Political decisions and events shape all our lives, and few people lack opinions about them. Our degree programmes help you to understand the forces shaping the modern world, both within nations and internationally.

Our world faces a vast range of political issues – pandemics, economic growth and recession, climate change, migration, new technologies such as artificial intelligence, and more. Join us to explore the power relations and political processes around today’s biggest challenges.

At Lancaster, you’ll study with experts in the politics of the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, China, Africa, India and beyond. You'll work with experts in a range of issues, such as cybersecurity, new forms of warfare, peace studies, feminism and decolonisation, policy-making, human rights, conspiracy theories, and more. You can study debates at the heart of international politics and learn about the inner workings of national and international institutions.

Our Politics, Religion and Philosophy department is the only one of its kind in the UK. In our joint department, you can also study political ideas and theories from a more philosophical perspective. You'll have the opportunity to explore different religious traditions and their relations with social and political issues.

Discover your interests

What are the best ways to approach international crises? Is it possible to create a more peaceful world? What are the relations between politics and economics? How do ideas and religious beliefs influence politics? Explore these questions and more as you develop the knowledge and skills that will support your future career.

After first year modules in Politics or International Relations, or both, you can choose from a wide range of optional modules. You might focus on security and sustainability, or war and new forms of conflict. You can focus on the politics of a particular country like Russia or China, or a region like Europe or the Middle East. Whatever you pick, you’ll be taught by experts who research on that area, and who contribute to scholarly and policy debates.

You also have the option to write a dissertation in your final year. An academic staff member will support you throughout – from choosing and defining your topic, to carrying out your research, to presenting and writing up your conclusions.

Politics and International Relations degrees

Our Politics degree explores political events and issues at local, national and regional levels, and also allows you to explore global politics.

Our International Relations degree focuses on politics across borders and international institutions, developing your understanding of global dynamics.

We offer joint degrees that combine Politics and International Relations, and allow you to combine these with other disciplines. You can view the courses complete list below.