COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Philosophy and International Relations degree at the University of Reading offers a structured programme that combines critical thinking in philosophy with a detailed understanding of global politics. Core compulsory modules in philosophy include Reason and Argument, which develops logical and analytical skills by examining arguments across everyday and academic contexts, and Great Works in Philosophy, which engages students with key philosophical texts to strengthen interpretative and critical abilities. In international relations, students study International Relations, focusing on major theoretical approaches and their application to the contemporary global order, alongside Politics of Climate Change, which explores ethical and policy debates surrounding environmental challenges. War and Warfare provides a foundation in international security, examining the causes, nature, and consequences of conflict. The politics component includes The Study of Politics, which introduces qualitative, quantitative, and theoretical research methods, and Global Order, which examines how international systems are structured and how states interact within them. In the final year, students complete either a dissertation in Philosophy or International Relations, or an independent learning module, allowing them to undertake original research on a topic of personal interest. This flexible structure helps students develop advanced analytical, research, and argumentative skills while exploring both philosophical ideas and real-world political issues in depth.