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Politics and International Relations
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 10/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Address some of the contemporary world’s most pressing problems, and explore ethical and moral issues that arise when political authority is exercised, with our BA Politics and International Relations degree.
Why is the world not solving the climate emergency? Why do politicians seem to be so bad at their jobs? Are our societies descending into authoritarianism? Are we responsible for the safety and welfare of civilians in Afghanistan?
If you care about questions like these – and want to learn about the fundamental elements of politics and international relations – then our three-year degree can get you started.
As a student in the Department of Politics and International Relations, you will benefit from a learning environment driven by high-quality research. 97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, meaning that the University of Reading is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output).
Our areas of strength include:
-
applied political theory
-
comparative politics
-
public policy analysis
-
conflict
-
security
-
strategy
-
international relations.
For more information, please visit the course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/politics-ug/ba-politics-and-international-relations
Modules
Modules may include:
- Introduction to Contemporary Democracy
- Politics of Climate Change
- International Relations
- Comparative Government and Politics
- Global Order.
*Please note that all modules are subject to change. Check our website for more details about the course structure.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 10/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L258
- Institution code:
- R12
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Reading has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L258
- Institution code:
- R12
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 18 credits M: 27 credits
Scottish Higher - ABBBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
Extended Project - B
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification provides to students for University study, we now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer. Eligible applicants would receive two offers, our usual offer plus an alternative offer of a B in the EPQ and one grade lower in their A level subjects
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M2, M2
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE Maths C (or 4), English Language or English Literature C (or 4).
T Level - M
Minimum grade C in the Core Component.
Contextual offers for this programme are typically two grades beneath our standard entry requirement, e.g. BCC.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 88 | We require a minimum score of 88 overall with no less than 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | B | We require a grade B or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | We require a grade C or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162. |
| PTE Academic | 69 | We require a minimum score of 69 overall with at least 59 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). |
| Institution's Own Test | Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP). We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). | |
| Trinity ISE | Merit | We require a Merit in each element from ISE II. If you take ISE III or ISE IV, we require a Pass in each element. |
Full list of acceptable English Language Tests http://www.reading.ac.uk/ad-EnglishTests.aspx
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We issue offers to best fit the different circumstances and experiences of our applicants. We take a tailored and holistic approach, considering extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We recognise that some students are more likely than others to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school, through no fault of their own. More information on our supportive offer making approaches can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/what-offer-will-i-get
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- AAB
- Highest grades
- CDD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25850 | Year 1 |
| International | £25850 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
For Home students: The University will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit set by the UK Government for the relevant academic year. The University will increase tuition fees for Home Undergraduate Students at the start of each academic year, in line with this and the new fee will be communicated to you.
For EU and International students: The University will increase Tuition Fees for International Undergraduate and Integrated Foundation Year Programme Students at the start of each academic year (September). The new fee for each academic year of your Programme will be communicated to you
University of Reading
Whiteknights Campus
Reading
RG6 6UR
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Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:ugadmissions@reading.ac.uk
Phone:0118 378 8372
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