BA International Relations and Economics with Placement Year

The BA International Relations and Economics with Placement Year at the University of Reading is designed to give you more than just classroom knowledge – it’s about real-world experience. You’ll get hands-on practice through a year-long placement, applying what you learn in politics and economics to actual professional environments. Along the way, you’ll build practical skills, work on collaborative projects, and gain insights into international business, policy, and economic issues, all while being supported by expert faculty and the university’s excellent facilities.

Here’s how your experiential learning will look in practice:

• International Applied Challenge (MMM156): Work on real-world sustainable management issues, either virtually or by visiting international sites, helping communities while applying your academic knowledge.

• Applied Challenge (MMM169): Collaborate with partner universities abroad, developing cross-cultural understanding and practical problem-solving skills in a global context.

• Professional Placement Year (PO2PPY): Spend a full year working in an organization related to international relations or economics, gaining invaluable professional experience with guidance from the School Placement Coordinator.

• Collaborative Learning Environment: Benefit from group projects, interactive teaching, and a supportive department that encourages teamwork and practical application.

• Dedicated Placement Support: Access the university’s Careers Service to help secure internships, placements, and work experience opportunities tailored to your career goals.

These opportunities ensure you graduate not only with strong theoretical knowledge but also with the confidence, practical skills, and real-world experience to make an immediate impact in your chosen field.

Graduates from the BA International Relations and Economics with Placement Year at the University of Reading leave equipped to step confidently into the professional world. Combining academic insight with practical experience, the program prepares students for exciting roles in international organizations, government agencies, financial institutions, and NGOs. Common career paths include policy analyst, economic consultant, international relations officer, and development economist:

University Support and Resources:

• Careers Service: Receive personalized guidance on CV writing, interviews, and job hunting to make your applications stand out.

• Placement Coordinator: Dedicated support to help secure meaningful work placements and internships.

• Reading Internship Scheme: Offers paid research placements, both part-time during semesters and full-time in summer, to gain hands-on experience.

• Departmental Support: Access workshops, mock interviews, and one-on-one mentoring to boost your employability skills.

Graduate Outcomes:

• 95.2% of Politics and International Relations graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation.

• 90% of students report strong support from teaching staff throughout their studies.

University-Industry Partnerships:

• Work with top organizations such as 3M, Airbus, Bank of England, Deloitte, Disney, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, NHS England, Oracle, and government bodies like The Treasury and the Office for National Statistics.

• These connections provide unique opportunities for placements, projects, and networking.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, you can continue your studies to deepen your expertise:

• MA International Relations and Diplomacy: Develop advanced understanding of global politics and diplomacy.

• Postgraduate Research: Pursue research opportunities within the Department of Politics and International Relations.

• Professional Development Courses: Specialize in areas like economic analysis, policy development, or international law to further enhance your career prospects.