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3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of ReadingIf you’re curious about how the world works and want to understand the forces shaping global politics, this degree is perfect for you. It combines academic study with a real-world placement year, giving you the chance to gain hands-on experience while building the skills employers really value.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundations of Politics and International Relations
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in politics and international relations. Modules like Introduction to Political Ideas explore key debates on freedom, democracy, and justice, while Introduction to Contemporary Democracy looks at how political systems and parties operate around the world. Politics of Climate Change adds a timely perspective, examining the political challenges of environmental issues.
Year 2: Deepening Knowledge and Research Skills
Year two is all about building your analytical toolkit. The Study of Politics introduces research methods and helps you think critically about data, while Political Classics takes you through the ideas of influential thinkers. You’ll also be able to pick optional modules that match your own interests and career goals.
Year 3: Placement Year
This year is your chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world. You’ll work with an organization in the UK or abroad, applying your academic knowledge in a practical setting. It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop professional skills, make valuable contacts, and boost your future employability.
Year 4: Specialization and Dissertation
Your final year focuses on your areas of interest, with optional modules letting you dive deeper into specific topics. You’ll also complete a dissertation, giving you the chance to research a question that really excites you. By the end, you’ll be ready to take on professional roles or continue your studies at a higher level.
Focus Areas
International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Climate Politics, Democratic Systems
Learning Outcomes
Critical thinking about politics and global issues, applying research skills in real-world contexts, professional experience through placement, engaging in informed debates, preparation for careers in policy, international organizations, and beyond
Professional Alignment
The program follows national standards set by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Politics and International Relations, ensuring you receive a high-quality education.
Reputation
Reading is known for its strong focus on employability. Graduates from this program go on to work in government, NGOs, international organizations, and many other fields. The placement year makes your CV stand out to future employers.
At the University of Reading, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. Students in this program have plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice, gaining hands-on experience that will really make their CV stand out. Whether it’s through real-world placements, collaborative projects, or field trips, you’ll develop practical skills while exploring the political and international issues that matter most. The university also provides excellent facilities, including dedicated libraries, research centres, and professional support, so you can thrive both academically and professionally.
Some of the ways students gain practical experience include:
Placement Year: A full year of professional work experience between the second and final years, helping you apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings and build a network in your chosen field.
Embedded Placement Opportunities: Shorter placements linked to specific modules, such as working with a charity, media organisation, or a local MP or councillor.
Collaborative Projects: Group assignments and seminars develop teamwork and communication skills, which are crucial in politics and international relations.
Field Trips & Study Abroad: Opportunities to visit political institutions, attend international events, or study abroad, giving you a global perspective.
Research & Library Facilities: Access to specialist libraries and research centres that support your academic and professional growth.
Professional Development Modules: Some modules let you replace academic coursework with practical, career-focused experience.
Graduates from this program leave Reading with more than just a degree—they gain the confidence, skills, and real-world experience needed to make an impact in politics and international relations. By combining rigorous academic study with a placement year, students are well-prepared to step straight into rewarding roles. Typical career paths include policy analyst, diplomatic service officer, political journalist, or public affairs consultant.
Here’s how the University of Reading helps make that happen:
Careers and Employability Service – Personalised support with CVs, interviews, and career planning to help you smoothly transition into the workplace.
Placement Year – A full year of professional experience gives you hands-on skills and helps you build a network of industry contacts.
Industry Partnerships – Work with organisations like the Ministry of Defence or media outlets, giving you real-world exposure and experience.
Strong Graduate Outcomes – Over 95% of Politics and International Relations graduates are employed or continuing their studies within 15 months of graduation.
Long-Term Professional Advantage – The skills, experience, and networks gained during your degree are valued by employers worldwide.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates also have a strong foundation for postgraduate study in politics, international relations, public policy, or related fields, opening doors to advanced research or specialist career paths.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) can be considered as part of a formal university offer, recognizing its value in preparing students for higher education.IELTS - 6.5, with no component below 5.5TOEFL – 100 is required for both the internet-based (iBT) and at-home (iBT at Home) versions.India – Higher Secondary (XII) with 70–83% average; English: CBSE/ICSE 80%, other boards 85%.USA – High School Diploma (GPA 3.0) plus AP (444–554), or SAT Subject Tests (630–680), or ACT (27–29).Placement Year – If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year.Policy AnalystDiplomatic Service OfficerPolitical JournalistPublic Affairs ConsultantIntelligence AnalystCivil Service OfficerNGO Project CoordinatorInternational Organization StaffMedia ResearcherCampaign ManagerPolitical Risk AnalystGovernment Relations SpecialistLegislative AssistantHuman Rights OfficerPublic Policy Advisor
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