University of Reading United Kingdom

BA History and International Relations

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a critical exploration of global events and societal structures with the BA History and International Relations at the University of Reading. This undergraduate degree is designed for students keen to understand the intricate connections between past developments and present-day international challenges, from the politics of climate change to the study of war and warfare. You will delve into diverse historical periods and geographical regions, developing a nuanced understanding of political theory, international relations, and the historiographies that shape our interpretation of the past. This course provides a robust academic grounding for those aspiring to analyse and engage with complex global dynamics.

You will study this full-time, on-campus programme over three years, engaging with a rich curriculum that balances compulsory modules with a wide array of optional subjects, allowing you to tailor your learning. Throughout your degree, you will develop essential research, analytical, and communication skills, culminating in a significant dissertation in your final year where you will conduct independent research. You will graduate from the University of Reading with a comprehensive understanding of historical context and international affairs, prepared for diverse career paths in diplomacy, policy analysis, journalism, and the non-profit sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of both History and International Relations. Students will engage with foundational concepts in historical study and international politics, examining topics such as global order, war, and climate change. The curriculum progresses through compulsory modules in the first two years, culminating in a dissertation in the final year, with a wide array of optional courses allowing for specialization in diverse historical periods and international relations themes.

1 YEAR 1

Perspectives in History Compulsory
Making History and You: Practices and Possibilities Compulsory
International Relations Compulsory
Politics of Climate Change Compulsory
War and Warfare Compulsory

2 YEAR 2

The Study of Politics Compulsory
Global Order Compulsory

3 YEAR 3

Dissertation in History Compulsory
Dissertation in International Relations Compulsory
Anarchy in the UK: Punk, Politics and Youth Culture in Britain, 1976-84 Optional
Becoming a Revolutionary: the Old Regime and the French Revolution, 1787-1794 Optional
Eugenics from 1865 to the Present Day Optional
Heretics and Popes: Heresy and Persecution in the Medieval World Optional
Slavery in America Optional
History Education Optional
Discovering Archives and Collections Optional
Medieval Magic and the Origins of the Witch-Craze Optional
Battleaxes and Benchwarmers': Early female MPs 1919-1931 Optional
Axis at War: Life and Death in Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, 1936-45 Optional
Politics and Popular Culture: Post-Arab Spring Egypt Optional
From Darwin to Death Camps? Evolution and eugenics in European society, 1859-1945 Optional
Ireland and the English in the Middle Ages Optional
The United States and the Cold War Optional
Modern Science and Empires, 1750-2000 Optional
The Romantic Revolution: Culture, Environment and Society in England, c.1790-c.1900 Optional
Sexual Politics: Gender, Sex, and Feminism in Britain after 1918 Optional
Utopia: The Quest for a Perfect World Optional
Poor Law to Hostile Environment: Repatriation, Deportation and Exclusion from Britain 1800-2016 Optional
The American Civil War Optional
Gender in Africa: From Eighteenth Century ‘Amazons’ to Twentieth Century Child Soldiers Optional
Pirates of the Caribbean: Empire, Slavery, and Society, 1550-1750 Optional
Dynamics of Civil Wars Optional
International Terrorism Optional
British Foreign and Defence Policy since 1945 Optional
War, Peace and International Ethics Optional
Critical Security Studies Optional
US Foreign Policy Optional
Politics & International Relations of the Middle East Optional
The Politics of Nuclear Weapons Optional
International Political Economy Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,824.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,126.00 - USD 18,832.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on WhiteKnights Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Aerospace Engineering & DesignAerospace Research & AcademiaAgricultural Marketing & SalesAgrochemical & Seed IndustryCivil & Infrastructure EngineeringDefense & Military AviationDigital MarketingEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingGovernment & Regulatory AgenciesSpace Exploration & Satellite Technology

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

FAO

Kings College London

Manchester City Council

Why Study BA History and International Relations at University of Reading

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Reading in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA History and International Relations at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

As an international student in a degree course, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can take tests like Duolingo, TOFEL, IELTS, or PTE. Specific scores must be achieved across various sections, such as an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as historians, policy analysts, political consultants, international relations specialists, or educators.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree explores contemporary issues and their historical contexts, covering topics like the history of the Atlantic world and feminism in political theory. It combines the expertise of the Departments of History and Politics and International Relations.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA History and International Relations course at the University of Reading starts in September. Ensure you prepare your application to meet the intake deadline.
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