War, Peace and International Relations, BA (Hons), with industry placement

Specialize in warfare, strategy, and international politics through the University of Reading’s BA in War, Peace and International Relations with a Placement Year. This programme draws on the department’s research strengths, exploring military force, defence policy, historical contexts of war, and ethical dilemmas such as the justification of force or the pursuit of peace at any cost. As part of a top-ranked department—6th in the UK for research outputs, with 97% rated world-leading or internationally excellent—you’ll engage with key areas like strategy, conflict, security, international relations, applied political theory, comparative politics, and public policy analysis.This four-year course includes a year-long industry placement between your second and final years, enhancing employability, networking, and professional skills, potentially leading to job offers. Core modules include Politics of Climate Change, Introduction to Contemporary Democracy, War and Warfare, War and Peace since 1800, and Global Order. Note that modules are subject to final approval and may change; check the programme page for updates.

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; War and Warfare; War and Peace since 1800; Global Order. 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.