BA Politics and Economics

University of Reading

United Kingdom, Reading

University RankQS Ranking

173

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University of Reading

United Kingdom , Reading

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

LL12

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,850 / year

Next Intake September-2026

BA Politics and Economics

About

Combine the specialist study of politics with a grounding in economics, and explore the key forces driving contemporary democratic society, with our BA Politics and Economics degree.

At the University of Reading, our three-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.

Choose economics and politics at the University of Reading

Established for more than 50 years.
100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
The University of Reading is ranked in the top 200 in the world for Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) and ranked 10th in the UK in Business and Economics subjects (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024, United Kingdom providers only).
We are in the top 5 universities for politics in the UK (5th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025).

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

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall including minimum 4 in Maths at standard level

GCSE

GCSE Maths at grade B (6)

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

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

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.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

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.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

English Program Requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Career

Our degree will help you develop strong analytical and research skills and gain experience in delivering presentations and working as part of a group, which makes you suitable for a wide range of careers. Graduates with degrees in social science subjects such as politics and international relations are highly sought after by employers for their wide range of transferable skills.

Past students have put their skills to direct use in:

home and European civil services
political research units
think tanks
non-governmental organisations
journalism
media
retail
management consultancy
banking.

Hear from our alumni in Politics and Economics.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,850

Application Fee

GBP

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

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.