MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA History and Economics
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This three-year full-time undergraduate degree is designed to delve into the cultures and societies that have influenced history while examining critical economic issues affecting the modern world. Students have the opportunity to study a millennium of history, with the History Department's expertise spanning regions such as Europe, Africa, America, South Asia, and the Middle East. The program's UCAS code is LV11, and the typical A-level offer is BBB.
Curriculum: In the first year, core modules focus on themes like people, politics, and revolution, exploring power dynamics in past societies and the development of their cultures and concepts. Students are equipped with essential research skills, culminating in an individual project of their choice. The economics component addresses practical issues and the interplay between economics and society, emphasizing the application of mathematical and statistical techniques to real-world problems. Core topics include business, policy, economic history, and the economics of climate change.
Research Focus: The University of Reading boasts a strong research reputation, with 100% of its research impact in Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies, rated as 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' (REF 2021). This commitment to research excellence ensures that students are taught by academics at the forefront of their fields, enriching the learning experience with cutting-edge insights.
Industry Engagement: The program places significant emphasis on employability skills. Modules such as History Education, Discovering Archives and Collections, and Going Public offer students short work placements, introducing them to potential career paths. Additionally, economics students have the option to undertake a paid placement year, gaining valuable industry experience that enhances their professional readiness.
Global Perspective: Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in their second year at one of the University's partner institutions, including those in Europe, the USA, and Australia. This international exposure broadens their academic and cultural horizons. The University also offers all students the chance to learn a modern language alongside their core subjects, further enhancing their global perspective.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 135.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
The University of Reading’s BA History and Economics program equips graduates with a well-rounded set of skills, making them highly attractive to a variety of employers across different industries. By combining the study of history and economics, students develop strong research, analytical, and communication skills, which are essential for a wide range of career paths.
Public Sector and Government Roles: Graduates often pursue careers in the public sector, including positions in government departments, think tanks, and policy organizations. With expertise in both history and economics, graduates are well-suited for roles in government advisory bodies, public policy development, and social research. Potential roles include political analyst, public policy advisor, and research assistant in governmental agencies.
Business and Financial Services: The economic expertise gained through the program is highly valued in the business world. Graduates often go on to work in banking, finance, and business consultancy. With a solid foundation in economic theory, history, and analytical skills, career options include financial analyst, business consultant, economic consultant, and risk manager. Large corporations such as PwC, Morgan Stanley, and Marks & Spencer actively seek graduates with this unique combination of knowledge.
Research and Academia: Graduates can further their studies by pursuing research roles in universities, think tanks, and research institutions. Many go on to become academic researchers, historians, or economists. Additionally, the program’s strong research focus prepares graduates for postgraduate studies in areas such as history, economics, political science, and international relations.
Nonprofit and International Organizations: The understanding of social issues, historical contexts, and economic systems also makes graduates ideal candidates for roles in nonprofit organizations, NGOs, and international institutions. Positions may include project manager, economic development advisor, or international relations specialist, often with organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, or Oxfam.
Cultural Heritage and Museums: The history component of the degree provides graduates with the ability to work in cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, archives, and heritage sites. Careers in this sector include museum curators, archivists, conservationists, and educational officers, roles that leverage their knowledge of history and cultural heritage.
Media and Journalism: Graduates with strong writing and communication skills are well-positioned to enter media and journalism careers. Whether writing articles, producing documentaries, or analyzing socio-economic issues for the public, there are a wide variety of opportunities available. History and economics graduates may pursue careers as journalists, broadcasters, content creators, or editors, with news outlets, magazines, and online publications.
Human Resources and Management: The analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills gained throughout the program also lend themselves well to careers in human resources and management. Graduates may go on to work as HR consultants, recruitment specialists, or operations managers, where they can apply their problem-solving abilities in organizational settings.
Law: The logical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills developed during the degree program can also lead to a career in law. Many graduates of the BA History and Economics program go on to law school and pursue roles as solicitors, barristers, or legal researchers, specializing in areas such as corporate law, international law, or human rights law.
