students who want to study politics at a british university but don’t have the correct qualifications, this four-year ba politics and international relations with international foundation year programme enables them to undertake an undergraduate politics and international relations degree.

learners will complete a foundation year (called year 0) before progressing onto our three-year ba politics and international relations degree. this means they can apply for a single four-year visa that covers the whole duration of their studies.

the foundation year is designed to equip students with the subject-specific and general study skills needed to cope with the demands of undergraduate study. the university of reading's high-quality teaching is geared towards the needs of students from a wide range of educational backgrounds.

through this undergraduate course, students will develop strong analytical and research skills, as well as become experienced in delivering presentations and working in a group. these skills are valued by employers in many industries, giving them the option of roles that are directly related to their degree or in completely different fields. 

the combination of skills development, placements, and practical modules has meant that 91% of graduates from politics and international relations are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. past students have put their political analysis skills to direct use in the british and european civil services, political research units, think tanks, ngos and journalism. others have gone into advertising, retail, management consultancy, media and banking.