War, Peace and International Relations

War, peace and international relations is a discipline that examines conflict, security, diplomacy, and the structures of international order with analytical rigour. It asks why wars begin and how they end, what institutions and norms constrain the use of force, how power is distributed between states and non-state actors, and what peace actually means beyond the mere absence of fighting. Drawing on history, political science, strategic studies, international law, and economics, the field is genuinely interdisciplinary and continuously relevant to the world's most urgent challenges.

At the University of Reading, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year in a professional setting, a year abroad, and a work placement component, making it one of the more experientially rich social science programmes available. Reading has particular strength in international relations and security studies, and the programme benefits from that research environment. You will study the history and theory of international relations, the causes and dynamics of conflict, security policy, diplomacy, international organisations, and the legal frameworks governing the conduct of war and peace.

The sandwich year and placements offer the chance to apply analytical skills in government, international organisations, NGOs, or research bodies.

Graduates of war, peace and international relations programmes pursue careers in the civil service, diplomacy, defence and security analysis, journalism, international development, NGO work, think tanks, and international organisations. The combination of analytical depth and international perspective is valued wherever rigorous thinking about conflict, security, and global order is needed. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, international law, or development.