BA History and International Relations
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    BA History and International Relations

    University of Reading
    University of Reading
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Reading
    University Rank:#194
    Go to Official Website
    Duration3 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 34,900 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026
    BA History and International Relations

    About

    Immerse yourself in contemporary issues and untangle their historical roots with our BA History and International Relations degree.

    At the University of Reading, our three-year joint course is offered by the Department of History and the Department of Politics and International Relations.

    The Department of History’s expertise covers a wide range of regions, from Europe and Africa to America, South Asia and the Middle East. Module choices cover diverse periods and topics, such as:

    • medieval magic
    • history of the Atlantic world
    • punk politics
    • the making of modern South Asia.

    The Department of Politics and International Relations offers expertise across applied political theory, comparative politics, public policy analysis, conflict, security, strategy, and international relations. You will have the opportunity to gain a broad overview of the subject through a wide range of specialist core and optional modules, which cover topical issues, such as:

    • feminism and political theory
    • international terrorism
    • politics of nuclear weapons.

    Combining history and international relations will deepen your understanding of both: concepts from politics and international relations will help you to analyse historical events and processes, while your historical studies will give you an essential background to contemporary politics.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

    Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

    Typical offer

    BBB, including History or a humanities-based essay subject

    Humanities-based essay subjects include: Classical Civilisation, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Philosophy, Politics, Religious Studies.

    International Baccalaureate

    30 points overall including 5 in History or a humanities-based essay subject at higher level.

    Extended Project Qualification

    In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

    BTEC Extended Diploma

    DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)

    English language requirements

    IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

    For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

    Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

    For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

    International Foundation Programme

    If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

    Pre-sessional English language programme

    If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

    English Program Requirements

    IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

    Career

    During your BA in History and International Relations, you will develop transferrable skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and confident communication. These essential skills will aid you in your future employment.

    Overall 97% of graduates from History and 93% of graduates from Politics and International Relations are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation [1].

    Previous employers include:

    • the BBC
    • DeVere Group
    • the Department for Education
    • JP Morgan

    [1] Based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22 includes first degree History responders and first degree Politics and International Relations responders.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    34,900 / year

    How to Apply

    You can apply online for all of our courses, including courses with an Integrated Foundation Year, via the national admissions service, UCAS. You can choose to apply for up to five courses in total, including more than one course at the same institution.

    1. Find a course

    Browse our undergraduate courses and identify which ones you'd like to apply for. Make sure to check your course's entry requirements before you apply. 

    2. Begin your application

    Register at UCAS and complete the application pages online, using the UCAS codes on our course pages. 

    Our UCAS code is R12. The University does not have a campus code. 

    3. Write your personal statement

    As part of your application, you'll be asked to submit a personal statement to support your application. This is your opportunity to tell us more about why you want to study the course and what interests, skills and experience you have that demonstrate your passion for the subject.

    4. Submit your application

    When you're happy with your application and have added the required information such as qualifications, personal statement and reference, you can submit your application. 

    A small charge is made by UCAS for applying to university. The application fee for 2024 entry is £27.50 for up to five choices.

    Make sure to check the UCAS website for the most up-to-date application deadlines. If you have missed the January deadline, there is still the opportunity to apply (via UCAS), and we are happy to consider late applications until 30 June 2024 (all applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing). Please be aware that some of our courses may be full after the January UCAS deadline, so we recommend early applications where possible.

    BA History and International Relations
    University of Reading
    University of Reading
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Reading

    Go to Official Website