Politics and Economics, BA (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

Develop a deep understanding of the political and economic issues that shape our world, and gain professional experience, with our BA Politics and Economics with Placement Year degree.At the University of Reading, our four-year joint course is offered by the School of Politics and International Relations and the Department of Economics.In politics, our wide range of core and optional modules will give you a strong foundation in topics such as:

• comparative government and politics

• political theory

• international relations

• contemporary democracy.

In economics, you will examine practical economic issues and, more widely, the relationship between economics and society, focusing on topics such as:

• macroeconomics

• microeconomics

• economic institutions

• economics of social policy.

You will focus on how economic tools can be applied to different markets and situations, acquiring the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable you to solve the problems that are challenging policy makers and businesses all over the world.You will also analyse economic issues using a range of economic theories and methods, including the theory of games and strategic interactions, and natural and behavioural experiments.Placement yearThis course features an integrated professional placement between your second and last year of study, an opportunity to enhance your employability and build your network. We have a dedicated placement coordinator who can provide advice and support in your search for a placement.For more information, please visit the programme page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/politics-ug/ba-politics-and-economics-placement-year

Modules

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Core modules for this course: Politics of Climate Change;Introduction to Contemporary Democracy;Introduction to Political Ideas;Intermediate Microeconomics;The Study of Politics.The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available in the summer of 2024. We suggest that you regularly revisit our course page during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme. Check our website for more details about the course structure.

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The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Core modules for this course: Politics of Climate Change; Introduction to Contemporary Democracy; Introduction to Political Ideas; Intermediate Microeconomics; The Study of Politics. The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available in the summer of 2024. We suggest that you regularly revisit our course page during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme. Check our website for more details about the course structure.