MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This program is designed for students who wish to study political systems, international relations, and global challenges from a comprehensive and analytical perspective. Students examine key political issues, global governance, security, democracy, and international development. The placement year allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world settings, offering them a significant advantage in the job market.
Curriculum: The curriculum combines core modules in politics and international relations with optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests. Core subjects cover political theory, international organizations, human rights, security studies, and global political economy. Optional modules enable students to explore specific issues such as environmental politics, global justice, or conflict resolution. The program also includes training in research methods, providing students with the tools to analyze and understand global political events.
Research Focus: The program focuses on contemporary political issues and global challenges, offering students the chance to engage with cutting-edge research in the field of politics and international relations. Faculty members conduct research in areas such as conflict resolution, international security, political theory, and development studies. This research informs the teaching, ensuring students gain up-to-date knowledge about global political dynamics.
Industry Engagement: A key feature of the BA Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year is the opportunity to gain practical experience through a year-long placement. This placement can be undertaken in a variety of settings, including government departments, international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, or private companies. Students receive support from the university’s placement team to secure a relevant placement that complements their academic studies. This hands-on experience not only enhances students’ employability but also gives them valuable insights into the practical workings of political and international systems.
Global Perspective: Students are encouraged to develop a global perspective, with opportunities for international study, field trips, and engagement with global issues. The program examines the political and economic systems that shape international relations, including issues such as trade, diplomacy, security, and climate change. The placement year further enhances this global outlook, providing students with the chance to work abroad or with international organizations, deepening their understanding of global political systems and enhancing their cultural awareness.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 6.5
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 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- 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 Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year offers a broad range of career opportunities upon graduation. By combining academic knowledge with real-world work experience, this program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers across various sectors, including government, international organizations, business, media, and more.
Government and Public Policy: Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles within government, both at national and international levels. They may work in political advisory roles, public policy analysis, or as research assistants in government departments or think tanks. Positions in public services or the civil service are also viable, where they can influence policy decisions, engage in legislative work, or provide recommendations based on research findings.
International Organizations and NGOs: The global perspective offered in this program makes graduates ideal candidates for positions within international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, or European Union institutions. Many graduates also pursue careers in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), focusing on issues like human rights, environmental sustainability, and international development. Roles could range from program management and advocacy to research and analysis.
Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: For those interested in international relations, the BA Politics and International Relations with Placement Year provides the foundation to pursue a career in diplomacy. Graduates may join foreign ministries, embassies, or consulates as diplomats, political officers, or foreign affairs specialists. These roles involve representing a country’s interests abroad, managing international relations, and engaging in negotiations on global issues.
Journalism and Media: The program's focus on critical thinking, political analysis, and global affairs makes it highly valuable for journalism and media careers. Graduates can pursue roles in political reporting, broadcasting, media analysis, or editing for newspapers, television stations, online platforms, and magazines. Political and international topics are crucial for media outlets, and graduates with this program’s expertise can contribute to news coverage, opinion pieces, and investigative reports.
International Business and Trade: Students who pursue the placement year often gain valuable experience in the business sector, where they can work in roles related to international trade, global commerce, or corporate diplomacy. Graduates may find opportunities in multinational corporations, international marketing, trade policy consulting, or international logistics, where understanding the political and economic environment is key to making strategic business decisions.
Legal and Consultancy Careers: Graduates interested in law can pursue further studies to become lawyers, particularly in areas such as international law, human rights law, or corporate law. The program’s focus on political theory, ethics, and global legal issues prepares students for roles such as legal assistants, paralegals, or researchers, with a specific focus on international legal matters. Graduates may also join consultancy firms that provide strategic advice to governments, businesses, or NGOs on international relations and political risks.
Academia and Research: For those interested in further study, the BA Politics and International Relations with Placement Year serves as a strong foundation for postgraduate research. Graduates may go on to pursue master's or doctoral programs in political science, international relations, or related fields. This pathway can lead to careers in academia as university professors or researchers, contributing to scholarly work on political theory, international relations, and global affairs.
Security and Intelligence Services: Another potential career path for graduates is working within national security and intelligence agencies. The program’s focus on global political systems, conflict resolution, and security studies prepares students for roles in intelligence, risk analysis, and security consulting. These positions are critical for ensuring national security and navigating international conflicts, making graduates valuable assets in the public and private sectors.
