BA Philosophy and Politics with Placement Experience

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.

Your first year will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. In your second and final years you will have the opportunity to explore your chosen subjects in more depth, with modules such as Contemporary Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Crime and Punishment and the History of Political Philosophy. You will also have the chance to examine non-Western philosophies, such as Indian philosophy.

By studying politics you will acquire a strong grounding in fundamental elements of the subject such as political ideas and democratic processes. You can study a wide range of specialist core and optional modules, which cover topics such as British government and politics, European political integration, and political thinking.

You will be taught in small interactive seminar groups, encouraging discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students. Our small class sizes ensure 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), and 5th in the UK for politics (the Daily Mail University Guide 2025).

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.

Philosophy placements

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.

Politics placements

Previous politics students have found placement opportunities in organisations and settings such as:

• government departments, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Ministry of Defence, Cabinet Office, the Department of Health and Social Care, HM Treasury
• Microsoft
• Lloyds Bank
• The Office for National Statistics
• Johnson & Johnson
• Kia.

In addition, you can undertake a two-week placement as part of our module on British Government and Politics, giving you the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working with an MP, charity, pressure group, local councillor or media organisation.

If you would prefer to study this course without a placement year, you can choose our three-year BA Philosophy and Politics 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.