Joint degrees

Joint degrees allow you to study two complementary subjects as part of a single undergraduate qualification.

At Reading, we offer a wide range of joint degrees, and your time will be split between the subjects according to the type of course:

• Joint honours degrees are designed so that you study two subjects equally. For example, on our BA Ancient History and Archaeology degree, you would spend half of your time studying ancient history and the other half studying archaeology.
• Combined honours degrees are designed so that you can study the core modules from both subject areas, but focus on one subject area in greater detail. For example, on our BSc Mathematics with Computer Science degree, you would take modules in both subject areas, but a higher proportion would be in mathematics.

With joint degrees, you will benefit from involvement in two academic departments. You may want to continue with two subjects that you enjoyed at school, or you might prefer to broaden your horizons and take up a new subject in addition to one you've already studied. You could even choose a joint degree where both subjects are new to you.

Though some of our joint degrees have subject-specific entry requirements, others have none and are therefore available to you no matter what subjects you studied at school or college.

You'll take the same number of modules as other students, just split between your two subjects. You’ll also be able to select optional modules to shape your course to your own interests. By studying in two different departments, you will meet even more other students.

Browse our subject pages to see all of the joint courses we offer.

There will be plenty of support available to help you get the most out of your joint degree at Reading.

You'll be equally at home in both departments, but you will have one academic tutor who will support you throughout your degree.

Most of our joint degrees offer you the flexibility to switch to single honours at the end of the first year if you want to, as long as you qualify by passing the right exams.

Studying a joint degree can be a fantastic opportunity to gain a broad variety of skills valued by employers. It can equip you to pursue work or further study in both subject areas and also shows that you're adaptable, flexible and good at managing your time.

Studying a joint degree that includes a language, for example, our BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language degree, could further enhance your career prospects.

A number of our joint courses offer the option of a year in industry as part of the degree, so you can gain valuable work experience and make connections with future employers. For example, our BA International Relations and Economics with Placement Year. On all our courses, including joint degrees, our Careers Service can support you to find industry placements during the summer vacations as well.

If you're studying a language as part of your joint degree, you may also be able to spend a year studying abroad at one of our partner universities.

Listen to current student Sumaya talk about her experience of studying our joint BA Art and Psychology degree, on an episode of the University of Reading's "Things I Wish I'd Known..." podcast.

Listen on Spotify