BA Philosophy and International Relations with Placement Experience
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UCAS code
VL53 -
A level offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2025/26 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
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Year of entry
2025/26 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Gain a deeper understanding of the world in theory and practice by combining philosophy and international relations with a year's professional experience, with our BA Philosophy and International Relations with Placement Experience degree.
Studying philosophy at the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. We will give you an understanding of the central principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures of philosophy. You will be taught by leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, especially Indian philosophy.
Your first year will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. In your second and third years, you'll have the opportunity to explore your interests in more depth, with modules such as Ethical Argument, Global Philosophies and Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy.
Studying international relations will give you a strong grounding in fundamental elements of the subject, such as political ideas and international relations theory. You will have the opportunity to learn about international relations both in breadth and in depth, through a range of specialist core and optional modules, which cover topical issues such as European political integration, international terrorism, and politics in the Middle East.
You will be taught in small interactive seminar groups, in which discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students is encouraged. Our small class sizes ensure that you will receive dedicated, individual attention.
We are ranked in the top 125 universities in the world for Arts and Humanities and those offering History, Philosophy and Theology (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).
Professional placement
This four-year degree includes an integrated, year-long work placement between your second and final year of study.
Supported by our dedicated placement team, you'll gain real-world experience and a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in the workplace. Your placement will enable you to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice, and also provide opportunities for you to build your network.
We have excellent links with a diverse range of employers from industry, the public sector and the charity sector, meaning that we can help you find placements for a variety of career paths.
Over the years, students in the Department of Philosophy have completed a wide range of placements. Roles have included:
- Education and Engagement Assistant
- HR Intern
- Communications Co-ordinator
- Azure Specialist.
Students have worked at organisations such as the House of Commons, the University of Reading, Microsoft, and Enterprise Mobility.
Recent placements have also enabled students to examine philosophical issues in the workplace – for example, working at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals.
If you would prefer to study this course without a placement year, you can choose our three-year BA Philosophy and International Relations course.
Placement support
Our dedicated placement co-ordinator will support you throughout securing a placement, during the placement, and while transitioning back to university life.
From your first year, we will guide you through the career planning process and support you in identifying paid placements suited to your individual career interests. We'll also review your CV and application forms, build your confidence for interviews, tests and assessment centres, and help you prepare for receiving feedback.