War, Peace and International Relations with Placement Year

War, peace and international relations is a field of study that addresses the most consequential questions in global politics: why do states go to war, how do they pursue peace, what role do international institutions play in managing conflict, and how has the nature of warfare and security changed in the contemporary world? It draws on international relations theory, strategic studies, military history, political science and ethics to examine conflict, deterrence, diplomacy, peacekeeping, terrorism, nuclear strategy and the governance of violence at the international level. The field is particularly relevant to those interested in defence, security, foreign policy, and the organisations that try to manage and prevent conflict.

At the University of Reading, this four-year full-time degree with a placement year specialises in warfare and strategy within international politics, drawing on the research strengths of specialist staff in strategic and security studies. Reading's School of Politics, Economics and International Relations has a distinctive focus in this area, and the placement year gives you significant professional experience in a relevant organisation, whether in defence, diplomacy, security analysis, journalism, policy, or an international organisation. The placement year is built into the four-year structure, giving you a full year of work that connects your academic study to real professional practice.

You will develop rigorous analytical skills, the ability to engage with complex strategic and political questions, and the research and communication capabilities that careers in security, policy and international affairs demand. The placement year deepens this preparation with direct professional experience.

Graduates move into the civil service and diplomatic service, defence and security organisations, international organisations such as the UN and NATO, think tanks, journalism, NGOs, risk analysis, intelligence, and academic research. Postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, or defence policy is a common and well-supported pathway.