Politics (Study Abroad)

BA Hons

  • UCAS code L203
  • Entry year 2025
  • A level requirements ABB
  • Duration Full time 4 years

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • Connect with experts in global politics

  • Study abroad and placement opportunities

  • 2nd in the UK for Research Power in the Research Excellence Framework (2021) for Politics

Why Lancaster?

  • Gain a unique perspective on politics, by joining a department unlike any other in the UK, which combines politics, philosophy and religion
  • Study a course designed to explore how current events ripple around the world and how nations react
  • Explore the politics driving today’s most pressing issues like the cost of living and climate crises
  • Learn from experts in British, Russian, and Middle Eastern politics who will share their latest research and discuss world events
  • Gain practical experience and enhance your job prospects on an impressive internship with our in-house Richardson Institute for Peace Studies

Global pandemics, economic recession, climate change , migration, and more – there are so many issues facing the political world. Join us to explore power, policy and political process to understand how global leaders are addressing today’s biggest challenges.

Politics of the world

At Lancaster, you’ll learn from our experts in the politics of the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Russia. Through their collective knowledge, you’ll understand that current affairs can no longer be seen through the perspective of one country. There are many international factors at play that influence decisions at home and abroad.

Our Politics, Religion and Philosophy department is the only one of its kind in the UK that combines three disciplines to form a well-rounded understanding of the world.. As part of our community, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take part in contemporary ethical debates and attend engaging events.

Skills for getting ahead

In your final year, you can choose to research and write a dissertation based on a topic of particular interest to you. You’ll receive guidance from up to three expert tutors throughout this time, from choosing a topic and researching this to submitting your final paper.

To stand out when you graduate, you can also apply for one of the internships offered every year by the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, based in our department. These are research projects in external organisations such as NGOs, think tanks, charities and faith-based organisations.

A lively department

Several staff are involved in national and international advisory groups and our students benefit from these connections. We have events such as conferences, talks and seminars taking place throughout the year.

Our students take part in several Politics-related clubs and societies that are among the large number of clubs and societies supported by Lancaster University Student’s Union. These include the Politics Society, which is independent of any particular political leaning, as well as societies for all main UK political parties. There are regular events, debates, trips and high profile visiting speakers, which provide numerous ways to get involved and meet other students who share your interests.

Careers

You’ll find our students working in a very wide range of exciting careers including in British politics, in departments such as the Foreign Office. Further study is the next step for others and many of our graduates go on to do a Master’s or PhD.

After graduating from our course, you’ll be a great match for roles in:

  • Corporate planning
  • Politics and government
  • Civil and Diplomatic Services
  • International charities and non-government organisations
  • The Civil Service
  • Charities
  • Teaching
  • Journalism
  • Business management and consultancy

Find out more about the support the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion offers to improve your employability, and learn about the careers of some of our alumni.


Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, but that you also graduate with relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level ABB

IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects.

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Merit

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Core

core modules accordion

Optional

optional modules accordion

Optional

optional modules accordion

Core

core modules accordion

Optional

optional modules accordion

Fees and funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2025/26 are:

Home International
£9,250 £24,700

Fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

Scheme Based on Amount
Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} Amount {{item.amount}}

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

Undergraduate open days 2024

Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.

Undergraduate Open Days
two students sitting and reading on some outdoor steps
  • Virtual tour

    Take five minutes and let us show you what Lancaster has to offer, from our beautiful green campus to our colleges, teaching and sports facilities.

  • Accommodation guide

    Most first-year undergraduate students choose to live on campus, where you’ll find accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets.

  • The city and beyond

    Our historic city is student-friendly and home to a diverse and welcoming community. Beyond the city you'll find a stunning coastline and the picturesque Lake District.