International Relations and Economics

International relations and economics is a combination that provides two of the most powerful analytical frameworks for understanding the modern world. International relations examines how states, international organisations and non-state actors interact across borders, how conflicts emerge and are resolved, how cooperation is achieved and what drives foreign policy. Economics provides the tools to understand how markets, capital, trade and development shape both domestic conditions and international dynamics.

In a world where economic interdependence and geopolitical competition are increasingly intertwined, understanding both fields together is more relevant than ever.

At the University of Reading, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year, a work placement and a year abroad. The sandwich and placement elements give you direct professional experience in international business, policy, research or governmental organisations, while the year abroad allows you to study or work in a different country, enriching your understanding of both international affairs and economic contexts from the inside.

You will study the major theories of international relations, the politics of security and diplomacy, globalisation, trade and investment, alongside microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative methods and applied economic analysis. The combination develops both qualitative analytical skills and quantitative rigour, making you a versatile analyst who can engage with both political and economic dimensions of global challenges.

Graduates go into careers in international organisations, the civil service, diplomacy, international business, financial services, development agencies, policy research, journalism and NGOs. The quantitative skills of economics and the analytical depth of international relations together make graduates competitive across a wide range of employers. Postgraduate study in international relations, economics, international political economy or public policy is a common route for those who want to specialise further.