combine the study of philosophy with international relations, and develop a deeper understanding of the world we live in with the ba philosophy and international relations.

studying philosophy at the university of reading will equip students with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge their own ideas and those of other people. reading will give students an understanding of the central principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures of philosophy. they will be taught by leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. students will also have the chance to study non-western philosophies, especially indian philosophy.

the first year will introduce students to the general skills required for all philosophy. in the second and final year students will have the opportunity to explore chosen topics in more depth, with modules such as moral philosophy, contemporary political philosophy and the philosophy of law.

studying international relations will give students a strong grounding in fundamental elements of the subject, such as political ideas and international relations theory. students will have the opportunity to learn about international relations both in breadth and in depth, through a range of specialist core and optional modules, which cover topical issues such as european political integration, international terrorism and the middle east crisis.

students can undertake a placement at any point in their degree and work in a company or charity relevant to their final year studies. for example, a previous student worked at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals.