Politics and Economics with Placement Year

Develop a deep understanding of the political and economic issues that shape our world, and gain professional experience, with our BA Politics and Economics with Placement Year degree.

At the University of Reading, our four-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.

For more information, please visit the course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/politics-ug/ba-politics-and-economics-placement-year

There are many reasons to choose the University of Reading. Join a diverse and supportive community where lecturers inspire you with their discoveries and guide you in making your own. Reading’s award-winning parkland campus offers the spaces you need to make the most of your student life.

The University of Reading is a research-intensive university. It works with governments, international agencies and charities to tackle the biggest problems facing the world today, such as climate change, heart disease, and international conflict.

Named The Sustainable University of The Year, 2025, Reading launched one of the UK's largest ever undergraduate scholarship schemes, designed to develop future Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarships. The scholarship offers £6000 per year towards living expenses and will be available to those entering Clearing that meet the criteria. With over 150 clubs and societies, Reading knows how important life is beyond your studies and with the student union's in the heart of the campus, making the University of Reading your first call in Clearing will be one of the best decisions you ever made.