BA War, Peace and International Relations

At Reading, this degree goes far beyond textbooks. You’ll take part in lively seminars where you debate big issues, work in small groups, and put your ideas to the test. What really makes the course stand out is the range of opportunities to gain hands-on experience — from real workplace placements to UN simulations and research projects with top academics. These experiences mean you graduate not only with knowledge, but also with the practical skills employers want:

• Placement year option – spend your third year working full-time in government, NGOs, think-tanks, or international organisations, supported by the department’s dedicated Placement Coordinator.

• Short placements in modules – for example, on the British Government and Politics module you can spend two weeks in an MP’s office or with a non-profit, seeing politics in action.

• Reading Internship Scheme (RIS) – access paid, professional internships that fit around your studies, helping you build experience while you’re still a student.

• Summer Work Placement module – swap a taught module for a professional summer placement that counts towards your degree.

• Model United Nations module – step into the shoes of a UN delegate, debating and negotiating global issues. Some students even take part in international conferences.

• Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) – join your lecturers on real research projects over the summer, gaining insight into how political analysis is done at the highest level.

• Interactive seminars and group projects – develop confidence in presenting, debating, and collaborating, skills that are essential in any career.

A degree in War, Peace and International Relations from Reading opens doors to careers where you can make a real impact. Many graduates step into roles where they analyse policy, advise on security, or support international organisations, while others move into media, consultancy, or government work. Common job paths include policy analyst, diplomatic service officer, intelligence analyst, NGO researcher, or roles in journalism and consultancy. And the best part is, Reading equips you with the mix of academic knowledge, practical skills, and work experience that employers really value:

• Personal career support – you’ll have a dedicated Placement Coordinator to help you secure internships and placements, plus guidance from the University’s award-winning Careers team.

• Strong employment record – an impressive 95% of Politics & International Relations graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

• Graduate salaries – Politics & IR graduates from Reading report median salaries of around £26,000 within 15 months, with steady growth as they progress in their careers.

• Employer links – past graduates have gone into the UK Civil Service, European institutions, the armed forces, think-tanks, NGOs, journalism, consultancy, and even banking and finance.

• Reputation that carries weight – Reading’s Politics and International Relations department is ranked 6th in the UK for research output, with nearly all of its research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2021). That makes your qualification respected globally.

Further Academic Progression

If you decide to continue studying, this BA gives you a strong platform for postgraduate study. Many students go on to Master’s programmes in International Relations, Strategic Studies, Security Studies, Public Policy, Diplomacy, or Peace and Conflict Studies. You could also take the research route with an MPhil or PhD if you’re aiming for a career in academia or advanced policy research.