UNIVERSITY OF READING UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2021 WELCOME
You are at a critical moment in your life. As you prepare to take the first step into your future, the decisions you’re about to make – about what to study and where – will help influence the rest of your life. At Reading, you’ll join an inclusive, welcoming student environment. Through the quality of our teaching and support services, we are preparing our students to succeed in a changing world – a world that is also at a critical moment. Changes in our global climate are affecting the lives of billions of people and we all have a part to play in tackling this challenge. More than ever, Reading is being recognised for our world- leading research in climate change and for our dedicated pursuit of climate solutions. As we make strides in global environmental sustainability, we are also committed to supporting you during your own transformative journey. You’ll find excellent academic, personal and professional development opportunities here, enabling you to grow in a globally minded place that feels like home. The University of Reading is an inspiring and collaborative community that actively encourages a strong student voice. Here, you can make a real impact. More importantly, we’ll help equip you to make an even greater impact in the world beyond graduation. Ecology and Wildlife History 116 Nutrition see Food and Conservation Nutritional Sciences 108 see Environment 103 History of Art see Art 70 CONTENTSWelcome 3 Study options 22 Supporting you 42 English language Economics 90 requirements 160 Pharmacy and About us 6 Teaching and learning 24 International Education and Teaching 93 Pharmacology 134 and EU students 46 How to apply International Development 118 Exploring town 8 Our research 26 in eight easy steps 162 Engineering see Biomedical Philosophy 136 Fees and funding 52 Engineering 74 International Foundation Festival 10 Facilities 28 Visit us 165 Programme (IFP) 120 Physics of the Environment Courses 57 English Language and Linguistics 98 see Meteorology 130 What’s on 12 Students’ Union 30 Useful information 168 International Relations see Politics Next steps 151 English Literature 100 and International Relations 138 Politics and Meet our students 14 Sports and societies 32 Index 169 International Relations 138 Joint courses 152 Environment 103 Investment and Finance in Property Whiteknights campus 16 Accommodation 34 Important information see Real Estate and Planning 144 Psychology 140 Foundation programmes 156 (see inside back cover) Environmental Management London Road campus 18 Careers and see Environment 103 Italian see Modern Languages 132 employability 38 Entry requirements 158 Life on campus 20 Environmental Science Real Estate see Environment 103 and Planning 144 Law 122
Film, Theatre Spanish see Modern Management see Business & & Television 106 Languages 132 Management, Accounting and SUBJECTSAccounting Biochemistry see Chemistry 81 Finance see Business & Finance 76 Speech and Language Therapy 146 see Business & Management, Biological Sciences 72 Management, Accounting Marketing 124 Accounting and Finance 76 Classics, Classical Studies and Finance 76 Surveying and Construction 148 Biological Sciences 72 and Ancient History 84 Mathematics 126 Agricultural Business Management Food and Nutritional Sciences 108 Biomedical Engineering 74 Comparative Literature see Agriculture 58 Medical Science 128 see English Literature 100 Food Marketing and Business Teaching see Education Agriculture 58 Biomedical Sciences Economics see Marketing 124 and Teaching 93 see Medical Science 128 Computer Science 88 Medieval Studies see Classics, Classical Studies and Ancient Ancient History see Classics, Classical Television see Film, French see Modern Languages 132 History 84 Studies and Ancient History 84 Building see Surveying Construction see Surveying Theatre & Television 106 and Construction 148 and Construction 148 Meteorology 130 Animal Science and Zoology 60 Business & Management, Theatre see Film, Theatre & Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Geography 112 Microbiology see Television 106 Anthropology 64 Accounting and Finance 76 see Marketing 124 German see Modern Biological Sciences 72 Archaeology 62 Languages 132 Modern Languages 132 Zoology see Animal Science Architectural Engineering 66 Graphic Communication 114 Museum Studies see Archaeology, and Zoology 60 Architecture 68 see Classics 62, 84 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) accepted on many of our courses – look out for this symbol on course pages Art 70
4 | www.reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk | 5 GREEN ENVIRONMENT The University of Reading BRIGHT PROSPECTS “With its distinctive woodland walks, has plenty to offer: a rich “We are committed to helping students conservation meadows and lake, VIBRANT RESEARCH HUB history, a beautiful campus secure valuable real-world experience Whiteknights campus is a peaceful, We are a research-intensive university – in a thriving town, a vibrant through placement learning, allowing them green environment. Wilderness 98% of our research has been rated of 1 academic community, and to contextualise their academic learning, areas provide much-needed international standing. much more. explore their future careers and build up natural habitats, and reinforce Our work has real-world impact: we tackle their personal and professional skills.” our sustainability efforts.” global challenges such as climate change, OUR UNIVERSITY heart disease and international conflict. Steve Boon, Estates and Facilities “The University of Reading Emma Sowden, Your lecturers will tailor your learning to transforms people’s lives Careers & Employability ensure that you remain aware of cutting- through the excellence of edge research in your field. our education and research. As we approach our 2026 centenary, I believe that we can build on our proud history and continue to be a force for good in an uncertain world.” Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY Join an internationally diverse PIONEERING HISTORY environment, home to more than Our rich history spans more than 150 21,000 students from around 165 2 years. We appointed England’s first countries. With links to partner female professor and opened one of universities across the world, the UK’s first business schools. there are many opportunities for 3 international experience.
1 Based on the Times Higher Education Guide’s CENTRAL LOCATION analysis of our submissions judged to be world leading, internationally excellent and internationally Our main campuses are located close to recognised in overall quality in the latest Research Excellence Framework 2014. Reading’s thriving town centre. From there, it’s just 2 HESA Student Record, 2017/18. 22 minutes to London Paddington by train, and 3 See individual course pages for information only 45 minutes to Heathrow airport by coach. specific to your course. 6 | www.reading.ac.uk ABOUT US www.reading.ac.uk | 7 EAT Excite your taste buds in one of Reading’s many cafes and restaurants. With Hyderabadi, tapas, Lebanese, Ethiopian and vegan options, EXPERIENCE you’re sure to find somewhere to satisfy your For something more cultural, South Street appetite. Be sure to check out the Wednesday offers cutting-edge comedy, music and and Friday food markets, serving jerk chicken theatre – the venue has hosted acts such as wraps, Peruvian street food, inventive plant- Radiohead and Jimmy Carr. Reading also has based options and more. a vibrant music scene, with bands including Reading has a proud history of The Amazons and Sundara Karma bursting welcoming people from across onto the scene in recent years. Head to the the globe, and has grown into Purple Turtle, Sub89 or Oakford Social Club P L AY to discover the next big sound. a lively, diverse community. Head into town for plenty of places to have As well as its bustling town a fantastic time with friends. From clubs centre – boasting a huge variety playing indie, pop and retro hits, to a selection of restaurants, bars, pubs, of wine bars, pubs and tap rooms. parks and shows – find out why Try paddle boarding or kayaking down the Thames, or head to Lagoona Park for jet thousands of our graduates now skiing and water obstacle courses. Get your call Reading home. friends together to solve one of Reading’s many escape rooms, or enjoy an evening under the stars at a summer open-air cinema screening.
RELAX SHOP With three parks that have won Green Flag Reading is one of the south-east’s top Awards, there is no shortage of places to shopping destinations, with The Oracle unwind. Take time out in Workhouse Coffee, and Broad Street home to many of the UK’s based within a Georgian coaching inn, step top brands. There are plenty of unique, aboard Whittington’s Tea Barge on the independent businesses too: Elsie’s Vintage Thames, or treat yourself to an open-air swim sells classic clothing from the ‘70s, ‘80s and at Thames Lido. ‘90s, while Eclectic Games stocks one of the largest board game collections in the country. The Edwardian Harris Arcade features a variety of independent shops, including Crunch Comics, The Sound Machine record shop, and the hugely popular ale and cheese shop, Grumpy Goat.
EXPLORING8 | www.reading.ac.uk TOWN www.reading.ac.uk | 9 FESTIVAL FESTIVAL
Reading Festival “It was a once-in-a-lifetime welcomes tens of opportunity to create thousands of music fans every year. It also content for Festival presents an exciting Republic’s blog and and unique opportunity social media channels. for our students. For the past six years, It was a privilege to be we have teamed up with festival side of stage to watch organisers, Festival Republic, to give some of our students the bands, meet the acts and opportunity to work backstage be interviewed by the at the festival. BBC – it added invaluable Working alongside the nation’s leading press publications – experience to my CV.” interviewing chart-topping bands, Katie Lawman, and reviewing headline acts – our BA English Literature students interned as content producers, working behind the scenes with industry experts. This opportunity not only gives students incredible work experience, but opens doors to an exclusive industry. 10 | www.reading.ac.uk FE STIVALwww.reading.ac.uk | 11 FESTIVA L ARE YOU LISTENING? SITELINES For one day only, Reading’s hottest venues Reading might be most famous Theatre unlike anything you’ve seen before. throw open their doors to some of the best for its music festival, but the Sitelines brings shows to unusual spaces: think unsigned and alternative music acts from town also hosts dozens of food, pop-up performances in self-storage units, across the UK. Catch more than 60 acts across hair salons, and even a football stadium. eight venues, with all proceeds going to charity. drink, arts, theatre and music CRAFT THEORY events throughout the year. Combining the best beers from local, Here are seven festivals you’ll national and international breweries, hours of music from quality DJs, and want to put in your calendar: delicious gourmet street food.
READING FRINGE Aspiring comedians, playwrights, musicians and artists descend upon Reading for a huge variety of exhibitions, shows, stand-up sets, gigs and performances.
DOWN AT THE ABBEY Dance the night away among the ruins of Reading Abbey. This underground music festival transforms a historic FEASTIVAL site into a hub of music, dancing and entertainment. Try a variety of food One of the hottest events stalls and bars as you enjoy the lineup. of the summer, the tranquil Forbury Gardens plays host to a buzzing market of cuisine from across the world. Don’t miss the Thai street food, OPEN FOR ART loaded nachos or halloumi fries. An annual celebration of Reading's art, heritage, culture and creativity. Expect to find galleries, impromptu performances, insightful talks and much more. 12 | www.reading.ac.uk WHAT’S ONwww.reading.ac.uk | 13 What is your favourite thing Tell us about opportunities you’ve about campus? had to participate in activities beyond your course. “I have two favourite things about campus. The first is the beautiful “I became a National Institute and tranquil Harris Garden. It’s for Health and Care Excellence MEET OUR the perfect spot to unwind after (NICE) champion and delivered a busy day of studying. The workshops for students, trained other is my department itself; it’s as a Dementia Champion, extremely friendly with a family- volunteered with Marie Curie, The best people to speak to What would be your one piece and had a mentor from GSK who STUDENTSof advice for students starting like atmosphere. The small year about whether a university groups mean you can get to know discussed career options with is right for you are those right university next year? everyone very well, including me. As well as attending talks at the heart of it. “Make sure you like the area around people from other years.” and conferences to expand my Discover what our students have to say the university, as well as the feel of Aanand Tank, knowledge, I’ve had interactions about life at the University of Reading, and the campus and accommodation. BA Graphic Communication with healthcare professionals why it might be the ideal choice for you. A university might look good on through placements.” paper, but you also have to enjoy Michaela Lzicarova, MPharm Pharmacy Chat online to current students living there for three or four years. and read their blog posts about life at Definitely try to visit all the places Reading at www.reading.ac.uk/chat. you want to apply to, or at least your firm and insurance choices.” Alice Hirst, BSc Psychology with Professional Placement
What are your top tips for settling What are your top tips for into student life? managing money at university? “Take part in Welcome Week. It “Learn to budget – withdraw will really help you settle into your the maximum you want to new surroundings. Take every spend each week in cash, opportunity that comes your way and only use your card in real and don’t be frightened to try new emergencies. Make sure to do things. Push your boundaries, join a weekly shop instead of buying a society – it’s a great way to make food as you go – you can plan new friends. Most importantly, your meals and you’ll save a lot remember why you are here for – of money. I’d also recommend find the right work/life balance and exploiting student discounts! enjoy the years to come.” Make sure to check out all the Henry James Maxwell, different deals you can get.” BA Ancient History Lucy Hurwood, BA Italian
14 | www.reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk | 15 Our main campus is the real hub of University of Reading life. Set in 130 hectares of stunning WHITEKNIGHTS CAMPUS parkland, it offers plenty of places 118 AD to eat, shop, study and socialise. HOPKINS BUILDING RO S W UPPER ND B H REDLA PL C IT C L EK The campus is a thriving community and Teaching and research space for N T IG H features the Students’ Union, the Library, Biological Sciences and Pharmacy. TS 84 RO AD fantastic study areas, two on-site museums, T C C T T T M C T shops and other amenities, and several halls
D of residence. A O R T MCC MB RS U T T H Visit the beautiful Harris Garden, play sports M EL on our top-quality pitches, take a stroll round TOWN CENTRE & the lake, or catch up with friends in Starbucks. LONDON ROAD 4 AD CAMPUS RO B Make use of your student discount in the S W UPPER ND B H 6 REDLA PL C IT 8 C L EK on-site Co-op, experience the Union’s award- 6 N T IG 6 H winning nightclub, 3sixty, and much more. TS SPORTS 84 NORTHCOURT AVENUES RO H A T P T C GROUNDS D IN T Find out more about our fantastic variety 4 B F C C T T T IE L M C T D of student facilities on page 28.
R D OA O A 8 R D T MCC MB RS 6 U T T H M 4 EL 4 48 L 6 138 8 HENLEY BUSINESS TOWN CENTRE & 4 LONDON ROAD 4 6 SCHOOL BUILDING CAMPUS 4 B 8 46 6 8 8 4 Dedicated centre for undergraduate 6 6 6 studies at Henley Business School. 29 3sixty nightclub 26 Dol.cHeSPORTS Vita Café NORTHCOURT AVENUES H T P T C I GROUNDS 135 Accommodation Office N 7 Eat at the Square 4 B F 86 IE 49 Admissions Office L 1 Economics D
R 59 Agriculture, Policy O 1 English A 8 and Development D 70 Environmental Science P EP 6 74 Archaeology PE D 195 Film, Theatre & Television R A 4 L O 4 A HARRIS R 20 Art 48 N S S L 59 Food Marketing and E GARDEN E 8 N 6 30/31/32/118 Biological Sciences Business Economics R 4 E 6 D IL 29 Bookshop (Blackwell’s) 47 Food and Nutritional Sciences 4 8 58 Meteorology W 55 Co-op Food 70 Geography 46 53 Microbiology 8 4 135 Careers Centre 138 Henley Business School 6 49 Modern Languages 40 Chaplaincy Centre 1 History 37 Muslim Centre 6 Chemistry 71 ICMA Centre 26 Palmer 86 Building 1 Classics, Classical Studies 1 International Study and and Ancient History Language Institute 3 Pharmacy 39 SportsPark 21 Typography & Graphic Communication 62 Clinical Language Sciences 4 IT Services Centre 1 Philosophy 253 SportsPark Pavilion P 1 EDITH MORLEY BUILDING 1 Politics andE P 27 Whiteknights House 38 Computer Science 84 Law (Foxhill House) PE 56 Statistical Service CentreD R A (University Reception) International Relations L O Home to many of our humanities subjects. A HARRIS R 259 Construction Management 2 Library N 135 Student Services CentreS S 2 LIBRARY 62 Psychology E GARDEN E and Engineering N 33 URS Building 29 Students’ UnionR E Halls of residence 59 Consumer Behaviour 26 Reading Film Theatre D Housing a wide range 138 Management 196 Students’ UnionIL Nursery Academic buildings and Marketing 138 Real Estate and Planning W of books, resources 3/4 Mathematics 295 TennisPark Campus entrances 135 Disability Advisory Service 27 Security Office and study spaces.
16 | www.reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk | 17 46 Our London Road campus ARCHITECTURE has undergone a £30m Housed in a converted library, featuring transformation. A short walk studio spaces and a cafe. LONDON ROADLONDON ROAD (A4) CAMPUS from both Whiteknights campus and the town centre, it’s a peaceful setting of traditional 4 L B cloisters and green spaces. 4 P T L A historic site – and one of the University’s 4 45 THE GREAT HALL H original campuses – London Road is home to Main venue for our graduation ceremonies the School of Architecture and the Institute CROWN PLACE CROWN T 44 and many other events. T of Education. It has two on-site cafes, C P KENDRICK ROAD 4 including the Dairy – a place to eat, drink, AD RO 4 S W play pool and watch sporting events. UPPER ND B H REDLA PL C IT C L 4 EK N T IG H TS4 84 RO AD C T LL C C T T T M C T
D 46 A O R T MCC MB RS U T T H M EL REDLANDS ROAD 49 CLOCK TOWER MEMORIAL TOWN CENTRE & T CL T 4 LONDON ROAD 8 C P A memorial to the First World War. CAMPUS B 6 8 6 6 SPORTS NORTHCOURT AVENUES H T P T C I GROUNDS 4 4 N 4 B F IE L D
R O A 8 D C C 6 C P 6 4 C 4 C P 48 L 6 8 4 6 8 4 8 46 8 4