BA Politics and International Relations with Placement Year

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

Why is the world not solving the climate emergency? Are our societies descending into authoritarianism? How do wars start and by what strategies do they end? How should international actors respond to conflict in the Middle East?

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. We're ranked 6th in the UK for research quality in Politics and International Studies, with 97% of our research outputs rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – when scoring by GPA Output). Learn more about our research impact.

Our areas of strength include:

political theory
comparative politics
international relations
contemporary war and peace.

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

World-leading research, brought into your classroom. You'll be taught by leading researchers who are active contributors to scholarly debates and are frequently consulted by the media. This means our teaching is both research-led and directly relevant to the challenges shaping our world today.

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 2025, 95% of our students said that teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, 94.8% 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 17吃瓜, 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鈥憆ight 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.

Our areas of strength include:

political theory
comparative politics
international relations
contemporary war and peace.

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鈥憆ight 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 17吃瓜 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 17吃瓜’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 currently offer for 2025/2026 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 17吃瓜.

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.

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.

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.

War, Peace and International Ethics

Examine the ethical questions involved in war through real-world case studies and philosophical thought-experiments. You鈥檒l 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.

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 17吃瓜.

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 17吃瓜.

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

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.

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.

American Foreign Policy Since the Vietnam War

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.

Politics and Governance in the Global South

Examine the politics and the political economy of development in countries across Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. You’ll consider the main political and governance challenges countries in these regions face, and analyse the best prospects for addressing them, including questions about historical legacies, economic inequality, and relationships between citizens and politicians.

Experiencing War

Analyse the many different roles and experiences of human beings at and in war. This includes theoretical approaches and the role of key actors, such as combatants, civilians, and third parties. This will be examined through testimonies of guest speakers as well as written, audio, photographic, and video material to access experiential knowledge of war.

Intelligence, War and International Relations鈥�

Gain insight into the intelligence function in war, strategy, and international politics. You’ll acquire a thorough understanding of technological changes, continuities, and discontinuities associated with intelligence agencies and their activities.

Gender and Politics

Examine how gender manifests in the political domain, such as how stereotypes about masculinity and femininity shape political campaigns. You’ll also consider how gender intersects with race, ethnicity, and sexuality.

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 17吃瓜.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: The 17吃瓜 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 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 17吃瓜 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.

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We are offering up to 400 scholarships per year, for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.

Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year for maintenance and living costs, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions).

Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.

Careers

Our combination of skills development, placements, and practical modules has resulted in 95.2% of Politics and International Relations graduates being in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on HESA data © HESA 2021 - 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23; includes all Politics and International Relations responders).

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 17吃瓜 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

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

At the 17吃瓜, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.

Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).

During your time at 17吃瓜, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.

In 2025, the 17吃瓜 won the Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.

17吃瓜

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

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

Ready for more?