made, who influences them, and how they have evolved over time. You’ll gain an understanding of crucial events such as the Vietnam War or the response to 9/11, while also exploring salient challenges faced by US foreign policymakers today.

The Politics of Nuclear Weapons

Examine the historical and political contexts for nuclear policy making, with an emphasis on the political and technical considerations affecting national choices. You’ll explore the issues surrounding non-proliferation strategies, nuclear security, and next steps for arms control.

Politics and International Relations of the Middle East

Gain a nuanced understanding of the politics of Middle Eastern states and how they relate with international tensions and conflicts of the region. You’ll study the history of these countries and their state-civil society relations, as well as the international politics, roles of superpowers, and their interests in the area.

Global Justice

Explore some of the main debates around justice at a global level, focusing on how theoretical arguments are applied to real-world challenges. You’ll examine discussions around various topics, including open borders, climate change and countries’ responsibilities, colonialism and reparations, and economic globalisation.

International Political Economy

Explore the interaction between states and markets, and between winners and losers, at domestic and international levels. You’ll discover the major theoretical approaches to international political economy through a range of topics, including international trade and finance, development, the effects of globalisation on the welfare state and the environment, and the use of economic sanctions.

Feminism and Political Theory

Explore the role of feminism in the political landscape and the theoretical controversies surrounding it. You’ll examine a range of pressing issues in feminist politics, such as abortion, surrogacy, pornography, marriage, and the body.

Democracy, Division and Disagreement

Discover how contemporary democracies are marked by deep disagreement, intense divisions, anger, hate, disinformation, and distrust. You’ll explore how we should respond to public disagreement and division from an ethical perspective.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

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: The University of Reading will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit as set by the UK government for the relevant academic year. The fee cap for 2026/27 hasn't been confirmed yet. Please check the fees and funding webpage for the latest information. The annual fee for 2025/26 is £9,535.

New international students: £25,850 for 2026/27. The International tuition fee is subject to annual increases changes in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

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 93% of graduates from Politics and International Relations are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

Throughout this course, you will develop strong analytical and research skills, as well as gain experience in delivering presentations and working within groups. These skills are valued by employers in many industries, giving you the option to apply for roles that are both directly related to your degree or in completely different fields, including:

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

*Based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22 includes first degree Politics and International Relations responders.

I 100% recommend a Placement! A placement is always a competitive advantage and gives you a different perspective of the labour market. The highlight of my placement in the Student Success and Engagement Department at the University of Reading was having the independence to lead my own ideas and projects.

Priyanka discusses the placement year

The skills I've learned on my degree have proven to be very helpful during internships in finance, as I was required to find information quickly and evaluate the importance of such to the issue at hand, while being prepared for all sorts of questions.

BA Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year

Real-world modules

Integrated Placement Year

Learn from experts

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?