DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FUELLING DEBATE There’s very little that’s ‘black and white’ in Politics and International Relations, and we operate in the grey areas where the real learning happens. We learn through evaluating evidence and drawing inferences from an ever-changing mix of theory, models, data and lived experience. As a social science, we exist in a world where we’re continually testing ideas, challenging concepts and inching towards greater insight into the political world. That demands interesting people with curious minds – exactly what we’re looking for in our students. You will find us a safe space for learning, but an argumentative place where you’ll be challenged, supported and be given the opportunity to thrive. I firmly believe studying Politics and International Relations must be rigorous and engaging – but it also must be fun. What inspires me is when our graduates describe their time with us as stretching; built around serious study; but with the opportunity to work with passionate people who make the whole experience enjoyable.
DR MARK SHANAHAN Head of the Department of Politics and International Relations www.reading.ac.uk/politics
Mount Olympus, Greece KEEPING THE PEACE
Dr Sarah von Billerbeck
The United Nations (UN) population – and the difficulties Sarah is proud that her research is undoubtedly a force the UN faces in translating local is policy relevant and that she for good – but could they ownership into reality. A sustainable is merging the academic and policy be more effective? Dr Sarah peace needs local people to play worlds. She champions open von Billerbeck’s research a role in its creation, rather than dialogue between academics and examines how the UN simply UN-imposed solutions. policymakers; Sarah has cultivated an impressive network and can overcome challenges Sarah’s experience of working frequently speaks at conferences while helping war‑torn for the UN, and her research, with participants from the UN and countries rebuild. directly feed into her postgraduate governments. This enables Sarah Sarah’s interest in post-conflict modules at the University of to communicate her research to reconstruction was ignited during Reading: ‘Building Peace After policymakers, while also giving her her time as a political officer in the Civil War’ and ‘Diplomacy’. an overview of current concerns UN’s peacekeeping mission in Sarah uses real examples from to keep her work relevant. Sarah Congo. Inspired to take a step back the field, and challenges her believes that together we can help to reflect on the bigger challenges, students to compare these the UN be more effective in the she focused her academic career to theory and scholarly literature, crucial work they do. on peacekeeping. One strand bringing research and real-world of her research focuses on local experiences together. ownership – the role of the local BEWARE THE WOLF WITHIN One way in which Daphne is drawing attention to this phenomenon is through her teaching at the University of Reading. Daphne’s research informs the third-year undergraduate module ‘The Far Right’, both in terms of the causes of far-right Dr Daphne populism and how these extreme parties appear Halikiopoulou legitimate and attractive to voters. Students frequently inform Daphne’s research, sharing Dr Daphne Halikiopoulou is fascinated by why their own experiences of extremism from around I am so proud of the ordinary people engage in extreme acts. This the world – everyone can relate to her research sparked her research into the rise of populism in one way or another. proliferation of my and the far-right across Europe, which has since Daphne is also achieving her goal of raising work. I get invited to do become a global phenomenon. awareness on a global public and political scale. Daphne is passionate about what leads people There has been a rapid increase in the reaction so many interviews and to take extreme action, such as voting for a far-right to her work and she is regularly invited to talk about talks around the world, party. Typically, we expect the far-right to hold her research, averaging 15 talks per year around Nazi ideologies like the Golden Dawn in Greece; the world. She has also written reports and policy meaning my research however, Daphne focuses on the parties who hide briefs for organisations on the development of their extremism behind a liberal narrative, such as policies to encourage more constructive means has a global reach and the French Front National, or the Dutch Party for of political participation. Daphne is successfully is achieving my goal of Freedom. By doing so, they blur the line and appear informing the debate that these groups engage in, legitimate, thus persuading people who don’t while seeking solutions to put a stop to their rise raising awareness. consider themselves far-right to vote for them. under false pretences. Daphne is on a mission to expose these parties and raise awareness of their true nature. Should we leave these questions to the experts, or should the general public play a role in decisions about how to regulate risks? Underlying these questions are issues of justice, fairness and Dr Alice Baderin democracy that are core to the discipline of political theory. We live in an uncertain world, a world full of risk – from This module shows students economic insecurity to threats recent developments in the associated with climate change ethics and politics of risk and and the development of new helps them to think through technologies. At the University the implications for how we of Reading Dr Alice Baderin ought to lead our political lives. is bringing problems of risk Alice’s students will gain a new and insecurity to the forefront perspective on everyday political of thinking about social justice. events, exploring the values that underlie some of the important Risk is everywhere and is high political choices that face us. up on the political agenda, but it raises hard political and ethical Coming from an applied social problems. Informed by her research background, Alice’s research, Alice has designed work in political theory is a third-year undergraduate empirically informed. By bringing module called ‘Risk’ to address together political theory with these questions. For example, evidence from opinion surveys, what do we mean when we Alice hopes to generate new My academic work say, ‘it’s better to be safe perspectives on issues in the than sorry’? Should we take field. What better place to start doesn’t always give me a neat a precautionary approach to the than with the next generation? regulation of new technologies, answer, but it changes the way such as artificial intelligence I think about politics – it helps me or gene editing? RISKsee more clearly and critically what is at stake in political debates. AFTER SHOCK Joseph is interested in what happens when Joseph explores this research and the present-day Joseph is passionate about both his research and international norms are broken – norms are an outcomes of historical events in his second- teaching and enjoys combining them. He recently understanding that there is a rule of behaviour – year undergraduate module ‘Politics and Nuclear had an Undergraduate Research Opportunities and India’s nuclear test provides a prime example. Weapons’ at the University of Reading. He aims Programme (UROP) student work with him on This test had global public and governmental to inform his students about the reality of nuclear his project, cataloguing and analysing Canadian Dr Joseph implications: the public realised the dangers of weapons – many people believe the nuclear archival diplomatic documents relating to the India O’Mahoney having nuclear fuel available in nuclear power threat has vanished since the end of the Cold test. UROP enables students to gain an in-depth stations, while at governmental level, it spurred War, but Joseph believes that is incorrect. This knowledge of a subject and research experience. In 1974 India exploded a nuclear weapon, restrictions on the export of nuclear materials and module looks at historical events to see how they Joseph’s student was so inspired by his UROP blowing up all preconceptions about the spread led to an increase in countries signing the Treaty influence the modern-day, for example, North placement that he has chosen to continue his of nuclear technology. Dr Joseph O’Mahoney’s on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Korea’s nuclear tests, and the border tensions journey as a researcher on a master’s degree. research examines how this weapons test had India’s explosion therefore strengthened the between India and Pakistan, both of whom possess far-reaching consequences for nuclear politics international norm regarding nuclear conduct, nuclear weapons. This module draws on real world as we know it today. because it caused restrictions on the spread events and is informed by the very latest research of nuclear technology. and developments.
I hope that if we better understand the dynamic that caused India’s nuclear explosion to strengthen that norm, rather than weaken it, then we can better appreciate the likely impact of any future violations. LEARN FROM IMMERSE
POLITICIANS YOURSELFWe offer pioneering modules so you can approach The politics modules At Reading, you will learn from active the subject from different angles, and focus on small- gave me the opportunity to participants in the political world. develop my skills, the freedom group teaching to achieve direct engagement Our academics to expand my interests, and Our academics regularly feature both in academic between our students and staff. offered practical experience, literature and the media, offering their expertise Sample modules: Sample modules: empowering me to aim on current issues. It’s natural that our teaching undergraduate master’s high with my career. is research-led and relevant, with our academics • Model United Nations – • Parliamentary Studies – Fiona Paterson being so active in modern-day politics. BA Politics and International test your academic skills engage with real-world politics Relations, currently on the Our staff offer particular expertise in UK, EU in the political arena through at Westminster and Cardiff, Civil Service Fast Stream and American politics and in the UN, and we have a simulation of the UN and with political visitors from been ranked 9th in the UK by research intensity in action. the UK Parliament. for Politics and International Studies.1 • The Media and Politics – • Diplomacy – undertake prepare, host and run a weekly practical assessments, such Our visiting speakers politics radio show, which has as policy brief writing and To complement our academics’ expertise, we have previously featured special lobbying exercises, as well as hosted a variety of guest speakers including: guests including Eddie Izzard learning from guest speakers, • John Bercow, former Speaker of the House and Alastair Campbell. including diplomats. of Commons • The Middle East – • Capstone – MA Public • Alastair Campbell, former political aide participate in a crisis Policy students can gain simulation, involving hands-on experience with • Sir Vince Cable, former Liberal Democrat Leader negotiation and employers, solving a real-life • Matthew Barzun, former United States conflict resolution. policy problem. Ambassador to the UK Interacting with our regular visitors provides an insight into the different opportunities available to you after graduation and gives you the chance to build your network.
The University hosted BBC Radio 4’s ‘Any Questions?’, at which I helped and met panellist David Lammy MP. It’s amazing experiencing first‑hand politics and talking to those who really make a difference. Cait Pilkington BA History and Politics
1 Times Higher Education Institutions Ranked by Subject, 2014, based on its analysis of REF 2014 – Politics and International Studies. MAKEOur degrees aim to equip you AN for a rewarding IMPACT career in government, the public ALUMNI PROFILEHolly’s job is to research and produce content Holly Gibbs studied BA Politics sector, NGOs, not-for-profit organisations and a variety of other fields. and International Relations for The Pledge, ensuring the panellists are knowledgeable of the topics for discussion, 1 Placement opportunities Career prospects Reading is one of the few at the University of Reading, taking as well as producing online creative material. Boost your undergraduate degree 94% of undergraduates and places in the country which advantage of opportunities to set Politics features heavily on the show, so Holly’s by taking an integrated year in 100% of master’s graduates focuses on my area of study. herself up for the competitive background really helps and she’s confident that industry, a summer placement, from the Department of Politics I now work at the Ministry world of journalism. her degree is well respected in the industry. Holly or a two week work experience, and International Relations were of Defence, and I have my is dreaming big with her career and her ultimate Holly chose to study at Reading because of its focus supported by our dedicated in work and/or part-time study MA in Strategic Studies goal is to cover a US presidential election. placement team. within six months of graduating.2 to thank for that. on the passion and determination of its students. This ethos led to her not only gaining a degree, As an MA Public Policy student you Graduate career destinations Georgina Austin MA in Strategic Studies, now working but also a successful career. can undertake a Capstone project. have included: at the Ministry of Defence I am so grateful You will work with an organisation Working on ‘The Media and Politics’ second- • Office for National Statistics on a real policy problem, or choose year undergraduate module – which involves I chose to study • Civil Service Fast Stream an extended placement project. producing a weekly politics radio show – gave Holly • Department for the confidence to realise that her dream of working at Reading – I would Past placement destinations International Trade in broadcasting was achievable. Holly credits her have included: • Association of Police experiences on this module, and the incredible not be where I am • Cabinet Office and Crime Commissioners support from her lecturers, for helping her achieve today if I had gone • Department of Health • Cabinet Office her job as part of Sky News’ weekly debate show, and Social Care The Pledge. anywhere else. • Office for National Statistics • Disney • Microsoft 1 Subject to availability, see inside back cover. 2 Destinations of Leavers Survey (DLHE) 2016–2017. GO A HOME
INTERNATIONALStudying abroad on your undergraduate degree can open up a whole FROMOur community is made up ofHOME people from around the globe and our new area and perspective of the world to you. use of small seminar groups encourages dynamic discussion among you all. The international nature of our courses means that Postgraduate opportunities Our community If you don’t have British A levels or the equivalent, spending time abroad perfectly complements your our International Foundation Programme (IFP) Our Double MA Security Studies programme As a department, we’re big enough to make studies, while also enhancing your employability. is an access course which will provide you with encompasses a year in Reading and a year in a difference but small enough to know our students the skills you need to start undergraduate studies You can either spend time studying abroad in your Moscow, enabling you to explore international as individuals. You will have the opportunity in most degrees at Reading. The IFP gives you second year, as part of our Model United Nations studies in two very different cultural and to meet with your academic tutor regularly, the option to choose modules in Politics. module, or you can apply to Study Abroad for one political environments. to ensure you’re getting the best out of your semester, one year, or on a summer school. time at Reading. We’re informal and inclusive and everyone is part of our close‑knit community. The Politics Society welcomes all students, We have an ever-increasing number of opportunities Studying Abroad gives you the unique and we run regular meetings, socials and speaker for studying abroad throughout the world, including opportunity to make your subject country specific, International students events in a friendly environment. in the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia.1 such as studying Canadian politics in the capital of We want to make your transition to university, Ottawa. George Dibley and to the UK, as easy as possible. The University’s BA Politics and Economics, Grace Diddams International Student Advisory Team offer President of the Politics Society, 2019–2020 BA English Literature and Politics support on issues such as visas and immigration, and understanding UK culture. You can also benefit from the STaR Mentor Scheme, matching you with a current student mentor at the University before you start here.
1 Subject to availability, see inside back cover. Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change
that we seek.Barack Obama BA POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS This flexible course allows you to specialise in two of the main branches of politics (political theory, comparative politics, and international relations) or to continue with all three. You will have the opportunity to take modules from other departments, incorporate a work placement and study abroad.* In the third year, you will write a dissertation and study specialist, optional modules, which draw on the research conducted in the department.
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BA WAR, PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS This course focuses on the study of warfare and strategy within international politics, drawing on the department’s research in this field. This specialist focus can be complemented with modules in either political theory or comparative politics, while you also have the opportunity to take modules from other departments, incorporate a work placement and study abroad.* In the third year, UNDERGRADUATE you will write a dissertation and study specialist, optional modules, which draw on the research conducted in the department. COURSES JOINT COURSES:
BA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND ECONOMICS This course provides a thorough introduction to both subjects, combining the specialist study of international relations with a grounding in economics, producing an appreciation of the key forces driving today’s globalised world order. You can choose to take advantage of work placement and study abroad opportunities* and in the third year, you can construct your own portfolio of specialist, research-led modules in both subjects and write a dissertation in either International Relations or Economics.
BA POLITICS AND ECONOMICS This course provides a thorough introduction to both subjects, combining the specialist study of politics (including comparative politics and political theory) with a grounding in economics, producing an appreciation of the key forces driving contemporary democratic society. You can choose to take advantage of work placement and study abroad opportunities* and in the third year, you can construct your own portfolio of specialist, research-led modules in both subjects and write a dissertation in either Politics or Economics.
Politics and International Relations can also be studied jointly with a variety of other subjects – here is our full list of joint honours degrees: • BA English Literature • BA Philosophy and International and International Relations Relations • BA English Literature and Politics • BA Philosophy and Politics • BA French and International Relations • BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics • BA German and International Relations • BA Spanish and International Relations • BA History and International Relations • BA History and Politics • BA Italian and International Relations
Visit www.reading.ac.uk/politics for more information.
* Work placements are dependent on the student securing the placement, and study abroad is subject to availability and eligibility. MA DIPLOMACY This programme provides you with an advanced knowledge of international diplomacy and prepares you for a career in diplomacy or public and private service. You will gain a strong understanding of major concepts and contemporary debates, while our optional modules enable you to explore DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS your interests in politics and international relations, strategic studies, international political economy, international law, and war and peace.
MA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS This programme provides you with an advanced knowledge, theoretical understanding, and critical analysis of international relations. It will engage POSTGRADUATE you with current debates and you can choose to specialise in various aspects of international politics, strategic studies, international political economy, COURSES international law, international organisations, and area studies. MA INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES This programme aims to equip you with a thorough understanding of key theories, concepts and scholarly debates related to international and global security. Opportunities for specialisation are offered in strategic studies, diplomacy and conflict resolution, and the international relations and politics of particular regions.
MA STRATEGIC STUDIES This programme offers a comprehensive education in both the theory and practice of strategy, which is essential for those who seek to understand modern warfare and how military force can be used to pursue policy objectives. This programme is also suitable for those currently working in, or seeking a career in, the defence profession.
DOUBLE MA SECURITY STUDIES WITH MGIMO, MOSCOW This two-year degree is taught entirely in English and consists of both larger British and smaller MGIMO University style modules. You will cover topics in international relations and contemporary international affairs, and can also specialise in subjects relating to Russia in an international context or in sub‑areas such as diplomacy, media, and business economics.
MRES POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS This programme enables you to focus on research as preparation for a PhD or to pursue a research-orientated career in think tanks, public service or other areas. The course is flexible, enabling you to focus on your interests.
MA PUBLIC POLICY Offered jointly by the Department of Economics and the Department of Politics and International Relations, our interdisciplinary degree uses insights from both areas to develop policymaking skills. You can focus on a specialist area including welfare policy, sustainable environments, global governance and international development. You can also undertake a Capstone project or an extended placement project.
Visit www.reading.ac.uk/politics for more information. Disclaimer For optional modules, the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules This brochure was issued in 2020 and is aimed at prospective students wishing to will be available to students who may wish to take them, although the University apply for a place at the University of Reading (the University) and start a course in will try to ensure that students are able to take optional modules in which they 2020 or 2021. The brochure describes in outline the courses and services offered have expressed interest at the appropriate time during their course. Optional by the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University. The modules vary from year to year and entry to them will be at the discretion of the University makes every effort to ensure that the information provided in the Programme Director. brochure is accurate and up-to-date at the time of going to press (January 2020). Joint courses disclaimer However, it may be necessary for the University to make some changes to the Our joint courses may have extra requirements, including English language information presented in the brochure following publication — for example, where requirements. Please check the individual course pages on our website it is necessary to reflect changes in practice or theory in an academic subject as for further details. a result of emerging research; or if an accrediting body requires certain course content to be added or removed. To make an informed and up-to-date decision, Year abroad and placement fees we recommend that you check Some courses include an optional or compulsory year abroad or placement www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study. year. During this year you will only pay a partial fee which is currently set at The University undertakes to take all reasonable steps to provide the services 15% of the normal tuition fee. Check the website for the latest information: (including the courses) described in this brochure. It does not, however, guarantee www.reading.ac.uk/fees-and-funding. the provision of such services. Should industrial action or circumstances beyond Placements disclaimer the control of the University interfere with its ability to provide the services, the Programmes with a Professional Placement Year (also known as ‘Year in University undertakes to use all reasonable steps to minimise any disruption to the Industry’ or ‘Placement Year’) are fully dependent on students securing their services. own placement opportunity. The University provides dedicated career and Copyright and trademarks application support for placement year students. © University of Reading, 2020 Study abroad disclaimer The University of Reading name and logo are registered trademarks. Where Study Abroad is not a compulsory part of the degree programme, All rights reserved. the University of Reading cannot guarantee that every applicant who applies for the scheme will be successful. Whilst efforts are made to secure Modules disclaimer sufficient places at partner institutions, the number of places available and Sample modules are provided as a taster of some of the modules that may the University’s partners can vary year-on-year. In all cases, the University be available on each course. The sample modules listed may be compulsory cannot guarantee that it will be possible for applicants to choose to study (core) or optional modules. Information is correct at the time of going to press abroad at a particular institution. Further, certain courses and/or institutions (January 2020) but the University cannot guarantee that a module appearing may require you to satisfy specific eligibility criteria. For further information in this list will definitely run. Teaching staff on specific courses or modules on the University’s Study Abroad Scheme please contact mentioned in this brochure may be subject to change. [email protected].
Department of Politics and International Relations www.reading.ac.uk/politics /UoRpolitics @UoRPolitics
Ask us a question www.reading.ac.uk/question